Chronicles update

Artistic timbers will reflect Tacoma's historic past

Reflecting Tacoma's long history as a logging community, the new convention center will integrate artistic elements made from heavy wood timbers reclaimed from 15 demolished buildings on and around the site. The historic materials salvage work was performed by R.W. Rhine, Tacoma, over a six-month process that concluded in June.

"The historic timbers will hang from the structure and will look like as if someone threw Pic Up Sticks into the air," says Michael Johncock, project manager with design architect MulvannyG2, Bellevue, Wash.

The timber displays are one of several art elements funded by the city, which mandates that 1% of public project construction costs be allocated to artwork for the facility. Additional art projects slated for the 220,000-sq.-ft. convention center include "art glass" integrated into a sloped glass exterior wall on the north side of the building.

"It's like a ceramic frit that will be etched onto the inside surface of the insulated glass," adds Johncock.

Editor's note: 835 Market Street, San Francisco, will be featured next month.