Avista Fleet Maintenance & Vehicle Wash Facility

The utility of planning and programming.

Avista’s goals in replacing its 1958-era fleet operations center included durability of materials, energy efficiency, space flexibility, and a pleasing contemporary appearance that complemented the utility provider’s existing campus.

Initial work on the project included completion of a site master plan on the existing northeast six-acre portion of property at Avista’s main campus to plan the overall site and designate locations for future buildings, circulation, parking and utility runs.  An extensive programming effort determined the spatial needs of the functions to be housed in the building and users’ requirements, preferences and priorities.

Shop space in the new two-story building comprises seven large vehicle service bays, a welding/fabrication bay, and a large hydraulic service bay.  The shop areas house five in-ground, multi-function vehicle lifts and three overhead bridge cranes.

The building’s center-core main level includes a parts room, tool storage room, foreman offices, and locker rooms.  The second story above houses a large conference/training room, office, fluid-handling room, and mechanical and electrical support spaces.  A drive-through wash bay at the building’s north end services multiple vehicles simultaneously.  A two-level catwalk along the building’s entire length on both sides of the space accommodates taller vehicles.

The building’s walls are constructed of insulated concrete sandwich panels, which provide durability inside and out.  Energy efficiency is achieved by high levels of insulation in the roof and under the concrete slab, energy-efficient LED lighting, and an under-floor hydronic heating system.