The renovation of this 1892 building consisted of the preservation and restoration of the existing masonry shell with significant structural and MEP upgrades. Renovation and retrofit work on the historic building involved structural steel fabrication, steel framing and decking, rebar installation and reinforcement, concrete and shotcrete shear walls, concrete forming and accessories, concrete reinforcing and cast-in-place concrete. The 47,000 square foot project added 14 new classrooms, 2 95-seat tiered lecture halls, faculty offices and student study areas. The four retail spaces located along Pacific Avenue add to the community friendly atmosphere of downtown Tacoma.
Although the project was originally seeking LEED Gold, the project team found numerous innovative building solutions that resulted in LEED Platinum certification. Sustainable features include high efficiency condensing boilers, low-flow water fixtures and energy efficient windows. Historic artifacts were refurbished and re-installed, including fire doors, an elevator hoist, and wood trim milled from salvaged timber throughout the building. The Joy Building is the first project in Tacoma (and first on any University of Washington campus) to achieve a LEED Platinum rating in the “new construction / major remodel” category.
