Historic Institutional Painting Case Study – University of Washington, Seattle

Project Overview

Element PCC has provided ongoing institutional painting services for the Pi Beta Phi sorority house at the

University of Washington in Seattle. The relationship began with a comprehensive historic exterior restoration in

2022 and has continued with recurring interior painting and maintenance work performed during summer

academic breaks. The project highlights Element PCC’s experience with historic substrates, lead-safe practices,

and long-term maintenance planning for university facilities.

Quick Project Facts

Project Type: Historic exterior restoration and recurring interior maintenance

Client: Pi Beta Phi (Owner-Direct) and RAFN Construction

Location: University of Washington – Greek Row, Seattle, Washington

Building Type: Historic sorority house (100+ years old)

Structure: Three-story building with original cedar shake siding

Project Timeline: Summer 2022 exterior restoration; ongoing maintenance 2023–2025

Exterior Restoration Scope

The initial exterior scope included lead-safe abatement and repainting of original cedar shake siding previously

coated with oil-based paint. Work required containment, compliant disposal, lift access using a 40-foot boom, and

permitted street use in tight alley and roadway conditions. The exterior restoration was completed during the

summer academic break to avoid disruption.

Ongoing Maintenance and Interior Work

Following the exterior restoration, Element PCC has returned annually to perform interior repainting, touch-ups,

and renovation-related painting in dorm rooms, common areas, bathrooms, and wet spaces. Paint systems and

colors have been logged to ensure consistency across multiple years of maintenance.

Project Constraints and Execution

Key constraints included historic substrates, lead compliance, limited site access, strict scheduling tied to the

academic calendar, and coordination with both owner-direct and general contractor-led scopes. Element PCC

successfully managed these requirements while maintaining safety, quality, and schedule reliability.

Results

The historic exterior was restored safely and compliantly, and interior finishes have been consistently maintained

over multiple years without disruption to the academic year. The work has resulted in continued owner satisfaction

and a long-term relationship.

Conclusion

The Pi Beta Phi projects at the University of Washington demonstrate Element PCC’s expertise as an institutional

painting contractor in Seattle, specializing in historic restoration, lead-safe practices, and long-term maintenance

for university and campus facilities.