Guest Blog with Todd Johnson, VP Facilities
When I look at our Building Hope expansion, I’m amazed at how much progress we’ve made. Last year at this time, we were still excavating the site. Today, the building looks at first glance like it could open could next week – not next year – as exterior work is virtually complete. Read full post »
It’s rare, but there are times when contractors must complete certain tasks on weekends to avert safety concerns, avoid disrupting the regular work week and keep our Building Hope expansion project on schedule.
On Saturday, May 5th, 10 to 15 people will be working quietly inside the building from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to meet an OSHA requirement related to the construction power supply. The only visible sign of work will be the operation of the external elevator on the north side of the building.
Read full post »
The Fraco lifts that provided workers with platforms to install the stone, metal and glass that clads our Building Hope expansion are being disassembled as exterior building construction winds down. The process started this week and is expected to last about a month. Attached to tall masts, the Fraco lifts help workers safely move up and down the building and also allows them to move side-to-side. Fraco lifts have become a popular alternative to traditional scaffolding because they’re safer and more efficient.
Questions? Please call:
Information: 206-987-6197
24-Hour Emergency Hotline:
Sellen Construction
Tim McKey
Project Superintendent
206-971-3316
The modular building and fleet of trailers stationed on the north side of the Building Hope expansion are pulling up anchor. The collection of temporary construction facilities is regrouping on the south side of the building over the next week or two. The facilities will remain there for the duration of the project. Read full post »
You may notice a truck and trailer parked at the east end of the fire lane for the Whale Garage starting Monday, April 30. The rig will be there a few days while a contractor runs communication cable along Northeast 45th Street between the garage and the Building Hope expansion. Crews will be present throughout each work day, but the project will not conflict with access to the garage or the bus stops along 45th. In addition, the truck will not be left unattended so it can be moved in case of emergency.
Questions? Please call:
Information: 206-987-6197
24-Hour Emergency Hotline:
Sellen Construction
Tim McKey
Project Superintendent
206-971-3316

As contractors rapidly cover steel beams in a cladding of stone, metal and glass, it’s exciting to see how this combination of exterior materials is bringing our Building Hope expansion to life.
The number one goal for the design is to fit in – with existing Seattle Children’s buildings, with the surrounding landscape and with the neighborhood. Yet the design is also meant to be distinctive and incorporate playful touches befitting a children’s hospital. Read full post »
Some people would look at vegetation covering a construction site as something to chop down and haul away. Not Jeff Hughes, grounds and sustainability manager at Seattle Children’s. When site preparation began for our Building Hope expansion, Hughes saw the property’s trees, shrubs and plants as something to rescue and replant elsewhere on the hospital campus. Read full post »

New renderings provide a revealing look at what to expect when our new emergency department opens with the rest of the Building Hope expansion next spring. The renderings depict one of our 38 exam rooms and a central work station. Read full post »
Don’t let the gray skies fool you. Spring is here – and so is the annual Seattle Children’s Garden Sale. Presented by the Laura Brigman Guild, the sale is this weekend, April 20-April 22, at our administrative offices, 6901 Sand Point Way N.E. Hours are noon until 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 2 p. m. on Sunday. Read full post »
In December we introduced “The Curve,” a replacement housing project partnership between Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington.
We’re happy to report that The Curve project is right on target. Security Properties, in partnership with GGLO Architects, has submitted schematic designs for Children’s to approve; has selected a general contractor, Walsh Construction; and is preparing to submit a Master Use Permit application to the City of Seattle. That submittal should take place by mid-June, beginning a sequence of design and permitting milestones that will lead to the start of construction in July 2014 and completion of the project in later 2014. Read full post »