Gateway East of Truckee was originally designed as a wood-frame building consisting of three floors: first floor retail, second floor commercial, and third floor residential, in the town of Truckee, California. However, the wood frame construction would not engineer for the heavy snow-loads in that part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (normally one of the coldest areas in the continental United States during winter).

Bill Litchfield Construction re-designed the complex framing system in steel, meeting all the load requirements, and the building was constructed during the fall and winter of 2000. It won First Prize from Garco Building Systems for Large Commercial Buildings of 2000-2001.

"An attractive mixed use building (retail on 1st floor, offices on 2nd, residential on 3rd) that fits within its historical setting. Gable roofline and natural wood compliment backdrop of trees and suggest residential use. Pedestrian friendly retail area with deck above and brick at ground level. Covered entries and columns provide visual relief and add curb appeal." Judges' Comments. Garco Building Systems "Design & Construction Excellence in Large Commercial Buildings".