Return to Moderne
   Seattle, Washington
   Retail & Commercial Office
   43,000 SF Gross Area

Latter-day Jewel Among Historic Terracotta Buildings is Sensitively Renewed
The special sense of accomplishment from restoring a handsome building was bettered here by an owner and design team choosing to do more than patch what remained. Due to the flexibility of the original structural design, the O'Shea Building was seen as an excellent candidate for three levels of market-competitive commercial office space above street-oriented retail selected by an international retailer for its Seattle flagship. But instead of doing the expedient, where replacement of exterior finishes was needed the team crafted replicas of the 1920's original with help by a local restoration consultant. Original ironwork railings were re-fitted and extended to complete the grace of the original sky-lit central stair well, and wood windows were replaced with metal-clad wood product thought to be the closest fit to ensure longevity for the investment. New systems and other materials were selected only as a last resort, and were carefully considered for appropriateness to the vintage. The renovated building was tested early by the Nisqually earthquake, which fortunately spared a grand dame intent on staying her renewed course.

Led by Michael Cox with SCMA Architects