sails! •1 :/iaa DAPTIVt REUSE OF THE ESTER DREDGE 1 *1 t / 1 1 MBis C—"1 n —*<0 rb •St"? is" \ ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ESTER DREDGE Ester, Alaska By: Tamsin Elizabeth Stone MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Bozeman, Montana June 1990 A thesis paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE Approved: Pamela Bancroft, Advisor Paul Gleye,Committee Person George McClure, Interim Director of Architecture STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO COPY In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Montana State University, I agree that the library shall make it freely available for inspection and study. 1 further agree that permission for extensive copying of the paper for scholarly purposes may be granted by my major professor, or in her absence, by the Director of the Libraries. It is understood that any copying of this paper for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. DEDICATION This document is dedicated with love to my parents, in thanks for all the encouragement, love, and support that they have shown me. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 PROJECT STATEMENT 2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES EDUCATIONAL 3 PROJECT 4 SUMMARIES RESTAURANTS 6 LIGHTING 8 ACOUSTICS 10 RECREATION PARK 11 LANDSCAPING 13 RENOVATIONS 14 HISTORIC PRESERVATION 16 AREA HISTORY 17 MINING TECHNOLOGY 19 CASE STUDIES 23 CONTEXTURAL ANALYSES CLIMATE 28 SITE 34 EXISTING BUILDING 40 USER IDEOLOGY 41 SPACE 43 W o Q W Pi Q X H tx) H Z w H Pi w H c/3 u W fe w U- w ^ J ca < H CODE SEARCH CODES 59 ZONING 64 ENDNOTES 65 BIBLIOGRAPHY 66 APPENDICES APPENDIX A 69 (Preservation guidelines) APPENDIX B 73 (Dredge images} INTRODUCTION I chose this project because of an interest in both historic preservation and in interior design. I wanted to further explore both of these aspects of architecture as they relate to the whole, by attempting to combine them to create a unified project. I chose the site (the Dredge) because I feel that Alaska's mining history is an integral part of the state's past and needs to be preserved for the benefit of future generations. This project will be a challenge for me, to use an unprecedented building type, to preserve history, to educate the public, and to create a unique and interesting space. This thesis book is as much for my benefit, and my learning experience, as it is for the benefit of my jury. There are included in this book some sections which may not seem especially relevant, but they are there for the clarification of the project to myself, to keep me focused on my goals, and to educate me in areas of architecture in which my knowledge may be lacking. PROJECT STATEMENT The purpose of my thesis is to integrate several different areas of architecture into one project. For this project, I will design a restaurant and bar to be housed in an existing struc­ ture. I would like to combine architecture, interior design, landscape design, and historical preservation to create a project that becomes a unified whole. The Ester Dredge, a gold dredge located in the hollow of a valley just west of Fair­ banks, Alaska, is a prominant focal point in the landscape. It is a essentially an oversized barge that floats in a pond of its own making. A highly industrial sructure, it was originally designed as an economical way to remove low grade gold deposits from the ground. The Ester Dredge was shut down circa 1960, when it was no longer economically feasible to continue the mining effort, and has been unproductive since. The primary goal of this project is to renovate the existing structure and convert it into a bar and restaurant. It is the intent of the designer to create a highly functional and inviting interior space, without destroying the unique character of the dredge, and therefore, the conversion will become the most in-depth aspect of the design. Also incorporated in the design will be a recreation "park"which is to include a network of trails for skiing, hiking, and biking, along with facilities for ice skating in the winter, and waterskiing in the summer. This aspect of the project will be less developed, and only be shown on the site model. EDUCATIONAL COALS To present a document and final design which compliment each other. To experiment with computer applications in architecture; including text, graphics, and design. To schedule my time, and abide by that schedule. To present a well researched and articulated thesis document. To draw upon my past educational experiences and apply that knowledge to my solution. To take advantage of the resources available to me. PROJECT GOALS To create a functional and comfortable space without destroying the character of the dredge. o Utilize some of the more prominent existing elements of the dredge, such as the large gear cogs and the bucket line, to create a unique space. To bring an understanding of the historical importance of mining in the area. o Incorporate a pictorial display. o Incorporate mining equipment in the site. o Maintain the exterior character of the dredge. o Incorporate documentary signage into the site. Create a unique identity from the exterior. o Maintain the original character of the area, while making it functional, o Incorporate interesting signage. o Utilize an interesting physical approach. Create a facility that will attract a variety of users. o Develop an exciting space that will draw users from the tourism industry, o Develop a recreational area that will draw users from the "outdoor yuppies", o Develop an atmosphere in which "locals" will feel comfortable. Create a tie between the facility and the surrounding area o Respect and enhance the site characteristics. Create a "showpiece" and memorable image. o Maintain the existing character of the dredge, o Acknowledge the functional identity of the dredge. Encourage public interaction throughout the site. o Develop a trail network. - - • • • • to introduce the reader to the elements and ideas essential A . . . • , to this project. i j RESTAURANTS "Restaurant design is a compromise with impossibilities, but when you eliminate the impossible, what remains is the truth."(l) Restaurants today are more than just places to eat, they have evolved into almost a stage set for the dining experience. This theatrical aspect to eating out is relatively recent, not coming into its own until the 1980's, with the maturation of the sophisticated and materi­ alistic generation of Baby Boomers. Along with this new image, comes the unfortunate aside of increased competition among restauranteurs, and the predictably short restaurant life: industry statistics indicate a 3 year average.