Exterior Renovation Project Updates

Last updated: August 21, 2025

Project Snapshot

Welcome to the temporary information hub for the exterior renovation of University Heights Center. Here you’ll find the latest schedule, safety information, FAQs, and other resources.

  • Overall Project scope: Repairs to and restoration of exterior envelope, including removal of existing lead-based paint; repairs and limited replacement of siding; and repainting exterior painted surfaces. The project also includes the restoration of selected windows to be operable.

  • Duration: Mid-May to Mid-October (~ 21 weeks/150 days)

  • Working Hours: Typically, 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

Overall Project Goal: Modernize our historic building while ensuring day‑to‑day activities for all tenants remain safe and minimally disrupted.

Milestones

Scaffolding installation complete

5/12-5/26 2025

Exterior access complete on all sides of the building.

Paint removal

5/26-8/4 2025

Paint removal and wood restoration.

Paint application

8/4/2025

Window restoration and paint application began on August 4th, 2025. The painting will be a darker green color to adhere to the historic color selection.

Substantial complettion

End of Dec 2025

All exterior work will be finished and final review begins.

Safety & Access Information

Designated Walkways

Please follow all pedestrian signage and stay on designated paths

Personal Protective Equipment Zones

Hard‑hat areas are clearly marked; visitors to construction areas must check in with the site superintendent.

Air Quality Controls

Follow state and federal regulations. See additional safety flyer and information in the document attached below.

Packages & Deliveries

No scheduled changes needed

Visual Progress Gallery

Downloads & Resources

Project Overview

Project name: Exterior Siding Lead Paint Removal & Remediation

Location: 120-year-old building - 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA

Project Start Date: July 2025

Target Completion: Anticipate end of December 2025

Primary Contractor: Bear Construction

Managing Entity: UHeights - Angela Mercado, Executive Director

Objective

Safely remove hazardous lead paint layers from a historic building while maintaining a safe environment for students, staff, and contractors. All removal activities will comply with State and Federal guidelines, and Labor & Industry standards.

Safety Protocols Summary

  • Project: Removal of lead paint from a 120-year-old building.

    Current Condition: Up to 7+ layers of paint in some areas, encapsulating lead under many coats.

    Lead Risk: Exposure can be hazardous; protocols are in place for safe removal.

    Temporary Impact: Scaffolding, plastic wrapping, and reduction in natural light in certain classrooms; changes in airflow, noise levels, and classroom comfort as a result.

    Removal Method:

    • Product used: Peel Away (white paste product), applied ¼–½ inch thick, covered with paper for 2–3 days.

    • Process: Paint and lead absorbed into paste, removed in sheets/batches, disposed of as hazardous waste.

    • Noise: Additional method uses a HEPA-filtered grinder (no sanding) to remove paint. Louder but contains particulates.

    • Waste Disposal: Hazardous, handled by professional companies and removed daily per regulations.

    Timeline

    • Contract Terms: 150 working days to complete.

    • Work Progression: Started southeast corner, moving counterclockwise; scaffolding is set up ahead of active work.

    • Next Steps: Prep work nearly done on the south side; painting projected to start around August 4, 2025. Painting and restoration of windows will work in consolidated sections of the building, and will take an estimated 2-3 weeks of window restoration and painting.

  • Air Monitoring: EPA-standard air tests to be used, employing cartridge-based samplers in work areas.

    Testing Regime: 8-hour daily sampling, cartridges analyzed at a local laboratory (near Aurora/50th), with daily results.

    Baseline Data: Goal to set ongoing metrics to reassure occupants.

    Exterior/Interior: Both external and internal air are being monitored to confirm project safety.

  • Air Conditioning: Dyson “loop” portable air circulating units to be provided to and exhaust AC ducting to assist with air flow.

    Building Sealing: All windows and perimeters to be sealed during work, a key measure to limit airborne lead or dust ingress.

    Window/Glass Replacement: Old, drafty single-pane glass being replaced (not the sashes), with new putty and seals; upper opening panes restored for future airflow. Weather stripping to enhance temperature control.

    Natural Light: Temporary reduction of natural light during work when windows are covered or replaced (plywood used for areas where windows are removed).

    Post-Work: Once initial painting is complete, plastic wrapping will be removed (scaffolding may remain); classrooms and common space will regain light and increased airflow.

  • Noise Source: Grinder/paint removal tool is a significant noise source; mostly finished for paint removal.

 FAQs

  • The loudest part is mostly behind us! The grinder and paint removal tools were the main noise sources, and we finished most of that work as of August 4, 2025. We are now in the painting phase, which is much quieter. You might hear some typical construction sounds, but nothing like the grinding we were doing earlier.

  • We do not expect to close any entrances during this work. If something comes up and we do need to temporarily block an entrance, we'll make sure to keep you informed. You will see signs posted outside, updates on our website, and we will reach out directly to our resident organizations to keep everyone in the loop.

  • Our outdoor daycare play areas and the P-Patch will not be affected by the work! We just ask that you keep a close eye on the little ones and make sure they stay in the designated play spaces, away from the work zones.

  • Most of your parking spots will stay available throughout the project. If we do need to temporarily redirect parking, spaces will be rerouted to our South Parking Lot. Current tenants, just reach out to our Operations Manager if you run into any parking issues.

  • If the schedule changes, you will hear from us! We will send updates through our usual internal communications and post any changes on our website. If there is a major shift, we will also get flyers out to make sure everyone is in the know.

    Here is where we stand right now: We started at the southeast corner and are moving counterclockwise around the building. Our scaffolding team stays ahead of the active work areas to keep everything running smoothly. The team has been painting since August 4, 2025 and are making good progress, working their way clockwise around the building, with an estimate of two to three weeks for each section.

Feedback & Contacts

We value your input. For questions or concerns, please reach out to us directly:

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we improve our shared community center. Your safety and program continuity are our top priority.