Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Seismic Upgrade, Seattle

Services: Structural
Square Feet: 30,000
Construction Cost: $1,690,000
Completion: 2011
Base Materials: Concrete
Client: Ron Wright & Associates/Architects

In an effort to prolong The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center’s mission, the building is undergoing a voluntary seismic renovation. Located in Seattle’s vibrant Central District neighborhood, the unreinforced masonry building was constructed in 1914. A timber framed addition and expansion of the interior auditorium space occurred in 1971.

Preservation of the historic attributes of the facility is paramount and care is being taken to minimize the disturbance of existing finishes. New concrete shear walls are strategically placed so the existing foundation can be used for support. Strengthening the existing masonry piers with a fiber reinforced epoxy composite will avoid obtrusive steel bracing.