(2) With the increased competition, and reduced service life, restauranteurs have to consider more than just the functional aspects to turn a profit. They must also consider the aesthetics, the ambience, and from there design to attract a specific market cross section, and create an interesting and inviting space. "More often than not, the successful restaurant is one in which the designer, client and restauranteur have dared to take risks. Not necessarily outrageous. Not necessarily flamboyant. Just enough so that the particular restaurant they've created breaks out of the expected mold."(3) There are several categories that can be used to classify restaurant design; destination, themes, adaptive use, and informal, to name a few. Most of these categories can be easily defined. Although some establishments may fit in a single category, most are combinations thereof. A destination restaurant is a special place to go. The design team has worked to­ gether to create an exceptional experience for the patrons. A destination restaurant is de­ signed to last... to become a classic. A theme restaurant is as its name states, based on a theme. Theme restaurants no longer consist merely of surface decor. The trend today, is toward sophisticated establish­ ments, their authenticity developed through a serious research into a specific time, place, or idea. In today's theme restaurants, no detail is extraneous, and everything serves the central idea; the layering of details enriches the experience. An adaptive reuse restaurant consists of the conversion of an existing structure for use as a dining establishment. The primary advantage of restorations is that "most historical sites offer an intrinsic atmosphere and character that no amount of decorating and styling can equal."(4) Informal restaurants include a great variety of establishments, but the common thread between all of them is that they let the people provide the color. The people and their move­ ments become an integral part of the design. W a Q H Pi Q OS W H 1/3 CD H Z r ^ < < H W PC W X H L I G H T I N G Lighting is an essential component of restaurant design; although the diner may not physically notice the lighting characteristics, there is always an unconscious awareness. Illumination should be considered in the design process so that the lighting characteristics can enhance the imagery of the space. As Paul Marantz stated in his article in Interior De­ sign. "Lighting is an experiential and dimensional task, and should be approached by consid­ ering the effect one wishes to create."(5) There are two principle functions that restaurant lighting must perform in order to be successful. First, the lighting must be adequate for the diners to read the menu, and also to see the food and each other in the most attractive way possible. Secondly, the lighting must augment the mood established by the design, food and service. In lighting a restaurant one must be careful to avoid excessive visual contrast, which may be distracting and cause glare. One can see well in even, minimal light as long as there is no glare nearby, therefore a balance in the overall lighting should be attempted. Foundation lighting should be spaced evenly throughout the space, regardless whether it is high or low intensity. In a room with dark decor, the foundation lighting should come from several smaller sources (rather than fewer large sources) because the room will not be lit through reflection. Task lighting is that which accents a particular element in the design, usually the individual tables. It is important that both the task and foundation lighting be considered to contribute to the overall illumination, and that they are not so varied in intensity that they create visual contrast that is so great that it detracts from the patrons dining experience. Another element to consider when planning restaurant lighting is providing a sense of the time of day. Regardless of the number of windows, a patron should be able to have a sense of the time of day. It is essential to incorporate changes of balance in light from day into evening, and not to create a 'dark hole' during the day. ACOUSTICS Restaurants have probably the widest range of acceptable sound levels. The level and quality of noise in a restaurant contribute greatly to the image that the establishment is trying to convey. Primarily a function of the people who frequent the restaurant, this noise can be manipulated by design to compliment the image; from the hushed acoustics of the high class restaurant to the frantic noise of the casual diner. There are several criteria that affect the sound level and quality of a space. First, the shape of the space will influence the sound level; for instance, large circular spaces tend to reverberate noise more than do small rectangular ones. The table size and spacing can also affect the reflection of sound. Another consideration is the use of porous materials on fur­ nishings, walls and or floors, to absorb the sound and reduce the reverberation (glass is the worst offender for reverberation). Finally, as a means to reduce the sound level, one could consider isolating the exterior noise. Two possibilities for this would be to install acoustic materials in the kitchen and service areas, and to install a 'sound lock' between the kitchen and dining areas. RECREATION PARK Recreation is defined as the refreshment of one's mind or body after labor through diverting activity; play. To relax is relieve from effort or strain; to take ones ease. The purpose of the recreation "park" in this project is twofold. The first is to provide the activity for recreation, and the atmosphere for relaxation. The second is to provide a link, a physical connection, between Ester and the dredge. The provision for physical activity in the project is designed to act as a draw for the locals, and for the "outdoor yuppies", those who actively participate in outdoor recreational activities. There will be a network of trails for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as facilities for water skiing and ice skating. The dredge will act as the base for the park with all activities beginning there, and as a destination point where patrons can relax afterward. The atmosphere will vary depending on the space, but in general, the intent is to develop a place in which all the users can be comfortable and relaxed. The location is ideal, in its isolation, to provide an atmosphere in which people can be removed from everyday life, where one can go to meet friends, enjoy the scenery, and partake in a good meal. It is important to create a connection between Ester and the dredge, as Ester is already established as a tourist attraction because of the old base camp and the Malamute Saloon. This relationship is as important to the locals as it is to the tourists, and therefore