Historic Property Inventory Report for Cladding
Olson Auditorium
Foundation
Veneer - Brick
Concrete - Poured
I NARRA TIVE SECTION Study Unit
at
1 2 1 80 Park A ve 5, #40, Parkland (Tacoma. WA 9844 7
Roof Material
Roof Type
Asphalt / Composition - Built Up
Date Of Construction :
Other
Education
Private Colleges and Universi
Ethnic Heritage
Norwegian 1 Scandinavian
Religion
Lutheran
Architect:
Flat with Parapet
1 969
Robert Billsbrough Price, Tacoma
Builder: Strom Construction Company. Tacoma Engineer: Skilling, Helle, Christiansen & Robertson, Seattle
Property appears to meet criteria for the National Regi ster of Historic Places: No Property is located in a potential historic d istrict (National and/or local):
Unable to Determine
Property potenti ally contributes to a historic district (National and/or local): Statement of Significance
Named for Clifford O. Olson, coach and athletic directo( from 1 929 to 1 948, Olson Auditorium was designed by Robert Billsborough Price, a noted Tacoma Architect of the mid20th century. The building itself continues to host athletic, arts and academic events and was built in response to the ever increasing needs of the expanding campus in the post足 World War II era. The sensitive use of materials within a restricted pallette livens up su rface. Robert Billsbrough Price ( 1 9 1 5- 1 981 ) was considered to be the most prolific architect in the Tacoma area from the 1 950s to the 1 970s . He was a graduate of the University of Washington and Massachusetts I nstitute of Technology's Architecture Programs. He was published several times and his wife Joan , also a licensed architect, worked with him in the firm and was responsible for many of the i nteriors. I n 1 966, Price was the first architect in Tacoma to be honored as a Fellow of the American I nstitute of Architects. Price's firm was responsible for Olson Auditorium ( 1 969) , Swimming Pool ( 1 965) and Tingelstad Hall ( 1 967) at Pacific Lutheran University. The Swimming Pool was featured in the July 1 966 issue of Progressive architecture for "returning nature to the indoor pool." James C . Tsang previously worked in Robert Billsbrough Price's office on a great many of his PLU projects including the Olson Coliseum and Tingelstad Hall. The Tsang Partnership carried out the remodel of the lower portion of the University Center i ncluding the Scandinavaian Center in 1 989, as well as performing a feasability study of East Campus. Richard Haag and Associates was the Landscape Architect. This firm is known nationally and internationally for its work including Gas-Works Park i n Seattle, WA, Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, WA and founder of the University of Washington Landscape Architecture Department. Arnold N. Bogue was the mechanical and electrical engneer for the project. EA Wetherill was the acousitical engineer, David Christian was the TV & radio sound engineer. Skilling, Helle, Christiansen & Robertson, Seattle was the structural engineer. According to the October 2 1 , 1 967 Portland, Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce the following contractors were the apparent low bidders for the project: General Contractor - Strom Construction Company, Tacoma , ; Mechanical Contractor - H-K Western, Tacoma; Electrical Contractor - Totem Electric, Tacoma
Description of Physical Appearance
The 49,500 square foot, irregular rectilinear shaped building is located to the north of 1 24th south and just to the west of swimming pool building. With the exception of the entrance and north side of the building there is very little glazing on the building. The windows and and other openings are detailed with precast concrete 1 cast stone frames. The north side of the building thas a brise soleil sunscreen, with vertical fins on either side of the windows. The same material is used for the entrance at the structure and the pilasters that support the large central mass. Apart from these elements the building is clad in running bond brick veneer. The rectilinear massing of the building also includes rectangular with rounded corners stairways and minor entrances to the building near the corners, symmetrically placed about the building. The exceptions to the building symmetry are the west wing and the entry canopy with ticket booths acting as the outboard support columns to the large pre-cast concrete structure above. The main space within the building is the auditorium 1 gym with stage. It is surrounded on its periphery by offices, 7 classrooms and is separated by a field house area by a row of handball and squash courts.
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