5 Shoreline Buildings At Risk Of Collapse In Earthquake: State

SHORELINE, WA - State officials have completed a new map of about 4,500 buildings across the state that are at risk of collapse in a strong earthquake. Many are unreinforced-masonry (URM) buildings across the state, which tend to be older structures that can "pancake" in an earthquake.

There are five buildings in Shoreline in the database, including landmarks like The Crest movie theater and the North City Elementary School building, the temporary home of Parkwood Elementary.

UPDATE: Shoreline school sent an update on the situation at North City/Parkwood elementary. The building was inspected in 2015 and has been deemed largely safe. Here's what the district said:

The data we received in that 2015 assessment was used in part to determine the priorities for schools to be replaced with the 2017 Bond approved by voters. In addition, the data identified the building systems that needed to be addressed or replaced in every school, even those not included in the 2017 Bond replacement plan.

The information for North City Elementary School in the 2015 certified assessment identified the building components (foundations, slabs on grade, building sub-drainage, roof construction, exterior walls & windows) all as 90% Good. Exterior doors were not ADA compliant (replaced with the 2017 renovation). The surface materials on the roof were rated as “62% Fair”, due to a need to add protective coating and address deteriorating soffits (replaced in the current renovation). All interior construction and finishes were rated as “90% Good”, except flooring, which has been partially replaced and will be fully replaced as part of the current renovation, and ceiling tiles which have also been replaced. Plumbing rated “90% Good”, HVAC “62% Fair” (being replaced now), and the fire suppression system needed to be replaced (done).The electrical system was rated “90% Good”, except the need to replace certain light fixtures (done). Data communication has been upgraded since 2015. Safety straps have been added to equipment in the gym, and other furnishings that were rated as “62% Fair” have been replaced.

The database was compiled by the state Department of Commerce and Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and completed in October. The report and database were presented to state lawmakers last week.

"URM buildings contribute to the unique, distinct character of the state’s cities and towns. While historic and frequently majestic, URM buildings are prone to partial or complete collapse in the event of an earthquake," commerce department director Brian Bonlender wrote in a letter to the state Legislature last fall. "Washington’s URM buildings suffered extensive damage during earthquakes in 1945, 1969 and 2001. Similar earthquakes around the world have shown just how vulnerable URM building construction can be if left unmitigated."

The database includes buildings across the state built before the 1960s. Buildings in the database include apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, fire stations, and commercial structures. In a strong earthquake, the exterior walls of a URM buildings can sway, allowing the floors to separate and fall to the ground. The buildings can be retrofitted to withstand earthquakes.

Even in weaker earthquakes, parapets on top of URM buildings can fall and cause damage on the streets below. In the 2001 magnitude 6.8 Nisqually quake, pieces of old brick buildings in Pioneer Square in Seattle fell, crushing cars and other objects, but luckily missing people.

You can see the whole database here.