MWA was the Architect for this new, sustainable, and innovative membrane bioreactor (MBR) Clean Water Facility in a small coastal community. Located within a commercial district on the waterfront, directly adjacent to the celebrated Windjammer Park, the new structure serves as a civic asset woven into the community fabric. With plans for further commercial development and new public use facilities along the perimeter of the site, this project provides a groundbreaking approach to integrating economic development, recreational uses, and wastewater treatment into an urban environment.
MWA was also asked to master plan improvements to Windjammer Park to weave the new development into the existing context. The result is that the civic infrastructure improvements provide numerous park amenities including water features, accessible facilities, and vehicle/pedestrian connectors to the surrounding community.
Incorporating green building technology, the facility engages and contributes to its urban site, while achieving sustainability measures adapted to Washington State’s updated energy code compliance. The Administration and Maintenance buildings are LEED Silver certified. Harvesting the heating and cooling from the plant processes, the team designed a sustainable system that increases the mechanical efficiency of the buildings.
As with many of our large infrastructure projects, the design of this new plant involved a lengthy public outreach process. The City of Oak Harbor, Carollo Engineers, and MWA conducted a multi-year public involvement to site the plant. Working with the landscape architect, MWA co-facilitated numerous community outreach meetings to inform the overall design. A large Community Advisory Group and project website were established to foster inclusiveness and an outcome that is well-received by residents and the general public.