Part
One:
Library and Courts I renovation
Just
before World War I, California
agencies (then “departments”) were becoming
increasingly comfortable in fog-cooled San
Francisco. Post-earthquake San
Francisco had new buildings galore while
Sacramento offered only the historic, yet small,
Capitol building. Government business (including
that of the Supreme Court and the California State
Library) was migrating west, and it looked as
if it would stay there. Someone had to do
something.
Working
drawing for Library and Courts neoclassical design
showing south side of library, detailing windows,
columns, steps by “Weeks & Day Architect and
engineer”;
dated “Feb. 3, 1919”
[Photo courtesy California History Section]
Faced
with San Francisco’s commodious charm, state
leaders, including State Librarian James L.
Gillis, got to work. They launched a bond proposal
for an astounding $700,000. They secured a good
chunk of land on the west side of the Capitol, and
they reeled in one of the nation’s greatest
architects, Charles Peter Weeks. It took over a
decade and a few more bond measures but in
1928 California’s capital had what it needed, an
architectural and cultural anchor, the Capitol
Extension Complex featuring the Library and Courts
Building and its sister building, the Office
Building. Though drably named, the twin classical
buildings facing each other over an elegant
circle changed downtown Sacramento and
lodged state government in the capitol.
Updating
a masterwork
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Exterior
façade of Library and Courts I [ca.
1931]
not long after public opening
[Photo courtesy California History Section]
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A
masterwork of neo-classical design, for over 80
years the Library and Courts Building has embodied
the dignity and longevity of state government, and
the great State Library and Supreme Court it
houses. This landmark, now on the National
Register of Historic Places, is rich with Edward
Field Sanford sculptures and statues, Italian
marble colonnades, a Sierra White granite lobby,
Maynard Dixon and Frank Van Sloun narrative
murals, mosaic floors, and emblematic friezes. The
building has done its job: it deserves a makeover.
Starting this year, the Library and Courts
Building will undergo a complete renovation.
Interior
view of loan desk in circulation section of
library in Library and Courts Building jus after
opening; shows tile-mosaic in front of wooden loan
desk, chandelier hanging from enriched coffered
ceiling; four medallions in granite walls above
catalog files.
[Photo courtesy California History Section]
Through
2011, communication technology and structural
experts will be working with preservationists,
architectural historians, and state
representatives to outfit Library and Courts with
21st century technologies, to make it safe and
accessible, and to restore its early 20th century
grandeur. Once renovated, Library and Courts will
be a streamlined e-haven for 21st century
government business.
The
state contractors’ 2-year task is formidable. In
addition to building a new telecommunication
infrastructure, they will make fire and life
safety upgrades, including improving emergency
exits and adding fire suppression systems and
alarms. They will replace the elevators’
mechanical controls and operating devices while
retaining the antique wood paneling. They will
remodel the main lobby and restrooms so that those
areas comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act. And they will repair the building’s roof
and its exterior “skin” (which includes
historic Gladding, McBean terra cotta from the
second floor up), both of which would pose falling
hazards during an earthquake.
Making
it cool, literally
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Current
view of Library and Courts exterior “skin”
and neo-classical columns due for upgrade
during renovation.
[Photo courtesy Vincent Beiderbecke]
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As
part of the state of California’s support of
environmentally sound design, Pella McCormick,
California Department of General Services (DGS)
project director, reports the state is going for a
U.S. Green Building Council ‘LEED’ rating of
Silver, and that the renovated landmark will contain
innovative energy and sustainability features. To
encourage bike commuters, the basement will have
full shower and locker areas for men and women. To
prevent heating and air-conditioning waste,
energy-saving equipment will replace antiquated
heating and ventilation apparatus. To preserve
water, efficient fixtures will be added to the
landscape irrigation and the building’s
plumbing. Further, the state will use sustainable
products for changeable items such as carpets
which will be California gold standard.
To
safeguard the Library and Court’s design
integrity though, contractors will not replace the
old windows. McCormick says “We will only repair
the windows and put a clear film on them to help
with glare and heat gain. We’re also adding an
automatic shade system, or window coverings.”
Safely
renovating, creatively upgrading
DGS
retained project architects Carey and Company to
conduct the renovation. The firm’s list of past
projects is long, and boasts some California’s
most beloved architectural gems: the Marin Civic
Center (a Frank Lloyd Wright design), San
Francisco City Hall, the California State Capitol,
the Utah State Capitol, and the Noe Valley Branch
of the San Francisco Public Library.
Panel
from Maynard Dixon’s “Pageant of Tradition.”
The state of California will carefully preserve
the Dixon murals during the Library and Courts
Building renovation.
[Photo courtesy Vincent Beiderbecke]
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Current
view of Edward Field Sanford statue in
circulation section of in Library and Courts
Building. Renovation plans include opening
blocked light well behind statue to allow in
natural light.
[Photo courtesy Vincent Beiderbecke]
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Carey
and Company has recruited an architectural
conservationist to consult with the team as it
peels away decades of wear and hasty add-ons.
Working from original 1920’s drawings, they will
make the building come alive, opening-up light
wells to shed natural light on statuary and murals
dimmed for decades. McCormick says “The grand
staircase, the sculptures in the library
circulation room, and the decorative painting on
ceilings will appear almost new. She emphasizes
that the state will not “do anything” to the
great Maynard Dixon murals but protect them.
“Caring for California’s treasures is one of
our top priorities,” McCormick says.
Since
the 1920’s, California’s Library and Courts
Building has been a great architectural fixture in
the Sacramento capital. In just over two years,
with its original glory restored, Library and
Courts will be ready to make history again.
For more information about the renovation of the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building, please contact the Office of the State Librarian at (916) 654-0266.
July 2010 Update: Because of budget constraints, the construction phase of the renovation should commence in late summer of 2010. Completion of the renovation is now scheduled for early 2013.
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