Current Renovation

Planning for the current renovation has been a joint venture involving SBA, Bill

Talley, UW landscape architect, Becky Eatch, facilities manager for the UW, the UW’s arborist and an arborist hired by SBA. Margaret Hayes, landscape architect with SBA explained the rfq procedure in which projects, such as the Sylvan Grove Theatre, are listed in the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, along with the agenda, set fee, and qualifications for the project. The lowest bid was chosen, and SBA’s bid came in at the lowest.

Staging Area

There is little space on site for storage of equipment or tools. Large vehicles were parked in the staging area behind nearby Johnson Hall, which is also under renovation

Demolition and Drainage

The demolition plan and site analysis was a complicated procedure because of the many trees on site. Efforts were made to save good specimen trees and shrubs. In fact, the asphalt path was moved specifically to allow more space for a 20’ camellia. Two arborists were consulted to determine which trees were diseased and which trees needed to be removed so that more light would enter the area. Invasive plants were removed, especially holly and laurel. Removing all invasive species is expensive, but species were removed if they were in an important place.

The site has been regraded one foot and retains its original bowl shape. The topsoil was stripped and removed. The soil was amended to provide excellent drainage for turf. Soil preparation and compaction were the main focus. Plastic woven underdrainage material was added to increase drainage and a 6” layer of sand was laid at the northwest entrance which gradually increases to an18-24” layer at the southwest edge. An irrigation system was also laid.

Horizontal Control

Survey stakes were placed in the ground. Margaret Hayes visited the site after surveying was done.

Tree Protection and Misunderstandings

Both Bill Talley and Margaret Hayes stated that their experience with the contractor, Construct Co, was generally problem free except in regards to the care of trees. Four large elm trees near the northwest entrance were marked as an area that needed tree protection and the area around them was to be hand weeded. The contractor started to place tools and equipment under the trees at the beginning of the project. When the UW arborist insisted that the equipment be removed, the contractor gladly agreed to move his equipment to another spot. Apparently he was unaware that placing equipment under the elms might compact the soil and lead to possible problems with the elms.

Thirty-seven trees were removed from the area. Many of the ash and maples were recycled and sold to Urban Hardwoods. Besides the elms, special instructions were given to hand dig the utility trenches with a pick axe. Tree roots larger than ½” were not to be cut. The project is very preservation oriented.

Erosion Control

Erosion control was not a major concern with this project because the Sylvan Grove Theatre is flat and bowl shaped. In addition, a buffer area of trees and shrubs surrounds the site. The only area of erosion might be along the path and near the construction access area in the northeast corner near Stevens Way. There was much discussion about alternative materials for the path that encircles the Sylvan Grove Theatre. Bill Talley stated that he aspires to Low Impact Development, but he also needs to be realistic in regards to cost and benefits. He considered porous asphalt, ¼” minus, a kind of gravel that turns into a kind of concrete after it is mixed with water, and porous concrete for the pathway. He mentioned that porous concrete sets quickly and causes problems. SBA and Talley settled for ADA asphalt paths with a gravel base.

Plants

Plants to be installed are shade tolerant natives or historical plants such as Kerria japonica and Acuba, which have been on the site for a long time. The project was completed before its May 23 rd deadline. Planting and adding compost was done in the last three weeks of the project. After compost has been added to the soil, the landscape architect needs to check the soil to see that the amendments have been thoroughly incorporated into the soil. The Sylvan Grove Theatre will be closed to the public for a year in order for the grass to get the best chance to grow and thrive. A shade tolerant species of grass was planted.

Hand Rails

Susan Black researched the hand rails built during similar time periods at similar sites on campus. New hand rails for the Sylvan Grove Theatre were made to match existing handrails of the period.

Phasing

The Sylvan Grove Theatre is being renovated in phases. The retaining wall and sidewalk on Stevens Way were built about 6 years ago. Next year the columns will be powerwashed and repainted.

Conclusion

The Sylvan Grove Theatre is a popular place for weddings and other events. After the renovation the area will be a more spacious, light, and symmetrical setting. The entrance will be set off by posts with small chains. The columns will no longer be enshrouded by trees. It will be a quiet, pleasing place except when buses and cars pass by.