a connec­ tion as indistinct as a trail network is appropriate. The trail network will allow a conscious correlation between the two, enabling them to be considered one destination, but will also provide a reason and a route for Ester locals to visit the site. W a a « Q W H m W H < WW EC I H £ LANDSCAPING Landscaping is the placing or arranging of lawns,trees, bushes, etc. on a plot of ground to make it more attractive. Due to the nature of the project, it is important that the landscaping be true to the area. The primary goal in this project is to preserve a piece of Alaska's mining history, and a fully landscaped area would be detrimental to this image. The area would need to remain, as much as possible, in its natural state. The ground characteristics, being primarily tailings (softball sized rocks, often con­ taining a great deal of quartz), also affect the landscaping possibilities. These tailings make up an essential part of the character of the area. A large amount of infill would be required to introduce new plant materials, and for this reason any increase in landscaping would have to be with plants indigenous to the area. RENOVATIONS Renovation as the adaptive reuse of a structure without destroying the original character thereof. Historic restoration and adaptive reuse are becoming more popular in the United States, as land values are rising and vacant buildings become more valuable. With the initiation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the eventual realization that our older buildings are valuable as historical records, many of these older buildings are no longer being destroyed to make way for modern architecture. "When we thoughtlessly obliterate the buildings and places of our past, we demonstrate an insensitivity to what we were, a disdain for what in part we still are. By saving — and adapting to re-use — the best of our old buildings, we link the communities of today to the foundations of our culture." (6) Many people have misconceptions about the role of historic preservation in architec­ ture, this is in part because they define historic preservation strictly as restoration. This is in fact only a small portion of the realm of historic preservation, where "probably the single most important aspect of the preservation movement is the recycling of old buildings — adapting them to uses different from the ones for which they were originally intended."(7) Some buildings are of such intrinsic value that to 'museumize' them is the obvious answer. The majority of buildings with great historic value, however, are better off being recycled, thereby giving new life and vitality to the community, and allowing a continued continuity. Most old buildings are functionally obsolete before they are physically and structur­ ally worn out"(8), as is the case with the Ester Gold Dredge. Since it is no longer economi­ cally feasible to utilize the dredge for extracting gold, it is a valid argument to preserve its historical importance through adaptive reuse. Gold dredges were an essential part of Alaska's mining history, and now, although they stand idle, they are still prominent on the landscape, and have become a part of the tourism industry. HISTORIC PRESERVATION Several of the goals in this renovation project deal with the character and historical impor­ tance of the area. It is therefore important to consider historical preservation throughout the design process. The aim is to create an establishment that works effectively, while still maintaining the character and acknowledging the functional identity of the dredge. The exterior of the dredge is an essential aspect in preserving and amplifying the mining character of the mining era. It is especially important that the approach, in particular, remains as close as possible to its original state. The character requirements also indicate a need to incorporate some of the original machinery into both the interior and exterior spaces. A pictorial display and docu­ mentary signage, although not directly related to preservation, could also help by educating the public and thereby enhancing their experience. It would be advantageous to the project to be listed on both the state and national historic registers. See appendix A for historic preservation guidelines. AREA HISTORY Alaska's history is based on nature. From its beginnings with the gold rush, to to­ day's biggest industries of oil, fishing, timber, and even tourism, Alaska's economy is de­ pendent on the bounty of the land. The people of Alaska are a varied group, but they hold one thing in common — the land. Many people visit the state each year, but only those hardy souls who love the land remain, almost as if under a spell. It's the land and the people, the oldtimers, that attract the tourists to the 49th state. Fairbanks was founded on gold. When Captain Barnett, who was headed up the river, became stranded by low water, he chose to set up a trading post. This occurrence combined with an extraordinary gold discovery in the valley by Felix Pedro, brought hoards of miners looking to get rich quick. After the rush was over and people had taken what they could from the land, all but the most loyal and hardy moved on to new gold fields, and what re­ mained was Fairbanks. Today, Fairbanks has become the second largest city in Alaska, playing host to a quality university, and two armed forces bases. These are the major em­ ployers of the area; tourism constitutes most of the remaining economic base of Fairbanks. The mining for precious minerals continued, in the area, as it still does today. As mining technology increased, more and more gold was removed from the ground, requiring less physical labor and causing more physical damage to the environment. The Ester Dredge, one of the largest ever built, was one of the culprits It moved through the valley leaving mounds of tailings in its wake. These tailings remain today as a constant reminder of the mining history of Interior Alaska. Mining, although it continues, is no longer the primary economic industry. Now tourism is the largest independent money maker in the area. It is with some irony that this project chooses to take a structure from yesterday's leading industry, and donate it to the current money making leader. It is also somewhat satirical to consider taking a machine whose original function was removing the bounty from the land with ruthless destruction, and to give that structure a new use which will enable it to give to the land and to the people. PLACER MINING PLACLR MINING — a method of gold mining that takes advantage of the density of gold which causes it to sink more rapidly in moving water than the lighter siliceous materials with which it is interspersed. ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS — gold bearing sands and gravel deposited by rapidly moving streams and rivers at places where they widen or otherwise lose speed. Placer mining is the oldest method of mining alluvial deposits. The principles of this mining technique have remained the same through the years, but the methods have improved drastically, particularly the mechanical processes. The development of each successive technique tended to correspond with the working of more extensive but generally lower grade deposits. Pan mining, the simplest but most labor intensive method of placer mining, was always the first method practiced in the fields during a gold rush. It consisted of scooping gravel and dirt into a shallow pan, and swirling it with water until the extraneous material was washed away and the heavier gold was left in the pan. Later, after the initial rush to the gold fields, the cradle method was used. This method utilized a cradle shaped apparatus into which gravel was shoveled over a perforated iron plate. This was then flushed with water and rocked, causing the finer material to fall through onto riffles (a ridged board). The riffles are also flushed and the heavier minerals are trapped as the waste materials are washed away. Dredging became the most prominent form of placer mining in the early 20th century, and it remains so today. Invented in New Zealand, a dredge is essentially a floating barge with a boom at one or both ends, and machinery housing in between. Gold dredges are similar to those dredges used to deepen harbours and rivers. A bucket line (also known as bucket ladder) dredge is characterized by a continuous chain of buckets rotating around a rigid frame that is attached to the front boom. The dredge is held in place by a spud, and the bucket line is lowered into the water. The buckets con­ tinually excavate material, being moved up and down and side to side by tension lines. The excavated material is then conveyed through the concentrating plant, at which time the material is screened and the valuable minerals are recovered by washing the finer gravel over riffles (similar to those in the cradle). Paddock dredging is a method of dredging that allows the mining of placer deposits which are not in or near a riverbed. The dredge floats in its own pond, which is extended by the excavation at one end while at the same time filling the other with tailings and waste gravel. This project will utilize one of the largest gold dredges that was used for paddock dredging in Alaska. In 1948 there were around 1000 men working for Fairbanks Exploration Co. at the Ester Dredge (compared to the 300 current Ester residents). These men removed approximately $1,000,000.00 in gold each month that summer. The Ester dredge still rests in its own pond, as it was left when Fairbanks Exploration Company ceased operation. TYPICAL DREDGF PI,AN Gold Saving Tables w/ Riffles . f/H. " U :"! r - j i. -4fr^ |: - i V rKi *• -4 "! r Bow Gantry - i fcnIF ; Stacker C- O J j '^^ x^aca^ I1IJ ililiiljj—"r—V ] Sluicer W O Q W < o o j c z B Credit: Bucrys-Erie Co. TYPICAL DREDGE SECTION OOOO Bucket Line W o Q w cc Q »S W H C/5 O r '1 W W E- r 1 & W Z S Z " I—I H S o c J c z X Credit: Bucyrus-Erie Co. Stacker The following case studies have been provided to give the reader an idea of the character that the dredge renovation , will assume. CASE STUDIES The case studies for this project were chosen for their relevance to the design. Some were chosen because they are superior examples of restaurant design, and some were chosen because they posses a character, an ambience, that is applicable to the feeling of the dredge. Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of this project, renovation precedents are, for the most part, unavailable. There are many restaurants that have been developed in buildings designed for other uses. These reuse projects adapt space designed for one form of human use (ie: a bank, or factory) to use in another (ie: a restaurant); however, the dredge project involves taking a machine, an industrial structure, and converting it into space for human habitation. This type of renovation project is virtually unprecedented. SPORTS RESTAURANT - New York Citv. New York ARCHITECTS: Sapinsley Architecture New York, New York This case study was chosen to investigate the use of relatively low-tech materials (ie: chain link fencing and exposed steel framework) to create a high-tech appearance. The exposed structure and duct work combined with the chain link fence and steal for railings give the Sports Restaurant an industrial feel, and yet the clean unbroken lines allow it a sophistication. One of the concepts being considered for the dredge is achieving this appear­ ance through use of inherant structure and choice of materials. !1 w 0 Q W OS Q a w H in W w X H w NH Q P H W in < U CIJRLY'S GARAGE - Salisbury. Maryland ARCHITECTS / INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Banik-Cumby Swathmore, Pennsylvania Another concept for this project is to create a historical mining atmosphere in the dredge complex, and this case study introduces methods to accomplish this goal. Based on a 1930's automotive garage theme, this project was chosen because of its low-tech industrial expression. The utilization of tube steel, chain link fencing, and exposed structure, all help to promote the industrial atmosphere. The antique photographs are also useful, inducing a sense of automotive history. DOWNTOWN CLUB - Fresno. California ARCHITECTS: Allen Y. Lew and William E. Patnaude Fresno, California The Downtown Club was chosen for study as one of the few renovations. Although the structure was already designed as a building for human occupation, it was industrial in nature (a printing plant). I am primarily interested in one aspect of this project, the retention of original machinery to commemorate the buildings original use. 1 • SS!5!.S : : lm> HI! 1**3 : liSSiiiliM SrST i ' nji'.n:: :: : 1 if: HflSSIriS » (BESr HhhII&P w o Q W Pi Q Pi W H in W w _ aw H u Cfl W i—i Q H w CASUAL QUILTED GIRAFFE - New York Citv. New York ARCHITECTS: McDonough Nouri Rainey & Associates New York, New York This restaurant was chosen as a case study for its high-tech industrial appearance, an idea that could be very effective creating an appropriate mood in an establishment such as the dredge. The effect is created by the hard / soft image portrayed by the materials, the use of crisp, clean forms, and the exposed duct work of the HVAC system. Another very important aspect of the Casual Quilted Giraffe is the introduction of a very neutral color scheme, to let the people provide their own color. people that the facility will eater to. £ ip •' CLIMATE ANALYSIS There are a great many preconceived ideas about