Location: Pasco, WA
Size: 1,360 SF
Services Provided: Architecture, Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Client: Franklin County, WA

Meier provided comprehensive architectural and engineering design services for the Franklin County Morgue replacement, a specialized facility that enables dignified and efficient handling of human remains while meeting modern operational and energy standards.

Facility Highlights:

• Autopsy theater with integrated observation booth for training and documentation
• Refrigerated storage designed for secure, temperature-controlled preservation
• Sally port vehicular entrance system for private, weather-protected operations

Operational Efficiency: The sally port design allows County vehicles to enter through an overhead door system that, when closed, creates a secure environment for private handling of human remains. A single operator can efficiently transfer bodies from vehicles into cold storage using purpose-designed crane equipment, reducing physical strain and improving operational safety.

Design and Engineering Contributions:

• Energy Performance: Designed to meet 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) standards, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and reduced energy costs for the County.
• Multi-Jurisdictional Service: The facility enables Franklin County to provide professional Coroner’s services not only to County operations but also to surrounding municipalities, expanding regional capacity for critical public services.

Meier provided Architecture, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering solutions to ensure the facility’s specialized operational requirements and regulatory compliance.

Client Background:

Franklin County was formed in 1883 and is named after Benjamin Franklin. It is located in beautiful Eastern Washington. It consists of 1,242 square miles or 795,000 acres. In 2020, the population of Franklin County was 96,749 – a 96% increase since 2000, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.