Rhododendron Boathouse: Strengthening a Community Through Steel
How a Steel Building System Created Space for Rowing, Youth Programs, and Public Access in Kenmore, WA
At Pacific Building Systems, steel buildings are more than just durable structures. We take pride in building facilities that become part of communities, creating spaces where people connect, learn, and thrive. A prime example of this is the Rhododendron Steel Boathouse, also known as the Kenmore Public Boathouse, a 2,800-square-foot rowing facility we proudly engineered for the City of Kenmore, Washington.
The building was designed to be both functional and inviting, featuring a blue steel exterior, a well-planned mezzanine space, and an abundance of natural light. It supports coaching, training, equipment storage, and repairs, while also serving as a launch point for learn-to-row programs and youth rowing camps, all while welcoming members of the public.
The result is a building that strengthens local connections by increasing access to rowing and providing a space where athletes of all ages and abilities can participate.
To bring this project to life, Pacific Building Systems engineered a steel building system designed to handle year-round use and deliver long-term value to the City of Kenmore.
The facility features 24-gauge standing seam roof panels (SSQ-275), 26-gauge PBR wall panels, and a 20′ × 70′ mezzanine level that provides light storage and doubles as a balcony. Translucent polycarbonate panels invite natural light into the building, and insulated walk doors (3070) and overhead doors ensure security and durability.
Inside, the ground floor offers ample storage for rowing shells and equipment, as well as dedicated space for boat repair work. The mezzanine level serves as office space and a multipurpose area with a balcony overlooking the Sammamish River, creating a unique vantage point for events and training. The striking blue metal exterior and translucent panels give the building its distinctive character while maintaining practical function.
This project is an inspiring example of what happens when a community comes together with a shared vision. Built in partnership with the City of Kenmore, Northshore School District, local booster clubs, the Kenmore Community Rowing Club, and the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, the boathouse is the first public-access facility of its kind in the north Lake Washington region. It serves as a year-round home for the Kenmore Rowing Club and all four of Northshore’s high school crew teams, while providing programs for the public, including learn-to-row classes, competitive training, and camps with scholarships to increase access.
Since opening in 2021, the boathouse has received multiple awards, including the Local Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the ASCE Seattle Section and the Governor’s Smart Communities Award for Smart Partnership. Beyond the accolades, it is part of a strategic improvement plan to help strengthen access to the Sammamish River, enhance local wetlands, and provide a safe, inclusive space for recreational and competitive rowing.
For business owners, schools, municipalities, and organizations planning their own building projects, this facility shows how a thoughtfully designed steel building system can deliver functionality, aesthetics, and community impact. Pacific Building Systems specializes in creating customizable, durable, and cost-effective buildings that meet today’s needs and can grow with you into the future.
This video, highlighting the project and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrates just how meaningful this building is to the community:
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Why Build a Steel Storage Facility for a Boat?
Marine life is at the heart of the Pacific Northwest, and for boat owners, secure storage is essential. A customized steel building system is one of the most practical ways to protect this valuable investment.
Steel buildings are strong, secure, and cost-effective, making them ideal for housing boats of all sizes along with maintenance equipment and gear. At Pacific Building Systems, we design and manufacture steel building systems built to withstand unpredictable weather conditions and heavy use, helping owners keep their boats and marine equipment safe, protected, and ready for use.
Benefits of Building a Steel Boathouse
Beyond protecting your vessel from the elements, a steel building system can improve security, reduce maintenance costs, and even enhance the long-term value of your investment. Here are some of the key benefits:
Attractive Design Options: Modern steel buildings offer a range of colors, components, and architectural details that complement your property and make a professional impression on customers and visitors.
Climate Protection: Steel buildings can be designed with climate control to protect your boat from moisture, mold, and rot during the rainy season. In the summer, controlled ventilation helps prevent damage to upholstery and electronics caused by heat and humidity.
Custom Sizing and Design: No two boats are alike, and storage shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Steel building systems are made to order, available in virtually any size or layout, and can include mezzanines, storage bays, and dedicated workspaces for maintenance and repairs.
Strength and Durability: Steel buildings are tough enough to handle high winds, heavy snow, and even fire risks. They won’t warp, rot, or attract pests like wood structures do, keeping your boat safe year-round with minimal upkeep.
Security: A steel facility provides a secure, lockable space that protects your boat from theft, vandalism, and storm damage. Reinforced doors and panels make break-ins far less likely.
Cost-Effectiveness: Steel building systems are typically more affordable to build and insure than traditional structures. Their energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements help save money over the life of the building.
Fast Construction: Because components are precision-manufactured off-site, steel buildings can be erected up to 30% faster than traditional builds, saving you time and reducing labor costs.
Customizable and Expandable: PBS designs each building to fit your exact needs, from extra-tall clearances for sailboats to multiple bays for commercial fleets. Future expansions are simple and cost-effective, allowing your facility to grow with your business or personal needs.
About Pacific Building Systems
Located in Woodburn, Oregon, Pacific Building Systems has been helping boat owners and marine businesses protect their investments since 1962. As a family-owned and privately operated steel building manufacturer, we design, engineer, and produce high-quality steel building systems and components built to last for generations.
Whether you need a private boat storage building, a commercial marina facility, or a multi-bay warehouse for a fleet, PBS can create a solution that fits your exact needs. With decades of experience serving clients across the Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii, we have the expertise to deliver a facility that protects your boat and provides peace of mind for years to come. Call us at 800-727-7844 to start planning your boat storage project today.
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