History of ARG - Architectural Resources Group (ARG)Architectural Resources Group (ARG)

History of ARG

Founded in 1980 with the simple ethos of creating great places through preserving our built heritage and having fun in the process, ARG has grown from a two-person office into a 50+ person firm with locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Portland. Since the beginning, ARG has had the privilege of working with great clients and consultants on projects that preserve, protect, and adapt historic buildings, sites and objects for a new generation.

Below is a compilation of key projects and moments in the history of ARG from 1980 – 2020.

Dec 10

We’ve arrived at present time!
2020 of our #40YearsARG campaign. 🥳

Throughout our 40 years ARG has been privileged to work on projects that challenge us, and with clients who inspire us, and consultants who share our passions.

This trend continues today. Our current projects span the western United States and showcase all of our services - from new construction to adaptive reuse to in-depth studies. Take a look at a few of our current projects and you can see why we are excited for the next 40 years.

argsf.com/40years [link in bio] 👆

Dec 3

Can you believe we’ve arrived at #2019? Before revisiting 2019 – we want to thank you for following along! Now on to the #40YearsARG show ☺️🎙

In Portland, ARG was tasked with developing an efficient plan for the rehabilitation and re-roof of the historic Portland City Hall. Occupying an entire city block and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ARG conducted an assessment of the sandstone cladding, rehabbed the exterior, and designed a new roof that included a captivating eco-roof.

To the west of Portland is Pacific University. Constructed in 1850 the University has a wide variety of buildings – including nine designated city landmarks. ARG provided a historic resource assessment (HRA) of the campus. Consisting of four sections, including a campus-wide historic context statement and design guidelines and treatment parameters for all historic buildings, the HRA serves as an invaluable reference to Pacific University’s planning and maintenance staff in their ongoing stewardship of the campus’s many historic buildings.

In Washington state, our statewide survey of unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) concluded. The survey findings will be used to inform future decisions related to public policy and prioritized funding mechanisms for seismic retrofitting. You can find the research and methodology online.

We now move down to California and our work at the San Mateo County Courthouse. Home to the San Mateo County History Museum, the courthouse is an excellent example of civic architecture in the Renaissance Revival style. Throughout the years ARG has completed a comprehensive assessment of exterior architectural elements, prepared documentation including recommendations for on-going repairs, and recently oversaw the rehabilitation of the exterior.

Years in the making, the Cooper-Molera Adobe site was officially opened to the public. A joint effort between The National Trust and Foothill Partners, ARG breathed new life into the historic site by rehabilitating several buildings, balancing compelling historic interpretation and education programs with appropriate and complementary commercial uses.
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Nov 19

And we’re back with more of 2018! A year for the books, the mileage and step count! #40YearsARG

Ten years in the making, SurveyLA, a multi-year, multi-phase collaboration that resulted in the first comprehensive citywide survey of historic resources in the City of Los Angeles concluded. ARG played a major part in surveying 880,000 properties in neighborhoods that spanned South Los Angeles to Westchester to Chatsworth and all the communities in between. The survey is the largest to have been completed in the nation and its methodology has been used as a model for many other surveys across the country. Fun fact: there are 6,500 miles of streets in the City of Los Angeles. If you factor in the driving to and from destinations, plus driving a lot of streets multiple times, the team travelled roughly 25,000 miles over the course of the project without leaving Los Angeles city limits!

Containing one of the richest, most diverse, and most intact collections of Modern institutional architecture anywhere in California, UC San Diego’s main campus in La Jolla is a site to behold! Between 2015 and 2017 ARG worked closely with campus planners to identify, inventory, document, and develop policies to preserve its wealth of Modern resources. In 2018 our work was honored with a Docomomo US Modernism in American Award, followed by a California Preservation Foundation award and SOHO People in Preservation award in 2019.

2018 also saw a new chapter for our presence in Southern California. After 15 wonderful years in Pasadena, we packed up and relocated to the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles. We celebrated the momentous occasion with staff, friends, family, and colleagues on the rooftop terrace of our new home.

Nov 12

Today we are looking back at 2018. A year so big, we split it up! #40YearsARG

We begin with the CIA (no, not *that* CIA!) – the Culinary Institute of America. Having worked on the CIA’s Greystone campus for nearly 20 years, our focus shifted to the recently acquired Copia property. We worked with the CIA to bring their vision for this building to life creating a modern complex for culinary advancement, public engagement, and tourism. We oversaw construction of a new outdoor amphitheater, the renovation of the existing restaurant, design and construction of teaching kitchens, and the renovation of a 2nd floor gallery space into the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum (yes, that Williams of Sonoma!). Definitely check out the CIA at Copia next time you are in the Napa Valley.

Leaving wine country, but still thinking about wine, we head over to the Stanford Old Winery. Constructed in 1888 as Leland Stanford’s winery, the brick masonry buildings received ARG’s expertise in seismic strengthening and rehabilitation. No longer a winery, the buildings house mixed retail, restaurant, and office space, which were all able to remain open while the buildings were strengthened.

