Forell Elsesser led the structural engineering of the historic renovation and repurposing of Walker Hall at UC Davis. Originally constructed in 1927 as a historic agricultural engineering building, Walker Hall occupies a central location on campus. Through adaptive reuse, the building has been transformed into a modern 34,000 square foot Graduate Student Center, offering classrooms, lecture halls, and administrative offices tailored to meet the university’s evolving needs.
By balancing historic preservation with forward-thinking sustainability practices, Walker Hall sets a precedent for environmentally responsible campus development. Its LEED Platinum certification reflects the university’s dedication to creating a greener, more resilient campus environment while providing a modern, inclusive space for academic pursuits.
Customized Solution
- The structural strengthening of Mayo Hall was meticulously designed to upgrade the expected seismic performance from its previous poor rating to meet an ASCE 41 BSO performance goal for this Risk Category III building. This enhancement was achieved while largely preserving the integrity of the existing historic structure, showcasing a harmonious blend of modern safety standards with historical preservation efforts.
Highlights
- Owner: University of California, Davis
- Architect: Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
- General Contractor: Soltek Pacific Construction
Team
Marco Scanu
Senior Project Manager
Charlotte Chongpornprasert
Senior Engineer