In early 2024, TM Construction (previously Ponderosa Construction) took on one of its most ambitious and meaningful projects: the restoration and transformation of the historic Fitterer’s Building in downtown Ellensburg, WA. 

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Spanning 22,000 square feet, this iconic structure—built by the Fitterer family in 1906, has been a cornerstone of the city’s history for over a century. 

With this project, we were tasked with modern reconstruction throughout and designing a secure, state-of-the-art floor system that would allow for standardized office and retail spaces on every floor, while maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

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The building’s age and unique construction posed extraordinary challenges. The second floor, suspended by the third, was deemed unsafe for any use, and the entire structure needed significant reinforcement. The historic designation of the building added further complexity; the exterior had to remain untouched, including its iconic windows. 

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The solution was both innovative and technically demanding. Our team constructed a structual floor system with the use of new concrete footings and a post-and-beam framework. This system not only stabilized the second floor, but also leveled it perfectly, allowing for modern use without compromising the building’s exterior.

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Inside, the scope of the project expanded to a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) upgrade. This included the installation of a 3-phase, 800-amp electric service, new HVAC systems, and extensive plumbing work to add five extra bathrooms. Each step required expert precision, due to the original floor’s unique design. Minor challenges along the way, such as water damage discovered mid-construction, threatened to derail the compressed timeline, but our team tackled the repairs head-on. 

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The project was completed in roughly eight months—a remarkable feat for work that would typically require 15. Alongside the structural improvements, Ponderosa Construction also managed to also complete tenant buildouts simultaneously.

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One of the most rewarding aspects of the restoration came as a surprise. While addressing water damage, we uncovered a hidden mural—one of the oldest Levi Strauss advertisements in the country! This discovery added another layer of historical significance to the project. The building also revealed other treasures of the past, including originally Ellensburg brick and beams sourced from Carnegie steel– connecting the Fitterer’s Building to a broader industrial legacy.

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Today, the Fitterer’s Building stands as a symbol of our commitment to blending history with progress. It’s more than just a successful, completed project—it’s now home. Our office on the top floor offers breathtaking views of downtown Ellensburg– a constant reminder of the care and craftsmanship that went into restoring this beloved landmark.