In 1991, Reid Middleton opened our Anchorage office. Over the last 30 years, we’ve had the chance to work on a lot of projects…and we look forward to the opportunity to work on many, many more! For our 30th anniversary of serving the Last Frontier, we wanted to look back at some of our memorable projects in Alaska.
Lower Kuskokwim School District Napaskiak K-12 School
David Stierwalt, PE, SE
This project was memorable for David due to its complexity, remoteness, and impact to the community.
The complexity included the elevated, pile-supported structure, the mathematical modeling, and the unique Structural Insulated Panel materials used in all aspects of the project. The remoteness of the project led to many unique solutions that required materials to be planned, accumulated, and packaged well before barging and flying them to the site. Lastly, the community impact was huge; being able to bring a bright, new, energy efficient building to the community was rewarding. Being able to incorporate native Alaskan concepts, artwork and themes throughout the building helped to make this building feel like it was immediately part of the community and had been for a long time.
David has worked in Alaska for 20 years and currently manages the Anchorage office.
University of Alaska Anchorage & Alaska Pacific University Consortium Library
Ken Andersen, PE, SE
This project included an irregular (peanut) shaped building with many challenges – foremost the curved pre-cast exterior wall panels, 3-stories in height, that leaned outwards at 14-degrees. It was a fun project with a great design team and a great client. It was also the first of many significant projects we had the honor and privilege of working on for the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Ken led the Anchorage office for 15 years before returning to Washington in 2015 and turning over management to David Stierwalt.
University of Alaska Anchorage Pedestrian “Parrish” Bridge
Mike Fierro, PE, SE
For this project, Mike remembers most the opportunity he had to personally design the aesthetics of the bridge, which made for a unique experience. Mike also has a personal connection with the institution, having received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Developing the final construction documents also required a collaborative effort between Mike, the fabricator, erector, and general contractor. He takes great pride in seeing the Parrish Bridge being used by many future generations of engineers – and inspire them as well! For Courtney, the project reminds her of the only time she changed her vacation plans so she could watch some of the major steel erection.
Mike has worked in our Anchorage office for 21 years.
Alaska State Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory
Courtney Willoughby, PE, SE
One of Courtney’s first projects with Reid Middleton stands out for her. She participated in so many aspects of the building design, from the basic structural skeleton, to working with the Architects in supporting their interior decorations, designing a firing range on the second floor, and even the art sculpture in the front of the building. It was satisfying for Courtney to see the project go right into construction and witness her designs being built.
Courtney has worked in our Anchorage office for 12 years.
U.S. Coast Guard Kodiak Fuel Pier & Cargo Wharf Upgrade
Willy Ahn, PE
Willy’s favorite recollection was getting the opportunity to work with the U.S. Coast Guard to help them design a solution for repairing and upgrading components of their fuel pier and cargo wharf in Kodiak, Alaska. Willy’s inventive approach ultimately helped save over $37 million.
Willy has completed 13 waterfront projects throughout Alaska.
Congratulations! Have enjoyed working with all of you. My favorite experience was beating Mike Fierro in COE golf league when he used his pink ball……….
Here’s to many more years of success!
With almost twenty years of being on teams that include Reid Middleton, my memories immediately go to the humor and fun . . . I have always looked forward to the chances to catch up before and after meetings, and the professional value (and laughter) that you all contribute.
Thank you for that.