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159 Western Avenue West, Suite 486
Seattle, Washington 98119
office 206 775-8668
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What does it take to transform a building that man What does it take to transform a building that many thought was beyond saving? 

BuildingWork founding partner Matt Aalfs, AIA, recently joined the Reframe Podcast to discuss the restoration of the @themetropoleseattle and the role adaptive reuse can play in creating more sustainable, resilient communities. 

Listen to the conversation to hear how the project pushed the boundaries of historic preservation and high-performance design, and what’s possible for existing buildings. 

Owner: Satterberg Foundation
Architect & Interior Design: @buildingwork
Structural Engineer: @swensonsayfaget
LEED Consultant: O’Brien 360
Mechanical Engineer: @ecotope_inc
Electrical Engineer: TFWB
Civil Engineer: LPD
Landscape Architect: @karenkiestlandscapearchitects
Acoustic Consultant: @ssa_acoustics
Masonry Consultant: Speweik Preservation Consultants
Envelope Consultant: @rdhbuildingscience
Lighting Designer: @weare_darklight
Specifications: ABI. General
Contractor: @wgclarkconstructionco
Photos: @dougwalkerphoto
Inside our renovation of the Seattle Public Librar Inside our renovation of the Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch, one of Seattle’s historic Carnegie Libraries.

New interiors improve accessibility, comfort, and community use with updated finishes, lighting, and flexible spaces, alongside a fossil-fuel-free HVAC system and seismic upgrades to support long-term public service.

Client: @seattlepubliclibrary
Structural Engineer: @swensonsayfaget
Civil Engineer: LPD Engineering
Mechanical Engineer, Acoustic, and Elevator Consultant: @greenbuschgroup
Electrical Engineer: TFWB Engineers
Envelope Consultant: @rdhbuildingscience
Lighting Design: @blancalightingdesign
Specifications: Applied Building Information
Cost Estimator: Project Delivery Analysts
Geotechnical Engineer: PanGEO
Surveyor: Duncanson
3D Building Scan: MNT2Coast
General Contractor: Kassel & Associates
Photos: @laraswimmer
In a new article for @officeinsight, Matt Aalfs re In a new article for @officeinsight, Matt Aalfs reflects on the transformation of the Metropole Building—from a long-vacant, structurally compromised landmark to a LEED Platinum, community-centered workplace for nonprofit organizations.

Matt traces the project from early community engagement through design and construction, highlighting how adaptive reuse, climate performance, and social equity can operate as aligned priorities rather than competing goals. The result is a shared, mission-driven environment that supports affordability, collaboration, and long-term community impact.

Click the link in our bio to read more. 

Owner: Satterberg Foundation
Architect & Interior Design: @buildingwork
Structural Engineer: @swensonsayfaget
LEED Consultant: O’Brien 360
Mechanical Engineer: @ecotope_inc
Electrical Engineer: TFWB
Civil Engineer: LPD
Landscape Architect: @karenkiestlandscapearchitects
Acoustic Consultant: @ssa_acoustics
Masonry Consultant: Speweik Preservation Consultants
Envelope Consultant: @rdhbuildingscience
Lighting Designer: @weare_darklight
Specifications: ABI. General
Contractor: @wgclarkconstructionco
Photos: @dougwalkerphoto
email hello
159 Western Avenue West, Suite 486
Seattle, Washington 98119
office 206 775-8668
  • home
  • projects
  • expertise
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