In the Fall of 2018, a group of Seattle’s private and non-profit sector organizations convened to develop and implement an Unreinforced Masonry Retrofit policy for public safety.  “Requiring retrofits for URMs means that more of these ‘character buildings’ may be preserved after an earthquake. Retrofits can help lessen damage to these buildings.”  Pacific West is dedicated and experienced in preserving Seattle’s oldest and most historic URM buildings while also helping phase construction, assist in refinances through seismic holdbacks as well as working to minimize tenant relocation. Go to https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/codes/changes-to-code/unreinforced-masonry-buildings/project-documents to check if any of your properties have been designated as URM. Similarly, Seattle may be moving towards another retrofit policy for unreinforced concrete structures and we hope to play a major part in the preservation of these buildings as well.

Pacific West provides thorough building envelope remediation assessment and design for your structures. We factor in structural integrity as well as air, temperature, and moisture control. Our goals are to maximize your structure’s efficiency, minimize future maintenance needs and refresh your property either with a new aesthetic or to restore its original character.  We are all well versed in Seattle City code as well as possible incentives to help provide the best material choices at a discounted rate.