the weather in Alaska, and while some of these thoughts may be accurate for a small portion in the state, due to the sheer size of Alaska, they are misconceptions in general. For instance, although the days are short during the winter, the sun comes up for at least a part of the day until one travels above the arctic circle. Another misunderstanding that people have about Alaska is that it is always cold; Interior Alaska, although it can get extremely cold in the winter, has a quite temperate climate during the long summer days. This section of this document is designed to help dispel some of these misunderstandings, and give a more accurate picture of the habitability of the "last frontier". (One must also take into consideration that, although the climate may be harsher than other areas of the world, the people who inhabit Alaska have adapted to the climatic conditions.) The following information was primarily taken from the Climatic Atlas of the United States. Published in 1968, the book is relatively old, but the data given has been averaged, in most cases, over at least a 30 year period and is therefore still valid. A comparison has been made between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Bozeman, Montana in order to give the reader a more accurate idea of the Fairbanks climate. As will be seen on the following pages, the Fairbanks climate is quite similar to that of Bozeman, and the preconceived ideas that people have of the harshness of Alaska's cli­ mate are not altogether justified. The Fairbanks area attracts much the same type of people that western Montana attracts. LOCATION Fairbanks 64 5' 147 5' 436' (500' Bozeman 45 5' 111 0' 4856' latitude longitude elevation elevation at dredge) latitude longitude elevation W o Q W OS Q PS s w 5 £ * W w H w < HH H u TEMPERATURE The temperature data provided for Fairbanks is an average taken over 59 years from 1905 to 1964. The data provided for Bozeman was averaged between the years 1931 and 1960, and its accuracy may vary as the information was taken from the nearest isoline on the map. This information demonstrates a need for a well insulated structure, an air lock entry vestibule, and an adequate heating unit. It also shows that there is not much need for air conditioning in the location. Record high |] Normal high ® Normal low Record low FAIRBANKS, ALASKA • J F M A M J J A S O N D 100 80 60 40 20 0 -20 -40 -60 >:• a « I 2! '& a J _ £ *1 'A a BOZEMAN, MONTANA J F M A M J J A S O N D 100 80 60 40 20 0 -20 -40 -60 PRECIPITATION The data for the mean monthly precipitation is provided for the state climatic divi­ sions; Fairbanks falling into the Interior Basin division in Alaska, and Bozeman into the Western Montana division. The information for this section was accumulated between 1931 and 1955. The average annual snowfall for Fairbanks and Bozeman is very similar, Fairbanks having an annual snowfall of approximately 58 inches a year, while Bozeman's snowfall averages 60 inches. There is shown through these tables that although the precipitation is not great, the need for weather protection is still a factor. Also slip protection for the entry should be considered. FAIRBANKS, ALASKA BOZEMAN, MONTANA In. 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 .50 J F M A M J J A S O N D T » '•:> rn x j & In. 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 .05 J F M A M J J A S O N D m I -1 — 1 1-1 §- w O Q W oc o ftS £ w 5 H z CZ3 W u H w < * H u WIND For the most part, winds in the Fairbanks area do not present a problem, as they do not blow very often. When it is windy, the prevailing winds are northerly for 10 out of the 12 months, only in June and July do the prevailing winds come from the Southwest. SOLAR The following charts show the total possible sunshine taken on the 15th of each month, comparatively for Fairbanks and Bozeman. Keeping in mind that these times are from sunrise to sunset, and don't take into consideration dawn and dusk when there is still daylight. It is seen here that although it gets very dark in Fairbanks during the winter, with the shortest day having approximately 4 hours of daylight, there is a substantial degree of daylight in the summer with nearly 2 months of constant light. It is essential to provide outdoor spaces and activities as Fairbanksans tend to spend as much time as possible out of doors during the summer monthes. FAIRBANKS, AK BOZEMAN, MT JANUARY 5 hours 02 mins. 9 hours 09 mins. FEBRUARY 8:28 10:27 MARCH 11:40 11:53 APRIL 15:11 13:29 MAY 18:43 14:51 JUNE 21:53 15:35 JULY 20:15 15:17 AUGUST 16:39 14:06 SEPTEMBER 13:07 12:34 OCTOBER 9:46 11:01 NOVEMBER 6:16 9:35 DECEMBER 3:42 8:48 w a Q W « Q cn nJ < Z < Pi £ W * H W w H Uh < EC S H u SITE ANALYSIS Due to the fact that this project consists primarily of a renovation of an existing structure, and to the unique nature of the existing structure, many of the traditional areas of architectural site analysis will have very little impact. LOCATION The site is located in interior Alaska, roughly 11 miles west of Fairbanks, just off the Parks Highway (the major road connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska's two largest cities). It is also approximately 1-1/2 miles from the town of Ester, which was the last support camp for the dredge before it ceased operation circa 1960. The close proximity to Ester will be advantageous in the draw of tourists to the site, as Ester already has a firmly es­ tablished tourist trade. Fairbanks will provide a base point for the tourist trade, as it is the second largest city in Alaska, and is established as a transportation hub. Both Fairbanks and Ester will be able to provide the establishment with the local clientele. See map 1. The dredge itself is situated in one of two large ponds remaining from the mining effort. It is nestled into the hollow of the valley, and is surrounded by mounds of tailings that were deposited as the dredge moved through. These tailing mounds support small deciduous vegetation. The dredge site is enclosed by the large ridges that surround the valley, the closest one being Chena Ridge, about 4000 feet to the Southeast. These ridges support an abundance of mature vegetation. On a clear day, the Alaska Mountain range can be seen rising behind Chena Ridge. The only other manmade structures within site of the dredge is the drag line (also used in mining operations), and they sit, in relative seclusion, in their final resting place. See map 2. I haven't defined a specific boundary for the site because the majority of the property in the immediate vicinity is owned by the Fairbanks Exploration Company, also the current owner of the dredge. It is assumed that the company would either be developing the dredge renovation, or would contract the use of