The jury awards a Civic/Institutional Design Citation of Merit for the restoration of Climate Pledge Arena. This historic arena, originally the Century 21 - Washington State Coliseum, played a pivotal role during the 1962 Century 21 Exposition. Designed by Paul Thiry, it showcased innovative architectural feats, including its massive clear-span structure and distinctive glass curtain walls. Over time, the arena faced obsolescence, but it was saved through creative adaptive reuse. To accommodate modern needs, a new atrium lobby and entrance plaza were constructed on the south side, offering a transparent and visually minimal addition. The interior was completely reimagined, with the event floor lowered and a regulation-size arena installed. Notably, the historic concrete buttresses, perimeter piers and glass curtain wall were preserved during excavation and construction. The project adhered to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, utilizing federal tax credits. Today, Climate Pledge Arena stands as one of the largest and most iconic structures from the Century 21 Exposition, retaining its distinctive profile and serving as a prominent landmark in Seattle. 

Oak View Group

Architect of Record: Populous; General Contractor: Mortenson; Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti; Preservation Consultant: Historic Resources Group; Local Architect: DLR Group; MEP Engineer: ME Engineers; Landscape Architect: Swift Company; Owner’s Representative/Project Manager: CAA ICON