Author: Maddie Olson

As we wrap up 2024, we want to celebrate some of the standout projects our teams worked on this year. Our memorable projects for 2024 include:

Maritime Center, Tacoma, WA

Services: Structural Engineering and Land Use Planning

Teaming Partners: TCF Architecture, PLLC (TCF), BNBuilders

AHBL collaborated with TCF and BNBuilders to provide structural engineering and land use planning services for the new Maritime Center, which will include the Port of Tacoma’s Business Center and Tacoma Public Schools’ Maritime | 253 Skills Center. This Progressive D/B project is currently in pre-construction with site remediation efforts underway.  The Port Business Center will feature two levels of office space, a large assembly room, and executive suites, bringing all of the Port’s business operations under one roof.  The Maritime | 253 Skills Center will feature state-of-the-art career and technical education (CTE) classrooms, lab/shop spaces, and collaborative areas designed for 300 high school students across Pierce County. The site development will also feature public shoreline access with trails along Foss Waterway. Recently approved by Tacoma Public Schools and the Port of Tacoma, the project’s groundbreaking is scheduled for early January 2025.

Read more about the project here.

United Learning Center and Discovery Children’s Museum, Centralia, WA

Services: Structural Engineering and Landscape Architecture

Teaming Partner: KMB Architects

AHBL provided structural engineering and landscape architecture services for the United Way of Lewis County, United Learning Center and Discovery Children’s Museum. This project includes a 12,000 SF early learning center with a 3,000 SF outdoor play area and a 4,640 SF Children’s Museum.  The site allows for future expansion, with long term plans to include a gymnasium, a Boys and Girls Club, and an 18,000 SF two-story museum. The current building includes vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows in the classroom and museum spaces with exposed CLT panel roof framing to promote biophilia. The project is currently under construction and will achieve LEED Silver certification when completed.

Read more about the project here.

City of Olympia Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study, Olympia, WA

Services: Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering

Teaming Partners: ECOnorthwest, Carrie Ziegler of Earth Art, Kathryn Gardow of Gardow Consulting, and Adam Peterson with the Thurston Conservation District

With continuous urban growth threatening local farmland, AHBL supported the City of Olympia’s vision for an Urban Farm Park. The feasibility study explored options for creating a space to grow culturally significant foods, support local farmers, and promote community recreation and stewardship. Through stakeholder interviews, public workshops, and a survey with over 220 respondents, AHBL developed recommendations for site requirements, operating models, and costs. This collaborative effort will help guide the future of Olympia’s local food movement.

Read more about the project here.

Brooklake Park, Federal Way, WA

Services: Land Use Planning

AHBL partnered with the City of Federal Way to create a master plan for Brooklake Park. The plan prioritizes future improvements while considering the site’s historic significance and environmental constraints. AHBL led an iterative public engagement process, gathering feedback on desired amenities and facilities. The final master plan integrates into the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, ensuring community input is reflected in policy and planning for years to come.

Read more about the project here.

Joint Operations and Maintenance Facility, Federal Way, WA

Services: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Land Use Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Land Survey
Teaming Partner: Helix Design Group, a Division of Shive-Hattery

AHBL provided comprehensive services for this operations and maintenance facility development project, ensuring the design meets community needs and regulatory standards. The project scope included:

  • Civil Engineering: Conceptual site planning, feasibility studies, and cost estimates for roadways, grading, utilities, and drainage.
  • Structural Engineering: Design of the 18,000 SF Operations Building and 25,000 SF Fleet Maintenance and Shop Building, along with pre-engineered steel structures, foundations, and site features such as dumpster enclosures and monument signs.
  • Land Use Planning: Entitlement support, SEPA environmental review, and coordination with the City of Federal Way for land use, utility, and traffic applications.
  • Landscape Architecture: Tree retention and replacement, planting and irrigation design, pedestrian paving, and site furnishings, with coordination on grading, drainage, and lighting.
  • Land Surveying: Topographic surveys, boundary adjustments, and mapping of utilities and stormwater features.

Each of these projects reflects AHBL’s commitment to delivering innovative, community-focused solutions. We’re excited for the opportunities ahead in 2025!

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