The Edwin Dewitt Carving Center in Saxman, built in the 1980s, provides working space for nationally recognized carvers and is a popular visitor destination visited by thousands of tourists each year. The heavy timber building was in need of maintenance and ADA upgrades to make it more accessible to the visiting public and to expand the carving and visitor space.

 

Welsh Whiteley Architects provided architectural design services, from concept design through construction documents, for a 1,224 sq ft addition to the building which doubled its floor area, and improves accessibility, while retaining the character and authentic feeling of the existing building. A wood-framed addition provides a breakroom for carvers. 18-inch round cedar columns and beams with 3 x 8 wood purlins and 2-inch tongue & groove cedar decking make up the exposed structure of the addition.