Walnut Street Center Seismic Retrofit and HVAC Upgrade

The Walnut Street Center is a critical Washington County operations hub that houses services needed during and after disasters, including earthquake response. Because the building is at high risk of collapse in a seismic event, the County is planning a major seismic retrofit and HVAC upgrade to ensure public safety, protect essential equipment and vehicles, and maintain the County’s ability to serve the community after an earthquake. Washington County is seeking $20.2 million in state funding to support these life‑safety and resilience upgrades.

Background

Built in 1999 and spanning 171,000 square feet, the Walnut Street Center plays a central role in countywide emergency response. It houses:

• The Office of Emergency Management, which works to minimize the effects of major emergencies and disasters on the community.
• The Land Use and Transportation Operations and Maintenance Division, which maintains and plans the county's transportation system.
• Capital Projects and Traffic Engineering teams that manage capital improvement projects, maintain digital building information models of county buildings, and purchase, manage and install furniture in county facilities as well as utilize traffic crash data and traffic counts to improve road safety and efficiency.
• The Fleet Services Division, which manages the county's fleet of vehicles and equipment from purchase to disposal.
• Systems that control traffic signals throughout the county.

Because the services listed above are essential after an earthquake, major building damage — or the loss of County vehicles — would severely disrupt emergency response. Staff safety, operational continuity, and community resilience all depend on ensuring this building remains functional after a significant seismic event.

Project Overview

Washington County is implementing a multi‑phase project to strengthen the Walnut Street Center and modernize its mechanical systems. The project includes:

Seismic Retrofit and Mechanical Upgrades
A comprehensive retrofit of both the main two‑story concrete tilt‑up building and the attached pre‑engineered metal automotive shops. Work will increase the building’s ability to withstand earthquake forces, protect occupants, and allow services to resume quickly after an event.

Roof Replacement
Full replacement of the roof, which must be removed for seismic work and is due for renewal.

Air Handler and HVAC Improvements
Replacement of outdated, unreliable HVAC systems to meet current health and safety standards (ASHRAE), improve indoor air quality, and enhance efficiency.

Interior Improvements for Land Use & Transportation
Remodels on both floors to improve workflow, enhance security, and refresh workspace finishes. (Department‑funded.)

Fleet Storage and Safety Improvements
Construction of a seismically sound mezzanine for heavy-item storage, enclosure of exposed areas, and improved forklift access. (Department‑funded.)

Project Status

Washington County has completed the project’s first phase, including condition assessments, upgrade options, concept drawings, and preliminary cost estimates. Design work resumed in July 2024.