their land for a trail network. M A P 1 Arctic Circle SITE Fairbanks Parks Highway Alcan Highway Anchorage. >Juneau Scale: 0 100 200 300 ALASKA Nt To Ester 1 1/2 mile* To Fairbanks 11 miles m±p. \ ^^^gDredge loci m Scale: SITE N t To Anchorage 350 miles EXISTING CIRCULATION There is currently only a minor road leading from the Parks Highway to the dredge location. This road would need to be upgraded to accommodate the increased traffic flow to the restaurant. The improvement of this road should be relatively simple and inexpensive since the road currently runs over the stable and well-drained dredge tailings. The existing road is positioned such that it creates a dynamic approach to the dredge. Pedestrian circulation is currently non-existant, as the area has been unused for several years. The future pedestrian circulation will need to be carefully considered to take full advantage of the site. UTILITIES There are no utilities available on or near the site. It is assumed that the utilities required to run the establishment would be private, with the possible exception of electricity. SENSORY The location of the dredge is in an excellent area to promote a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. The noises from the highway will be minimized due to the distance, and the degree of vegetation between the road and the dredge. The location and the isolation from other manmade structures also allow undisturbed views from the establishment to be ideal from any point. EXISTING BUILDING ANALYSIS The dredge housing is a rectangular structure 74 feet wide by 120 feet long. It sits on a steel barge that is also 74 feet wide, but is 172 feet long. The housing has the appearance of several rectangular boxes stacked on top of each other, and reaches a height of 62 feet off the barge. The structure of the dredge housing is heavy timber, and the skin is made up of metal sheeting. Inside the dredge there are very few floors, the interior space being con­ sumed by the mechanical workings of the dredge. This equipment is supported by an internal steel structure and accessed primarily by catwalks. Outside, on the barge deck, there are more mechanical components, including the booms and bucket line. The entire dredge measures a total of 356 feet in length, and 90 feet in width (not including the tie wires). There has been a caretaker watching the Ester dredge since it shut down, and unlike the other dredges in the area which have been vandalized, this dredge is still in mint condi­ tion. It contains all of the original machinery and could still be used for its original purpose, with very few preliminary repairs. See Appendix B for dredge photographs. See Mining Technology for typical plan and elevation. USER IDEOLOGY The intent of this project is to attract three different user groups. The primary group would be tourists, the others consisting of recreational users, and locals. The user group made up of tourists would contribute the greatest number of patrons to the dredge, particularly in the summer months when the tourist season is at its peak. The site and building would be the primary draw to attract these users, with the food, service, and atmosphere backing up. For this reason it is essential that the historic character of the area remain intact. The dining needs of the tourists would be good food, with efficient service, served in an authentic, exciting space. The recreational users would tend to utilize the facility during the day and early evening, occupying the dredge for only a small portion of their time on the site. The primary draw for these users would be the trail network and recreational facilities, with the dredge as a destination point. The dining requirements of the recreational users would be minimal, consisting of light lunches and bar snacks. The local users would utilize the establishment primarily on weekends, in a manner similar to that of the recreational users. They would also use the bar after work hours on weekdays, and dine out on occasion. The needs of this user group are the most varied. They require a bar with a relaxed atmosphere where they can feel comfortable conversing between themselves. They also require a place for relatively formal dining, and the historic flavor for entertaining visitors. The aim of this project is to effectively integrate the great variation between the user groups, and in the atmosphere requirements, into a unified whole. o Q W 04 Q C4 W H in W W S3 H o c J c w Q HH OS tf C/) P SPACE ANAI.YSIS The following space analysis is provided to give the reader an idea of the spaces, and their accompanying square footage requirements, that will be included in the establishment. The program is flexible and spaces may be added or deleted as deemed necessary. There is a great deal of interior space available within the dredge, and this program only utilizes a portion of it. The additional space will allow for the accommodation of existing machinery in the design, the incorporation of large cavernous spaces, and/or future interior expansion of the facility. There is approximately 14000 square feet of space utilized in this program, while the dredge has a ground floor area of 8000 square feet with vertical space to add four times as much floor area, a total of 32000 square feet available for use. SPACE: ENTRY/LOBBY COAT ROOM RESTROOMS 2 @ 220 2 @ 130 6@ 40 BAR GALLERY DINING KITCHEN MANAGERS OFFICE EMPLOYEE LOUNGE/ WAIT STATION UPPER PREP AREA STORAGE MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS: 1100 square feet 160 " 940 1700 350 3020 1650 150 670 650 1210 500 SUBTOTAL 12100 square feet CIRCULATION @ 15% 1900 " TOTAL OUTDOOR DINING PARKING 14000 square feet N/A N/A m o m A o 06 w H CO m J < W w c OH cn s 44 IF *MN ** ENTRY/LOBBY: 1100 S.F. DESCRIPTION: The entry is the transition space between the outside world and the interior of the dredge. It should be inviting while at the same time be relatively subdued and have the character of an entry. There should be a contrast developed between the scale of the entry and the scale of the major interior spaces. The lobby will act as an entry point for both the dining and bar areas, as well as a reception and gathering area. It should be a comfortable spacious area in which patrons can relax while waiting for dinner or friends. USERS: Patrons, staff, and management. RELATIONSHIPS: Coat room, dining, bar, and restrooms. NEEDS: Air-lock entry, snow grate, mat, ashtray, garbage, menu display, comfort­ able chairs and couches, endtables, plants, and audio system. OTHER: The entry should be protected from adverse weather conditions. COAT ROOM: 160 S.F. DESCRIPTION: The coat room is necessary in Alaska, due to the need for extensive winter clothing. Accommodations for a coat check counter