Legacy

CSSI traces its roots back to CWI, which was founded in 1902 in Portland, OR, when it started fabricating ironwork for municipal infrastructure — curb angles, street-fittings, and manhole covers for the city. 

Over time, CWI expanded its capabilities into structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication and erection, building a reputation for building the “unbuildable”. Modern-day examples of this work include the late Paul Allen’s Experience Music Project in Seattle, now known as the Museum of Pop Culture, which was designed by Frank Gehry. The exterior is a display of colorful metal and glass inspired by the Fender Stratocaster guitar. The building’s exterior is a series of differently colored metallic skins supported by an outer concrete shell, with custom-cut steel ribs, creating a one-of-a-kind dynamic and fluid structure that reflects the energy of rock and roll.

Another notable project is the Milwaukee Art Museum, also known as the Burke Brise Soleil. Unprecedented in American architecture, the Burke Brise Soleil is a moveable sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum’s vaulted, glass-enclosed Windhover Hall. While the Burke Brise Soleil has a wingspan comparable to that of a Boeing 747-400, its two ultrasonic wind sensors automatically close the wings if the wind speed reaches 23 mph or greater. 

For many years, CWI was in the shipyards of Portland, OR, working on large vessels of all kinds in addition to modern steel fabrication, erection, modeling, and detailing. It also developed an international reputation for its work in the high-tech sector, fabricating cleanrooms and working on seismic upgrades for buildings of all sizes and shapes. 

Ownership

In 2025, Columbia Steel Services, Inc. (CSSI) announced an ownership transition, marking an exciting new chapter for the company.

With this change, a new group of shareholders and principals joined the existing owner and first-generation owner Bob Park. The new shareholders are third-generation Kale Park and long-time employee Tabitha McVey. Kale and Tabitha join Bob Park and Shawn Hanlon on the board of directors. This new team brings fresh energy, ideas, and experience that will help guide CSSI into the future—while continuing the traditions and values that have made us who we are. 

Organizations We Support

  • American Heart Association
  • Arizona Sports Angels
  • Blanchet House of Hospitality
  • Children’s Center
  • City Care
  • Clark County Food Bank
  • Community House
  • Deschutes River Alliance
  • Fish Vancouver
  • Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools
  • Get Wet for A Vet
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Nape Foundation
  • Shriners Hospital of Portland
  • Society of St Vincent de Paul
  • St Mary’s Food Bank
  • The Giving Closet
  • The Redemption House Ministries
  • The Singletons