US Bank Center's Cedar Hall is a cutting-edge public hospitality experience, located at EQ Office's 44-story US Bank Center in downtown Seattle and spans approximately 155,000 square feet, marking a transformative addition to the city's urban landscape. Encompassing the tower's three-story lobby and entry levels, this innovative space emphasizes human connection at its core. The design, spearheaded by SkB Architects, draws inspiration from Scandinavian train stations, incorporating a unique Pacific Northwest twist and showcasing art from local creatives. This visionary concept, as articulated by Zach Zaborowski, Pacific Northwest senior vice president of EQ Office, aims to provide an accessible and inclusive art experience at the heart of the bustling downtown area.
The complete renovation of the three-story open-air entry lobby in downtown Seattle required over two years and 26,000 work hours to achieve. The iconic podium-level retail space represents a major engineering feat that overcame numerous challenges. The project, which received the 2023 Engineering News Record (ENR) Northwest Best Projects award for Best Project in Renovation/Restoration, involved significant structural alterations to re-locate floor openings and escalators, in addition to high-end interior finishes and extensive re-work to the exterior façade at each main building entrance. The US Bank Center was also a recipient of the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau (NWCB) 2023 Project Award, recognized for interior and exterior finishes on commercial and residential projects, as well as for cold formed steel (CFS) framing, suspended ceilings and renovation and restoration work. Projects were judged on design, jobsite innovation and/or conditions, quality of workmanship, use of materials and overall effect.
The resilient engineering effort it took to create the intricate details of the building at this magnitude is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the project team, who successfully helped transform the space into a captivating street-level experience for the 44-floor tower. The application of CFS framing played a major part in the detailed assembly of several elements of US Bank Center (Cedar Hall). From the expansive ceilings to the curving arches, unique soffits and exquisite skylight, the design blends together seamlessly creating a visually striking environment that is both dynamic and uplifting.
Overall, the project's successful realization had its challenges and required exceptional engineering skill and a collaborative approach, resulting in a revitalized and captivating space that redefines the standard for cold-formed steel framing applications in renovation projects of this scale.
US Bank Center Wins Engineer News Record Award for - Best Project, Renovation/Restoration - Cold-Formed Steel KHS&S West