and security will be provided. The space is to be centally located and will act as a secondary reception station as well as the coat check. USERS: Patrons, hostess, and staff. RELATIONSHIPS: Entry/lobby and bar. NEEDS: Coat racks, cupboards, counter, employee station. RESTROOMS: 2 @ 220 2 @130 6 J < Z < g g X < r . d . P* cn H aj W MECHANICAL: 500 S.F. DESCRIPTION: A space containing the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC equipment for the restaurant. It should be acoustically separated from the spaces that patrons will occupy. USERS: Management, service personnel. RELATIONSHIPS: Kitchen, service entry. NEEDS: Mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems, hot water systems, electrical and telephone panels. OTHER: The mechanical space should be accessible from the exterior. OUTDOOR DINING: DESCRIPTION: The outdoor dining area would serve a light menu in an informal at­ mosphere. It would be utilized only about 4 months out of the year, but is essential none the less to take advantage of the warm summer days. USERS: Patrons, wait staff, hostess, manager. RELATIONSHIPS: Dining, kitchen, restrooms. NEEDS: Weather protection, chairs, tables, plants, wait station. OTHER: Need to maintain some insect and sun control. PARKING: DESCRIPTION: Parking will need to be provided for all patrons. It should be close proximity to the dredge without being a visual eyesore or distracting from the ap p roach. USERS: Patrons, staff, management. RELATIONSHIPS: Entry, recreational area. NEEDS: Lighting, snow removal accessibility, landscaping. The code search has been provided as a base point of essential requirements from which the design will emerge. ' i i S3 X in Q O u CODE SEARCH PROJECT: Ester Dredge Renovation (Restaurant) LOCATION: Ester, Alaska Required Codes: Building Fire Mechanical Plumbing Electrical U.B.C. U.F.C. U.M.C. U.P.C. M.E.C. Occupancy Group: A-3 Any building or portion of a building having an assembly room with an occu pant load of less than 300 people and without a stage. Building Type: Type IV: Heavy Timber Construction. Allowable Floor Area: 13,500 square feet per floor. m O a m en a « w W < LzJ a M £ w SC o l! ° H u Building Height: 65 feet. 2 stories. Fire Resistance: Exterior walls: 2 hours if less than 5 feet from property line. 1 hour if less than 40 feet from property line. Not applicable in this project. Exterior walls 4 hour. Interior walls 1 hour. Partitions 1 hour or HT. Structural frame 1 hour or HT. Shafts 1 hour. Roofs HT. Floors HT. Openings in Exterior Walls: None of less than 5 feet from the property line. Protected if less than 10 feet from the property line. Not applicable in this project. No parapet required due to location on property; unrestricted openings permitted. Occupant Load: Square feet required per occupant: Dining 15 Lounge 15 Kitchen 200 Lobby 7 Exit Requirements: A minimum of 2 exits other than elevators where the number of occupants is greater than 50 people for dining and lounge, and 30 people in the kitchen. A minimum of 3 exits for 500 to 1000 occupants per floor. A minimum of 4 exits for 1001 or more occupants per floor. Exits from secondary areas on balconies or mezzanines may be by stairs only except when such secondary areas contain the only available toilet facility. Floors used exclusively for service, and storage rooms less than 300 square feet, may have only one exit. The number of exits required from any story shall be determined by using the occu pant load of that story plus 50% of any story above and below (when the story below exits through the story under consideration) and 25% of the occupant load in the story immediately beyond the adjacent story. If there are only two exits required they will be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line between exits. The distance between exits will be no greater than 150 feet without sprinklers, or 200 feet with sprinklers. The width of the exits will be the occupant load divided by 50, and split between the exits; minimum size is 3' x 6!-8". Swing out exit doors are required with an occupant load greater than 50 people; they must be operable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge, or may utilize a locking door with a sign stating, "This door must remain unlocked during business hours". Corridor: Width of a corridor may not be less than 44 inches if the number of occupants is greater than 10 people. Height of a corridor may not be less than 7 feet from the lowest element. Construction of not less than 1 hour fire restriction for an occupant load greater than 30 people. Openings in corridors must be tight fitting and smoke controlled for not less than 20 minutes. There will be no dead end corridors with a length greater than 20 feet. Stairs and Ramps: Width of the stairs may not be less than 44 inches for an occupant load greater than 50 people. Risers 4 to 7 inches; the greatest riser height shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Run not less than 11 inches. Handrails must be 30 to 34 inches above the nose on the tread, and not less than 1 1/2 inches from the wall. Each side greater than 88 inches requires intermediate handrails. Ramps have the same width requirements as stairs with a slope of 1 to 12. ZONING The site on which the Ester Dredge is located is outside Fairbanks city limits, and is under the jurisdiction of the North Star Borough. It is situated in an undeveloped area that currently has no zoning code imposed upon it. ENDNOTES lEdie lee Cohen and Sherman R. Emery, Dining bv Design: Interior Design's Hand- bood of Dining and Restaurant Facilities (New York: Cahners Publishing Co., 1984), p. 9. 2Susan Clogan. Restaurant Design: Ninetv-five Spaces that Work (New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1987), p. 8. 3Cohen, p. 5. 4Reynaldo Alejandro, Restaurant Design (New York: PBC International, Inc., 1987), p. 195. 5Paul Marantz, "On Restaurant Lighting," Interior Design. March 1983, p. 224. 6Barbaralee Diamonstein, Buildings Reborn: New Uses. Old Places (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1978), p. 9. 7Diamonstein, p. 13. 8William C. Shopsin, AIA. Restoring Old Buildings for Contemporary Uses: an American Sourcebook for Architects and Preservationists (New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1986), p. 25. BIBLIOGRAPHY Alejandro, Reynaldo. Restaurant Design. New York: PBC International, Inc., 1987. Austin, Richard L. ASLA. Adaptive. Reuse: Issues and Case Studies in Building Preservation. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1988. Cantacuzino, Sherban. New Uses for Old Buildings. