While Ivar’s was closed for nine months because of Seattle’s seawall project, W.G. Clark was given the task of completely renovating it in time for the summer tourist season. All materials had to be barged to the pier, since there was no land access during the seawall construction. With tight coordination and the cooperation of multiple parties including the City of Seattle and Pacific Pile & Marine, the critical deadline was met.

The restaurant’s kitchen has doubled in size, and expanded seating will accommodate 600 guests. In keeping with the warm atmosphere, the original wood was sandblasted to create a natural look, and a walnut-blasted, fir-lined ceiling pays homage to the wharf. A stained glass window originally commissioned by founder Ivar Haglund has been repurposed, becoming a new focal point and reflecting the story of an “old settler on the beach surrounded by acres of clams.” A large new banquet room has replaced two smaller ones, and the interior was completely revamped, including the addition of windows showing off the waterfront views. The 45,000 SF facility includes restaurant, office and tenant spaces on the first level and a second level for future TI space.

The project was the winner of the Grand Award for Excellence in Construction at the 2016 AGC of Washington’s Build Washington Awards, as well as in its initial category of Tenant Improvements over $5 Million.