ILGSE worked closely with the architect and contractor on the design of nearly every seismic retrofit element.  All the retrofit components were carefully incorporated within floor, wall cavities and spaces away from everyday use.  The retrofit scope included bracing parapets, large chimneys, and delicate finials as well as installing roof & floor-to-wall ties. ILGSE also designed new shotcrete shearwalls, moment frames and secondary supports below the exposed heavy timber trusses in the main sanctuary.  Drag struts, roof & floor diaphragm upgrades and new insulation was also provided.
Designated a Landmark by the City of Seattle, all exterior upgrades were subject to the Landmarks Review Board.  ILGSE sharpened the pencil to provide sharp looking brace designs that passed the review board with flying colors.  The bell tower is the backbone of many church structures and Bethany Church is no different.  Shotcrete core walls provided the needed strength and stiffness that each separate wing of the building could rely on.  ILGSE designed new shear walls hidden inside existing brick buttresses for even more strength and stability.  
One of the most popular retrofit repairs with the design team was the ‘leashing’ of the gargoyles.  As one of the original areas of damage in the Nisqually quake, addressing these precious creatures was a must-have on the list.  The gargoyles were constructed of brittle 80 year old concrete and visible from the grounds and street.  ILGSE cleverly anchored these ‘puppies’ to the structure with stainless steel guy wires.  Drafting the detail was one of the memorable times for the ILGSE drafting team. 
ILGSE is proud of the work accomplished with the design partners on this project. We were happy to deliver a safer, more comfortable building to the grateful congregation to enjoy for many years to come.