LOCATION
Tacoma, WA

CLIENT(S)
Architects Rasmussen and Triebelhorn (ART), Pierce Transit

INVOLVEMENT
2010-2011

In 2008, the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and Sound Transit audited Tacoma Dome Union Station for its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. During that audit, they found deficiencies that required correction.

SCJ and team members analyzed the deficiencies noted by the FTA and identified design solutions. The team looked at the entire facility, including the parking structure, surrounding sidewalks and hardscapes, bus loading areas, Link light rail platforms, and Sounder Train platforms to determine their overall ADA compliance.

SCJ performed the assessment and reported the findings in the summer of 2010, then prepared construction documents and obtained permits for the proposed upgrades during the fall.

STAFF STORY

“This was a challenging project because the facility had to remain open and operating during construction, and the proposed upgrades were to the facility’s main access points. The work was further complicated by steep slopes and artistic architectural features that were eye-catching, but not ADA compliant. We were tasked with finding design solutions that were both ADA compliant and visually pleasing, but also doable while keeping the facility open.”

Amy Head, PE
Vice President