The 1904 historic 32,000 sf four story unreinforced masonry (URM) hotel in downtown Hood River, Oregon recently underwent a full remodel, modernization, and seismic retrofit. Exterior historic aspects of the building were maintained while the interior underwent a complete reconfiguration and restructuring including removal of columns, digging out and lowering the basement floor and foundations, adding new stair and elevator shafts, strengthening existing framing and diaphragms, anchoring diaphragms to walls, and replacement of the rooftop terrace structure. This presentation will cover the most interesting aspects of this complete transformation from a primarily abandoned building into the newly vibrant Lightwell Hotel.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the challenging aspects of working on a 100+ year old building.
Identify the historic aspects of the project and how they were maintained.
Identify the methods used to strengthen existing framing, diaphragms, and URM wall connections.
About Aaron Wegner
Aaron Wegner is the Structural Engineering Discipline Manager in Coffman Engineers’ Portland office. He has more than 20 years of design experience and has led a diverse range of structural projects throughout many market sectors, including higher education, housing, hospitality, adaptive reuse, and seismic upgrades. He excels in navigating complex challenges associated with various material systems and competing project constraints while creatively prioritizing long-term functionality and simplification of construction. Aaron obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland