Big Fish Games: Design-Build with BIM HVAC & Plumbing
Maritime Building, TI, Seattle, WA
For this historical tenant improvement in the Maritime Building in downtown Seattle, MacDonald-Miller provided a new VAV system, DDC Controls and self-performed NEBB certified air balancing for Big Fish Games’ 5-story project. The plumbing scope included restrooms, hospitality bar and kitchenette, and MacMiller led a coordinated BIM process that included a highly collaborative detailing process between our engineering and detailing groups. This endeavor also included utilization of the Revit Fabrication software. With this system our team was able to design and detail systems within tolerances of an 1/8″ to ensure successful routing of duct and pipe systems through highly congested spaces.
Specific challenges
The age of the building (100+ years old) was challenging due to the structural differences of each floor. Basically, each floor had a different ceiling height and structural beams did not stack consistently throughout. The original height of the Maritime Building was only 5 stories, but the shell and core construction added two more levels of office space and one level of amenities space for the top floor. And, each floor presented its own challenges in keeping ceiling heights at a Class A commercial building rating.Original structure
The restoration of the building was during the shell and core portion of the project, which overlapped with the TI portion. The TI schedule started roughly around the 75% mark of the shell and core project. Turner Construction managed the shell and core portion and NBBJ was the architect. The intent was to restore all the original wood structure that was covered in multiple layers of paint including lead, which the shell and core contractor removed by sandblasting. The lead abatement continued halfway through the TI portion.History of the Building
The property is currently owned by Beacon Capital Partners, and Big Fish Games is leasing floors 2-8. Headquartered in Seattle, Big Fish Games was founded in 2002 and is the world’s largest producer and distributor of casual games, delivering fun to millions of people around the world. Built in 1911, the Maritime building is one of the last heavy timber post buildings along Seattle’s waterfront. It was designed by architect E.W. Houghton and was originally known as the Pacific Warehouse Building, according to information filed with the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board. It was sold to the Maritime Corporation in 1942, and has housed everything from industrial businesses to professional offices. The building has maintained an iconic presence in the commercial district along the waterfront locale.Teamwork
The challenges of meeting Class A ratings and the unique structural nature of the building necessitated a great deal of coordination. We’re proud of the collaboration that occurred between Abbott and MacMiller Engineering, Detailing, and Field Foremen to meet the desired intent of the design team and Big Fish Games.
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