Engineering Challenges and Collaborative Success: Building the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance
The Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance is gearing up for a new season in their new home, and the engineering planning and project team collaboration behind the scenes have been nothing short of impressive. The project faced challenges from the start, with a tight Interbay lot and a high groundwater table, but the team’s solid teamwork has led to ambitious goals being met, including neighborhood revitalization.
The civil engineers at Coughlin Porter Lundeen, led by Jackie Sempel, Bailey Cook, and Katlyn Christenson, have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Seattle Storm Center meets all requirements and deadlines. One of the major challenges was creating outdoor spaces that could serve as player and staff parking while also converting into tournament basketball courts. Through innovative solutions like a corrugated-metal pipe system, the team was able to provide adequate drainage and reduce costs significantly.
Another key aspect of the project was ensuring player safety and accessibility. The team worked closely with ZGF Architects and Walker Macy to design utility covers that would not compromise player safety while still meeting all requirements. The customized covers featuring the Seattle Storm name and logo added a special touch to the project.
Despite facing unexpected challenges during construction, such as issues with pipe routing and street conditions, the team remained nimble and collaborative, finding solutions that kept costs down and met the opening target date. Additionally, the Seattle Storm organization’s commitment to benefiting the community led to the creation of Storm Country, a public art initiative that enhances the area around the Center.
Overall, the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance is a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration in achieving ambitious goals. The women-led team at Coughlin Porter Lundeen has played a crucial role in bringing the project to fruition, and they look forward to seeing the Seattle Storm continue to thrive in their new home.