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1975. Cohen, Edie Lee and Sherman R. Emery. Dining by Design: Interior Design's Handbook of Dining nndRestaurant Facilities. New York: Cahners Publishing Co., 1984. Colgan, Susan. Restaurant Design: Ninetv-five Spaces That Work. New York: Watson- Guptill Publications, 1987. Diamonstein, Barbaralee. Buildings Reborn: New Uses. Old Places. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1978. Harris, Cyril M. "Acoustics in Restaurant Design." Interior Design, March 1983, p. 188-190. Henderson, Justin. "Entertainment Winner: Sapinsley Architecture." Interiors, Jan. 1988, p.162. Hume, Gary and Kay Weeks. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, 1983. "Industries, Extraction and Processing." Encyclopaedia Britannica: Macropaedia. 1985 ed, p. 348,411. Marantz, Paul. "On Restaurant Lighting." Interior Design. March 1983, p. 224-225. Packard, Howard A. Jr. Gold Dredge on the Yankee Fork. Great Falls, Montana: Yankee Fork Publishing Company, 1983. "Placer Mining." Encyclopaedia Britannica: Micropaedia. 1985 ed, p. 491. "Printing Plant becomes a Club." Architecture. Feb. 1984, p.50-53. Rohe, Rand E. "Gold Dredging in the American West: Origin and Diffusion." Pacific Historian. Spring 1984, p. 4-17. Shopsin, William C., AIA. Restoring Old Buildings for Contemporary Uses: an American Sourcebook for Architects and Preservationists. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1986. Thompson, Elisabeth Kendall, FAIA, ed. Recycling Buildings: Renovations. Remodelings, Restorations, and Reuses. New York: McGraw Hill Book Company, 1977. United States Department of Commerce. Climatic Atlas of the United States. Washington D.C.: United States Governmental Printing Office, 1968. Viladas, Pilar. "Cool and Crisp." Progressive Architecture. March 1987, p. 104-107. Wagner, Michael and Dennis Paoletti. "Acoustics: Guidelines for Controlling Sound in Restaurants." Interiors. Dec. 1987, p. 62. White, Edward T. Site Analysis: Diagramming Information for Architectural Design. Tucson, Arizona: Architectural Media, 1983. Willson, David Winfield. "Observations on Creative Restaurant Lighting." Interior Design, Jan. 1984, p. 270-275. THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION The Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR 67) comprise that section of the overall historic preservation standards addressing the most prevalent treatment today: Rehabilitation. "Re­ habilitation" is defined as the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values. The Standards for Rehabilitation are as follows: 1. Every reasonable effort shall be make to provide a compatible use for a property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose. 2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible. 3. All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged. 4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and re­ spected. 5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity. 6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever pos­ sible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or struc­ tures. 7. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken. 8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resource affected by, or adjacent to any project. 9. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, archi­ tectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, mate­ rial, and character of the property, neighborhood or environment. 10. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired. In terms of specific project work, preservation of the building and its historic charac­ ter is based on the assumption that (1) the historic materials and features and their unique craftsmanship are of primary importance and that (2), in consequence they will be retained, protected, and repaired in the process of rehabilitation to the greatest extent possible, not removed and replaced with materials and features which appear to be historic, but which are — in fact — new. To best achieve these preservation goals, a two-part evaluation needs to be applied by qualified historic preservation professionals for each project as follows: first, a particular property's materials and features which are important in defining its historic character should be identified. Examples may include a building's walls, cornice, window sash and frames and roof; rooms, hallways, stairs, and mantels; or a site's walkways, fences, and gardens. The second part of the evaluation should consist of assessing the potential impact of the work necessary to make possible an efficient contemporary use. A basic assumption in this proc­ ess is that the historic character of each property is unique and therefore proposed rehabilita­ tion work will necessarily have a different effect on each property; in other words, what may be acceptable for one project may be unacceptable for another. However, the requirement set forth in the definition of "Rehabilitation" is always the same for every project: Those por­ tions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values must be preserved in the process of rehabilitation. To accomplish this, all ten of the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation" must be met. DREDGE IMAGES The following photographs are selected images that are intended to give the reader a feeling for the character and function of the dredge. These images are not necessarily of the Ester Dredge, and will be duly noted. Deserted gold dredge at the Chatanika Gold Camp. Chatanika, Alaska Front view of the Chatanika Gold Dredge. Chatanika, Alaska Front view of the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge operation. Yankee Fork River, Idaho iWrr. Front gantry and catwalk on the Chatanika Gold Dredge. Chatanika, Alaska Rear view showing gantry, stacker, and spud. Chatanika, Alaska * V* »i w',5 •" i, r > * vi v*m &?' \] * « « • " • • The trommel, a large perforated drum into / which the the gold bearing gravel is dumped. / The fines (smaller material) are washed through the holes to the sluices below, and the tailings are removed on the stacker. Yankee Fork River, Idaho. Zif Xj m !l :i : ] J .r '0* j i Ts1l w o Q w PS Q PS W H cn W £ „ Q W z NH g MM H < » Some of the large winches used to run the dredge, these f 1 particular winches operate the ladder and ladder swing. Yankee Fork River, Idaho \» W O Q W « Q 06 W H in W £ Q Z w Pu C- < ca W pa H FINAL DESIGN The following images have been provided to show the final design solution to this program. I hope that thedrawings are relatively self explanatory, and that the images portray the feeling of the dredge and the restaurant. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my advisor, Pam Bancroft, for all her help and support during these two quarters. ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ESTER DREDGE ( tt n "Voo 4-1 • "?' i^ 1§B33ffi hTtiyrwT ;i: DATE DUE