AT&T - Tacoma

Type: 
Commercial
Region: 
Washington
Completion Date: 
02/1998
Architect: 
KDW Architects
Owner: 
AT&T Communications

This project involved a complete seismic upgrade of the 71,000 SF AT&T telecommunications building in Tacoma, WA – the primary long distance switch equipment facility for the area.

The building is a five-story cast-in-place concrete structure with face brick veneer. Charter completely demolished the existing hollow clay tile elevator shafts, main stairwell and egress hallways, as well as eight feet of the triple course brick parapet, followed by extensive seismic, structural and architectural upgrades.

All interior structural demolition was performed immediately adjacent to operating phone equipment, which is extremely intolerant to dust. Crews kept a tight schedule and detailed workflow to ensure that AT&T experienced no shutdowns or negative impacts of any kind during the duration of the project.

Their creativity and resourcefulness was key in keeping costs to a minimum and lessening the impact of such a major project on a fully occupied, functioning facility. Charter’s continuing effort to satisfy the need of the client, and their willingness to cooperate with the design team is why they are frequently called upon to tackle such multifaceted ventures.
Arnold M. Kraakmo, A.I.A
KDW Architects, P.S.
Charter Construction “Does the Job.” If they say they will meet a date – they do! Charter has a very high performance record, and we at AT&T are happy to consider them a part of the AT&T team.
Al Bentley
AT&T