Bethany Church

 

In 2008, the congregation of Bethany Presbyterian Church elected to pursue a voluntary seismic and energy retrofit of its historic campus. Because the 1929 sanctuary, bell tower, and education wing are collectively designated as a Seattle landmark, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board had to review and approve all proposed exterior work.  SMR worked closely with the congregation, structural engineer, and general contractor to conceal required structural components within wall and ceiling cavities to maintain the overall historic appearance of the buildings. Seismic upgrade work included bracing two un-reinforced masonry chimneys, the bell tower parapet, and decorative cast stone elements; deconstruction and reassembly of one of the tower buttresses to conceal a new concrete shear wall; and installation of new plywood sheathing, ventilated insulation panels, and new roofing. 

Client: Bethany Presbyterian Church of Seattle
Location: Seattle, Washington
Program: Seismic retrofit of the sanctuary, bell tower, and education wing
Highlights: Associated Builders and Contractors 2012 Excellence in Construction Awards – Eagle of Excellence Award for Historical Preservation/Renovation