Construction Manager
KingDome Renovation Project: $52M

On July 19, 1995, four Tectum ceiling panels dropped onto an empty spectator section just before a Mariners baseball game. The Kingdome was closed for investigation. It is thought that high pressure water utilized in the removal of the urethane foam roofing system may have exacerbated the release of the Tectum panels from the dome ceiling.

After an inspection, no assurance could be given that the remaining tiles would maintain their attachment to the concrete ceiling. Consequently, it was decided that all 40,000 of the acoustic panels and asphalt paper underneath should be removed from the bottom of the concrete dome. This effort provided, for the first time since the construction of the dome 18 years previously, a post construction view of the underside of the concrete roof shell. During construction, the Tectum panels were installed within the formwork for the concrete roof.

The Kingdome Renovation Project was managed by Mr. Dick Sandaas as the Kingdome Interim Director with Ms. Ann Kawasaki as Interim Director of Operation. Together, Mr. Sandaas and Ms. Kawasaki had full project control and responsibility for the design and construction efforts. Mr. Sandaas was under contract with the County through December 31, 1994, after which Mr. Vic Oblas, Technical Services Director of Metro, undertook the leadership role.

Mr. Sandaas chose two managers who were assigned specific areas of responsibility to cover the volume of work that was needed in the short amount of time. Brian Kasen was brought on as the Construction Manager to manage the General Construction. Brian Russell was assigned the task of managing the design and consultant scope of work. Each of these lead managers selected team members from Metro, King County, and contract personnel based on their experience, ability to produce, and attitude.

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