Renovations

We began the Brossmann project as a boiler replacement in the fall of 2004. It turned into a major heating renovation project when the owners decided to make the home a comfort dream, coupled with energy efficiency.

The boiler system we replaced had failed prematurely, due to improper installation. The owners were so pleased with the results, they had us replace all of the heating circuits in the home and install several zones of radiant floor heating with Runtal wall panel radiators and Towel Bar Warmers. The original system used copper fin-tube baseboard.

The home overlooks the Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. The esthetic of the new system was as important to the Brossmann's, as the breathtaking views from the front decks and living room.

The first challenge was fitting the new equipment in the tiny basement mechanical room (4´x7ft. closet ) It required careful planning to fit all the goodies in such a small space. The Viessmann Vitodens boiler is the heat source using a VitoCell V300-79g indirect DHW tank for ample domestic hot water. This family has high DHW usage with 2 adults and 6 children (and guests). We sized the tank accordingly and there's no complaints of "the shower's cold". We futured piping for a solar DHW vacuum tube rooftop array to supplement the tank, when the solar tax credits are more favorable.

The larger challenge was adding the Main floor radiant mix zone. We had completed the system when the owners added the entire Main floor as a "staple-up" application. ART designed and built a custom bracket assembly on the VitoCell DHW tank to make it all work when space was non-existent.

The Basement zone features a large entertainment room and vertical Runtal wall panels. We used Runtal UF style baseboard in the bedrooms and Runtal towel bar warmers in all the bathrooms.
All radiators have a thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) installed for precise temperature control.

The 2nd floor level uses both Runtal UF style baseboard in the Master bedroom and a vertical WPR in the office. We installed radiant floor heating in two additional bedrooms using Uponor QuickTrak™ panels and Oventrop UniBox controllers.

The Meeker Mansion is located in Puyallup, WA. It was the home of Ezra Meeker, an early settler to the Northwest, who popularized the Oregon Trail and was the author of many books, including The Old Oregon Trail. Ezra was known as the "Hop king" and was a remarkable man. He crossed the Oregon Trail 3 times by covered wagon and ox team, once by train in 1912, automobile in 1915, and once by biplane in 1924. He died in 1928 just short of his 98th birthday..

The 17 room Italianate Victorian mansion was built for just he and his wife in 1887, after she was presented to Queen Victoria and apparently became smitten with the finer things in life. Ezra was quite content with his log-cabin lifestyle, but agreed that his wife could have such a house that she wanted...if she could pay for it. She did.

The home was designed by Ferrell and Darmer Architects, of Tacoma, and took 3 years to build. The Meekers lived here for 20 years, until Mrs. Meeker died in 1909. Ezra walked away from the home shortly after his wife's death. The home was subsequently used as a hospital and nursing home.

The mansion was donated to the Ezra Meeker Historical Society in 1970, which immediately began restoration, a job which is still in continuing. The home is now a museum and listed on The National Register of Historic Sites.

ART has replaced the boiler and renovating the existing cast iron radiators. We also installed new radiation in 7 rooms which were previously unheated. We rebuilt the boiler chimney and upgraded the mechanical room.

This challenging project was so full of history and lore, ART has produced a video documentary on the work, as well as the history of the home. The finished video will be available later this year.

The Ezra Meeker Historical Society would greatly appreciate donations towards the restoration, which can be sent to:

The Ezra Meeker Historical Society

312 Spring St.
Puyallup, WA. 98372
(253) 848-1770

Donations are tax-deductible. This is a worthy cause. Please help support this unique piece of NW history.

Further information on the Meeker Mansion can be found at www.meekermansion.org