UC Berkeley Substation 8 Receives 2026 California Preservation Award

UC Berkeley Substation 8 Receives 2026 California Preservation Award

Interactive Resources, Inc. is the architect and structural engineer for Rehabilitation and Seismic Upgrade on the Historic Campus Powerhouse (Substation 8) at the University of California, Berkeley. The project is the recipient of a 2026 California Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation.

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements in historic preservation and celebrates projects that thoughtfully restore and revitalize California’s architectural heritage. The Substation 8 project exemplifies Interactive Resources’ integrated approach to architecture, structural engineering, and historic preservation, which brings new life to a significant campus landmark while supporting critical infrastructure improvements.

Other key team members include the general contractor, Webcor and the electrical design prime P2S. The historic evaluation was performed by Architectural Resources Group.

As part of UC Berkeley’s campus-wide electrification initiative, Interactive Resources was engaged to provide architectural, historic preservation, and structural engineering services for a new high-voltage switch station. When choosing a new site for the facility proved challenging, the team proposed an innovative solution: the adaptive reuse of a nearby 1904 powerhouse building, originally designed by renowned campus architect John Galen Howard.

Previously red-tagged due to seismic risk, the building, also known as the Old Art Gallery, underwent a comprehensive feasibility assessment before UC Berkeley advanced the project. The result is a restoration that returns the structure to its original purpose as a power station, now serving as Switch Station #8.

Happy Holidays from Interactive Resources, Inc. & Richmond Parkway YMCA Early Learning Center

Happy Holidays from Interactive Resources, Inc. & Richmond Parkway YMCA Early Learning Center

Giving back has long been part of the holiday tradition at Interactive Resources, Inc. This year, we were proud to partner with our client, the Richmond Parkway YMCA Early Learning Center.

Through this initiative, we provided educational books and gifts to 54 toddlers through pre-K students—helping to support and empower children and families in Richmond. We also treated the center’s dedicated teachers and staff to a buffet lunch and gift cards as a small token of our appreciation for their hard work and commitment.

This effort reflects what we value most: meaningful partnerships, community investment, and creating opportunities that make a real difference. We’re grateful to the YMCA team for their collaboration and shared commitment to early childhood education. The Richmond Parkway location holds a special connection for us, as our firm designed the Early Learning Center classrooms.

At Interactive Resources, our employees are at the heart of this tradition, and we’re proud to match all employee contributions to maximize our collective impact. Together, we’re helping make the holiday season brighter—and supporting a strong start for the next generation.

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