Cambridge Apartments Renovation Wins ABC Awards

The Cambridge at twilight, photo by William Wright.

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington (ABC) awarded The Cambridge Apartments the Eagle of Excellence Award and the Excellence in Construction Award in the Historical Restoration/Renovation $10- $25 million category. The Eagle of Excellence Award is the highest honor ABC offers. The award recognizes four pillars of distinction: excellence, design, integrity, and safety. The Puget Sound Business Journal featured the win.

For more than two years, Rafn Company served as the general contractor for the major renovation of Bellwether Housing’s historic Cambridge Apartments on First Hill. Rafn, alongside SMR Architects and I.L. Gross Structural Engineers, made seismic and life safety upgrades, restored a historic lobby and radio room, and brought the building up to the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard. All 157 apartments received new carpet, cabinets, windows, and energy efficient appliances. Rafn renovated several apartments to be accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other physical disabilities.

Rafn also received the ABC Excellence in Construction Award in recognition of their work on The Cambridge restoration. ABC commended Rafn for minimizing impacts to the nearly one-third of Cambridge tenants who lived in the building throughout the renovation.

After this award winning restoration, The Cambridge will continue to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable homes near downtown to its 100th anniversary in 2023 and beyond.

The refinished lobby includes resident seating.

The Cambridge was originally a hotel. The honeymoon suite features decorative crown molding.