Quantum principals, Dan Fenton and Sandro Kodama provided structural design for the extensive remodel and relocation of a 101-year old wood-framed mixed-use office building and restaurant. Because The Red Door is a local icon, the building’s owner wanted to preserve and restore it, and at the same time, make room for another development on the original site, which is located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.

The design/build program required a significant renovation of the structural system, removing existing bearing walls, adding transfer beams, adding new shear walls and framing to expand the tenant space, and upgrading the seismic resisting system. At the new site one block away, a concrete podium with three levels of below-grade parking was constructed to serve as the new base for the structure. Excavation shoring design was challenging due to a tight, sloping site and existing fill from Ship Canal construction.

Once the building was relocated, remodeled, and retrofitted, final touches were added: a wavy plaza stair, a CMU stair/elevator tower, and a glass and steel skybridge gallery.

*Dan and Sandro performed this project while employed with another firm.

Architect: Bjarko Serra