The City of Tacoma’s Landmarks Preservation Commission took action June 9 to approve the demolition of a 58-year-old building in the Union-Depot Warehouse Historic District to make way for the construction of a new building that aims to better serve the University of Washington Tacoma.

According to a design review application submitted to the commission, the Jet Annex Building, located at 1903 Jefferson Ave. and built in 1952, will be replaced by a new $17 million, four-story, 49,000-square-foot building that will expand library services, classroom space, and faculty office space. A new pedestrian bridge will connect the existing library building to the new building.

Before the building could be demolished, the commission had to confirm the building does not contribute to the historic district’s environment, and approve the new building’s design. A staff report prepared by the city’s historic preservation officer noted the building has long been a “non-contributing structure” in the historic district. The commission agreed.

The University of Washington Tacoma has hired Portland, Ore.-based Thomas Hacker Architects to design the new steel-framed building, which will include a terra-cotta rain screen, metal paneling, cast in place concrete and aluminum curtain wall, according to the application. It is compatible with other buildings on the university campus. The design aims to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver rating. According to Kacey Jurgens, a principal at Thomas Hacker Architects who presented the information to the commission, the building demolition is expected to begin in next month. The new building should be completed by spring 2012.

Earlier this year, the University of Washington Tacoma announced a funding request for the building was approved by the university’s Finance, Audit, and Facilities Committee. The project is financed through capital funding from the state and loans.

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

For earlier Tacoma Daily Index coverage, click on the following link:

Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider Jet Building demolition (06/07/10) — http://tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1783820&more=0