Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are devices that can be used for vibration reduction in structures. However, to use these devices in an effective way, a precise modeling is required. In this sense, in this paper we consider a modified parameter identification method of large scale magnetorheological dampers which are represented using the normalized Bouc-Wen model. The main benefit of the proposed identification model is the accuracy of the parameter estimation. The validation of the parameter identification method has been carried out using a black-box model of an MR damper in a smart base-isolated benchmark building. Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are used in this numerical platform both as isolation bearings as well as semiactive control devices.