Waste Not Thy Hour: The Innovative, Fast-Tracked Reconstruction and Seismic Rehabilitation of Whatcom Middle School

摘要

The Whatcom Middle School Replacement project began abruptly after a fire damaged the historic school building and displaced students. To resume school as quickly and as cost effectively as possible, an innovative building replacement strategy was developed whereby the existing building was used as a mold for a new reinforced concrete (shotcrete) exterior wall (shell) that was constructed outside the original building. Once the new exterior wall was installed, the fire and water damaged interior structure was replaced with new concrete and steel structure from within. Carved on the lentil of the original entrance, "Waste Not Thy Hour" became the motto of the fast-track project team. The result was a new building that meets the programmatic needs of a modern school and yet, preserves the iconic main entry and architectural character of the original 100-year-old ornate historic building. Additionally, the existing historic auditorium and gymnasium buildings were seismically retrofitted and united with a new classroom wing. Through an uncommon level of collaboration between the owner, design team, and contractor, the fast-tracked project was phased to expedite construction. The project was completed in time for Whatcom Middle School to reopen in less than two years.