BCRA Design

Albers Mill, a former cereal mill built in 1903 and situated prominently on Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway, had fallen into a state of disrepair for several decades, standing metaphorically as both a symbol for the once-great downtown area, as well as its slow, steady decline.  Renovated as part of a downtown revitalization which saw new construction in the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum and the renovation of Union Station, the goal for the design was to respect the authentic, historic nature of the building, while carefully considering the impact on the adjacent Museum of Glass and the view corridor. 

The client selected BCRA for our thoughtful consideration of these design challenges, while working within a tight schedule and budget. BCRA’s flexibility in design delivery enabled the client to meet changes required in funding, historic preservation and future tenants. We were able to accomplish all budget and schedule goals by meeting with the client often and working side by side with them through the process.

One critical design challenge was bringing the building up to code without affecting its historic nature, especially regarding a seismic retrofit. Our answer was a new addition that would serve to hide structural bracing while enhancing the urban theme and industrial motif. Original building elements were preserved as much as possible, including the original patina on the brick, heavy timbers and signage, while natural daylighting was incorporated.

“The 2004 renovation of Albers Mill Lofts, a 1903 cereal mill next door to the cone (Glass Museum), grafts a steel-jacketed addition onto the old brick box so respectfully that the two components seem locked in eternal embrace.”¬- Lawrence W. Cheek, WRITER, SEATTLE P.I.