Chelan County, located in the heart of Washington State and defined by the dynamic convergence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers, is a region shaped by its rugged geography and hydroelectric prowess. The Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) is both steward and innovator, responsible for three major dams as well as a network of parks, trails, boat launches, and the Rocky Reach Discovery Center. These facilities knit together Chelan’s communities and connect residents and visitors to the area’s natural, historical, and technological heritage.
Chelan County PUD
For decades, the PUD’s scattered operations facilities supported these vital public services, but aging infrastructure had grown increasingly costly to maintain and limited both operational agility and future growth. In 2015, faced with the choice to continue maintaining outdated sites or to invest in a forward-thinking solution, the PUD, in partnership with TCF, embarked on an extensive economic analysis.
This 50-year comparative study thoroughly evaluated whether to maintain, rebuild, or consolidate facilities — a critical fiscal and strategic decision. The results pointed the way towards a new, unified Service Center: a campus uniquely positioned where rivers, travel corridors, and the daily flow of utility operations intersect.
The vision for this new facility extended beyond simple replacement, instead reaching for civic landmark in reflection of the PUD’s foundational role in the region. The architecture draws inspiration from the exposed basalt cliffs surrounding the river basin. Robust material selections and textured façades echo this natural geology, giving the facility an enduring, authentic extension of the landscape it serves. Public amenities invite guests to explore the outdoor plaza, meet with a PUD engineer, or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch in the cafe. Together, the distinctive massing, prominent siting, and welcoming features reinforce the Service Center as an essential asset to residents of Chelan County and beyond.
Consistent engagement with staff representatives shaped the reorganization of 43 work groups, reflecting the needs of its workforce in streamlining operations, enhancing communication, and infusing long-term organizational resilience. A unifying theme of “confluence” emerged: connecting not just rivers, but also the short- and long-term goals of the PUD, its legacy technologies and emerging systems, and the needs of both senior and next-generation employees.
The PUD’s investment conveys support for a growing workforce and customer care, establishing an administration building with flexible, light-filled spaces, modern amenities, and enhanced wellbeing features, all while accommodating evolving workforce expectations. Open, adaptable offices, improved break and collaborative areas, and outdoor connections allow for safe interaction and community-building for agency staff.
To the public, the Service Center improves accessibility, transparency, and engagement — offering convenient touchpoints for customers and reinforcing the PUD’s role as a responsive, forward-looking agency. For all workers, the environment supports everyday tasks through strategic adjacencies, clear wayfinding, and spaces that foster pride, safety, and belonging. Highly sustainable strategies, including a commitment to meeting the AIA 2030 Challenge for energy conservation, contribute to reduced operational costs and advance Chelan County’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
Work
