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(Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series of profiles of companies participating in the Kitsap Economic Development Council’s (KEDC) Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program. Recently Ellen Lockert and Marit Saltrones of JSL Communications, LLC, and Craig Baldwin, owner and head engineer of WestSound Engineering, sat down with the KEDC’s management team for an in-depth BRE survey. The purpose of the survey is to help the KEDC assess the local business climate and to identify any hindrances to a company’s continuing prosperity and expansion in the community. The survey also seeks to identify the positive factors in the local business climate and how to best capitalize on these factors.)
Transforming a residential hillside into a commercial retail space requires planning, an in-depth understanding of land use regulations and experience. WestSound Engineering, Inc (WSE) of Port Orchard has the needed experience and knowledge.
One example is when Craig Baldwin, owner and head engineer of WSE provided the feasibility study and cost estimate to the Parr Auto Group during the bid preparation for its major expansion off Highway 3. After the successful purchase of the property, WSE prepared applications and obtained permits for site plan approval, special use permit, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, WSDOT utility permit, and plan approval for on-site and off-site improvements.
Off-site improvements for the project included mass grading of the WSDOT right-of-way and City of Bremerton property to include a 700-foot long bioswale and a regional storm water detention pond. Over 1700 feet of Oyster Bay Avenue was improved with curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting, storm drainage, rockeries and a left turn lane. A new centerline of construction alignment was coordinated with the city to maintain access to existing driveways and preserve existing utilities. The street profile changed as much as ten vertical feet. A 66-inch diameter culvert was placed in 900 feet of the SR 3 right-of-way to improve storm drainage and eliminate grade hazards.
On-site improvements for the project included over 120,000 cubic yards of earthwork and a 23,000 square feet retaining wall. WSE prepared design plans for site utility demolition, grading, drainage, sanitary sewer, water main, paving and striping. Working closely with the members of Parr’s development team, WSE attended weekly owner meetings and subcontractor meetings prior to and during site construction to assure project success. “I am really proud of what we achieved with the Parr Auto Group Project,“ says Baldwin. “We were a part of a team that changed a hillside into a revenue producing commercial space.”
WSE has also worked with the Kitsap County Surface and Storm Water Management Division preparing the construction plans for culvert replacements in the Illahee and Little Bear Creek areas. The goal of these projects was to improve salmon passage and reduce sedimentation. In preparing these plans WSE had to evaluate flow at the 100-year and 500-year storm events. Then WSE determined the size of the needed structures. “I really like working with the county,” revealed Baldwin, “they are fine people and easy to get along with.”
WSE was established in January 1996 and incorporated in 1997. Baldwin has more than 20 years of engineering experience and has established a reputation for completing quality projects on schedule and within budget. His engineering career includes significant office management and project management experience. The growth and success of WSE is attributed to local expertise and responsive professional staff. Consulting services have been provided for a variety of public, residential, commercial and light industrial projects. In 2004 WSE added professional land surveying services to its portfolio.
Currently WSE has eight full time and one part time employees. “I am hopeful that we will soon be adding another full time engineering position,” reported Baldwin. Baldwin does fear that finding an experienced engineer to fill this position will be difficult. “I’m looking for someone who hasten or more project management experiences,” says Baldwin. “Most people who have that type of experience want to work across the water for the higher salary and the perceived career advantages in working for a big firm.”
Baldwin is hopeful that the intangible benefits of working in Kitsap County will be attractive to someone with the experience he seeks. “Lets face it,” said Baldwin. “I simply can’t afford to pay the same salary as the Seattle firms, but living and working here in Kitsap County has intrinsic values that the Seattle firms can’t offer.” Quality of life and being able to work closely with county officials were two examples of intrinsic values provided by Baldwin.
WSE can provide landowners and developers the help needed to get through the land use process. With over 26 years of land development experience WSE knows how to obtain the necessary permits. More importantly, WSE has the experience needed to manage the different disciplines needed to create a successful project.
WestSound Engineering Inc,
217 Wilkins Drive S.W.
Port Orchard, WA 98366-4741
Tel: (360) 876-3770
Web: www.wsengineering.com | 
