Interactive Resources, Inc. is proud to announce that the firm has been honored with a 2026 California Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation for design of Rehabilitation, Seismic Retrofit & Infrastructure Upgrade on the Historic Campus Powerhouse (Substation 8) Adaptive Reuse, at the University of California, Berkeley.
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.
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 full restoration that returns the structure to its original purpose as a power station, now serving as Switch Station #8.
Design & Preservation Approach
Interactive Resources led a multidisciplinary effort to restore and strengthen the historic structure while accommodating modern electrical infrastructure. Working closely with historic consultants and engineering partners, the team delivered a complete rehabilitation of the building’s exterior envelope and structural system that conforms to the Secretary of the Interiors’ Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Key elements of the rehabilitation included:
- Seismic Strengthening: A fully reinforced 12-inch interior shotcrete shell preserves the historic masonry exterior while ensuring long-term structural stability. A new horizontal steel roof truss and foundation waterproofing further enhance resilience.
- Roof Rehabilitation: Original clay roof tiles were carefully removed, cataloged, and reinstalled following repairs to deteriorated wood sheathing. New copper flashings and restored gutters ensure durability and weather protection.
- Skylight Monitor Restoration: The historic skylight structure was preserved and rehabilitated with new laminated glazing and Honduran mahogany window frames to match the deteriorated originals. Copper flashing was replaced and extended to protect against future water intrusion, and all operable components were restored.
- Brick Masonry Restoration: Extensive cleaning, repointing, and repair addressed cracks, spalls, missing bricks and deteriorated mortar joints, with replacement materials carefully matched to the original construction.
- Historic Mosaic Preservation: The project safeguarded the building’s WPA-era Byzantine-style mosaic tile murals, preserving these culturally significant artworks in place.
- Windows and Doors: Original elements were restored wherever possible, with sensitive replacements introduced where necessary to maintain historic character.
A Model for Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability
Through thoughtful design and technical expertise, the rehabilitated powerhouse now houses critical electrical infrastructure that will route energy across the UC Berkeley campus, supporting its long-term sustainability and electrification goals. By returning the building to its original function while preserving its architectural integrity, this project stands as a model for adaptive reuse and the integration of historic preservation with forward-looking infrastructure.
A Recognized Commitment to Preservation
The California Preservation Award highlights Interactive Resources’ dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage while delivering innovative, high-performance design solutions. The Substation 8 project reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to preserving the past while building a more sustainable future.
For more information about this project or Interactive Resources’ historic preservation services, please contact our team or visit our portfolio.