7 Projects Coming Soon with DMD Metals
This year, Dissimilar will be featured in a diverse range of projects, from the Destination Crenshaw cultural corridor in Los Angeles, CA; to the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music (BSACAM) in Long Branch, NJ.
DMD Editor | Dissimilar Metal Design
Updated March 2, 2025
7 Projects Coming Soon with DMD Metals
This year, Dissimilar will be featured in a diverse range of projects, from the Destination Crenshaw cultural corridor in Los Angeles to institutional buildings and libraries nationwide.
Dissimilar Metal Design (DMD) is the leading fabricator of weathering steel in the United States, with over 10 million square feet of fabricated weathering steel produced by our team in the Pacific Northwest. While known for weathering steel, our work at DMD spans a range of natural metals, bringing high-performance, architecturally driven solutions to projects across the country.
01 | 701 Dexter in Seattle, WA
Nearly 100,000 SF of patinated weathering steel design-engineered, fabricated, and delivered by Dissimilar for ZGF’s latest development in Seattle, WA.
This redevelopment project provides a bike and pedestrian-friendly commercial building in the South Lake Union neighborhood. It has, amongst many other things, high performance automated bike locker system which is on full display behind a glass area of the facade.
Dissimilar provided custom-fabricated and patinated weathering steel panel systems with recessed hardware in multiple areas of the building. The DMD preweathered steel can be seen at ground-level landscaping as well as along the exterior of the facade.
Renderings courtesy of ZGF Read more about 701 Dexter
02 | Bruce Springsteen Archives in Long Branch, NJ
The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music (BSACAM), designed by COOKFOX, honors both Springsteen’s legacy and the broader history of American music. Located on the Monmouth University campus—where Springsteen once performed—the building serves as a space for exhibitions, education, and archives. It blends rugged materials with refined details, creating an environment that reflects the energy and depth of the music it celebrates.
Dissimilar contributed to the project by fabricating key weathering steel elements that help shape the building’s character. As a design partner, DMD developed perforated mockups (pictured above) and worked through complex engineering challenges to bring intricate steel components to life. The weathering steel panels, known for their evolving patina, complement the building’s sustainable mass timber structure and LEED goals. The result is a durable, visually striking facade that reinforces the building’s purpose—preserving stories, history, and music for generations to come.
Read more about the Springsteen Museum project at Cook Fox
03 | Destination Crenshaw
Dissimilar has provided design and fabrication expertise, engineering and delivery of the weathering steel architectural elements for Destination Crenshaw in LA. The project is nearing completion and is set to open Summer 2025.
Destination Crenshaw is an ambitious initiative that aims to transform the 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard, between 48th Street and 60th Street, into an outdoor museum and cultural experience. It aspires to capture the essence of Black Los Angeles by highlighting the contributions of African-Americans to the city’s culture and history. This project is not just about creating art installations but also about preserving and celebrating the stories that have often been overlooked.
Read more about our work on Destination Crenshaw or visit Perkins&Will to learn more about the project.
04 | Belgrade Library in Belgrade, MT
Dissimilar Metal Design is honored to play a role in the next chapter of the Belgrade Community Library, contributing weathering steel architectural elements to this landmark project designed by Field Studio and 45 Architecture.
The new two-story building on Main Street embodies the concept of Bridging People and Place, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape while creating a vibrant, community-focused space. Our blackened steel will not only provide durability and resilience but will also develop a rich patina over time, reinforcing the library’s connection to the natural beauty of the Valley of the Flowers and Greater Yellowstone.
As a gathering place for learning, collaboration, and cultural engagement, the Belgrade Community Library is designed to evolve alongside the community it serves. DMD’s work ensures that the architectural elements will stand the test of time, becoming part of the library’s enduring legacy. From the welcoming outdoor plazas to the thoughtfully designed reading and event spaces, this project reflects a commitment to both innovation and tradition, and we’re proud to contribute materials that will help define its lasting character.
Read more at Field Studio & 45 Architecture
05 | Curveball Residence in Carmel, CA
Curveball, a residential project by Feldman Architecture, is a striking example of how contemporary design can seamlessly blend into a rugged natural landscape, using metal to meet fire resistance and low maintenance. Nestled in California’s Santa Lucia Preserve, the home consists of two gracefully curving structures, each responding to the contours of the site.
The upper form, partially covered with a green roof, houses private spaces, while the lower structure opens onto a courtyard with a plunge pool. The design prioritizes fire resilience and sustainability, utilizing modular weathering steel panels and aluminum windows to create a durable yet visually striking exterior that echoes the surrounding environment. The project aims for CORE Green Building Certification, underscoring its commitment to regenerative and climate-conscious architecture.
Dissimilar Metal Design (DMD) is responsible for the fabrication of the weathering steel panels, which define the project’s bold yet organic aesthetic. The panels, designed to develop a rich patina over time, enhance the home’s connection to the landscape, offering both protection and a dynamic visual texture. DMD’s expertise in precision metalwork ensures that the curved forms of the architecture are executed with meticulous craftsmanship, allowing the steel to complement rather than compete with the natural surroundings. By employing modular fabrication techniques, DMD supports the project’s sustainability goals, minimizing waste and streamlining installation. Their work not only reinforces the home’s structural resilience but also transforms the raw material into an architectural element that evolves with time, reinforcing the home’s dialogue with nature.
Read more about the Curveball Residence
06 | The Commons at Antelope Valley College
The Commons Building will be the fourth major project worked on by Dissimilar for Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, CA. Most recently, Dissimilar completed work on the Student Services building at Antelope Valley College, and is now working on additional projects with the school in Lancaster, California, including The Commons at AVC, the final project funded by Measure AV at Antelope Valley College.
Designed by Gensler, this new facility marks a milestone in AVC’s transformation, which will house additional student services, study spaces, and campus activities. The Commons is envisioned as a central hub for student engagement, fostering a collaborative environment where students can connect, learn, and unwind. With modern architecture and thoughtful design, the space will accommodate a variety of academic and social functions, reinforcing AVC’s commitment to creating an enriching educational experience.
Read about the construction updates at AVC
07 | Temple University
Dissimilar Metal Design (DMD) is supplying the weathering steel for Temple College as part of its long-range master plan to modernize and redefine the main campus in Temple, Texas. This initiative focuses on replacing aging facilities and ensuring that new construction aligns with the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the broader community. DMD’s expertise in natural metal systems makes weathering steel an ideal material for the project, providing both durability and a striking aesthetic that will stand the test of time. As the steel develops its characteristic patina, it will enhance the campus’s architectural identity while offering a low-maintenance solution suited to Texas’s climate.
A key goal of the master plan is to establish a cohesive and recognizable visual identity for Temple College’s diverse programs, including health professions, workforce development, corporate training, and visual arts. By incorporating weathering steel into the campus design, DMD is helping to create a bold and contemporary look that reflects the institution’s forward-thinking approach.
Read more about the new Temple College building’s construction updates