Overview
The Astor, formerly the Washington Building, is a landmark 17-story adaptive reuse project in the heart of downtown Tacoma. Originally constructed in 1925 as a bank with offices above—and once one of the tallest buildings in the Pacific Northwest—the structure has been thoughtfully transformed into a 156-unit multifamily community.
The conversion reimagined former office space into modern residences, amenities, storage, and retail, supported by major seismic upgrades and full modernization of building systems. A standout historic feature—the former Scandinavian American Bank vault—has been preserved and repurposed as a unique tenant lounge.
The project presented notable structural complexity, including a rare hollow clay tile floor system spanning between steel framing—an uncommon construction method on the West Coast that required careful coordination during renovation.
HV Engineering provided plumbing engineering services, supporting the integration of modern building systems while preserving the unique character of this historic structure.