While in the world of academia, let’s look at UC Berkeley’s Anna Head complex. ARG provided architectural and conservation services for the renovation of Building E/F. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a City of Berkeley landmark, Building E/F provides space for student counseling and wellness programs.

Keeping around the Bay Area, the epitome of a Victorian House and headquarters of San Francisco Heritage, the Haas-Lilienthal House rehabilitation project was ending. ARG & ARG/CS had worked together to oversee improvements and upgrades to the multi-functionality of this space. The Haas-Lilienthal House holds a special place in our hearts. We have hosted holiday parties and retreats at the house and were thrilled to be a part of the restoration.

April of 2018 brought the grand opening of The Lodge at the Presidio...
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Nov 5

Looking for a sign? What about this one! #40YearsARG

Located outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Portland sign was in need of some TLC! A thorough conditions assessment provided the foundation for its meticulous refurbishment and restoration. Care was taken to replicate exactly the historic design while providing a sign that will withstand the elements and last for generations to come.

Over in the academic world, the renovation of Kingscote Gardens at Stanford University was completed. An eclectic mix of architectural styles – a combination of historic English Style and Italian Renaissance - the former residential building now provides a safe and inviting space for counseling activities, offices, and meeting spaces.

UCLA’s William Andrews Clark Memorial Library re-opened to the public. Housing a priceless rare book and manuscript collection, the Beaux Arts style structure was seismically strengthened, and for improved accessibility, a new entry pavilion was added that is compatible yet subservient to the 1926 library.

Last but not least is the Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington. The dramatic site offers lovely views of the Columbia River gorge, but those views came with a price (no, we’re not talking about admission)! Due to the deteriorating exterior, caused by the extreme weather, ARG conducted evaluations and investigations of the historic mansion-turned-museum’s building facades and then oversaw the restoration of the historic stucco, building façades, treatment of steel windows, and waterproofing installation.

In 2017 our staff continued the traditions of milestone celebrations, holidays and finding ways to give back – but as with any odd-number year we did enjoy a Wednesday of Handstands and an Eclipse Viewing party complete with a playlist of eclipse-related songs. 🌙 #ARGcreate #architecture #restoration #rehabilitation

Oct 29

Welcome back to the year #2016, ghoul friends! 👻 #40YearsARG

Where better to start our spooky journey than at Alcatraz Island? Our work on the Alcatraz Quartermaster Warehouse was winding down in 2016. ARG served as the architect for the seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of the building. The hostile marine environment had taken a significant toll on the concrete structure, and in addition to the complex seismic retrofit, our scope included concrete and building envelope building repairs, window restoration, and new roofing to match the historic roof.

2016 saw the start of our work at Benson Polytechnic High School. A Historic Landmark in the City of Portland, ARG provided a Historic Resource Assessment, which serves as a reference regarding the significance and conditions of the school’s historic features. This assessment is then used as a guide when renovations are made at the school.

Located high above downtown Portland in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion serves as a house museum and event center. ARG developed a robust slate of recommendations pertaining to the ongoing maintenance and operation of the historic home. Recommendations included the correction of water penetration problems, restoration and repair of the exterior sandstone panels, and we worked with the nonprofit Pittock Mansion Society to identify fundraising strategies to support implementation of the various proposed improvements.

Let’s end our spooky journey with a glass of wine in a barn! Having completed the rehabilitation of the Trenton Roadhouse, which serves as Kistler Vineyard’s main tasting venue in 2013, it was time to turn our attention to the site’s original barn. The barn was dismantled, reconstructed, and expanded to become a small winemaking and tasting facility where guests can catch a glimpse of the winemaking process through windows into the barrel rooms.

In 2016 we also celebrated the promotion of several of our paramount staff members who to this day continue to be an essential part of what makes ARG special. Across offices we spent time together having fun! And in true spooky season spirit – What did the pumpkin say to the pumpkin carver?
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Cut it out!! 🎃

Oct 15

Oct 15

They say first impressions are everything! And to prove it, meet our #2015 projects. #40YearsARG

The Steven S. Koblik Education & Visitor Center opened to the public in April, creating a welcoming new ‘front door’ to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. ARG’s design added eight acres of new buildings and gardens for visitors, scholars, and staff while respecting the Huntington Estate’s historic scale and character.

Just a few blocks from The Huntington, a former mortuary was transformed into a Recital Hall for the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Having created a Master Plan for the site in 2012, the first phase – which included the Recital Hall – was complete. The Recital Hall provides the Conservatory with a signature performance space with a mix of fixed seating on risers and movable chairs, balanced acoustics, and up-to-date sound and lighting systems.

Down in San Diego’s Balboa Park, the California Tower at the Museum of Us (previously known as Museum of Man) re-opened for the first time in 80 years. ARG worked closely with the San Diego building department to make sufficient life safety improvements to allow public access once again, just in time for its centennial. ARG also designed an innovative exhibit at the ground level that allows those who are not able to (or choose not to!) climb to the viewing balconies at the 8th floor to see, at the press of a button, current views from webcams installed at 9th floor. The California Tower project received the 2015 Grand Orchid award from The San Diego Architectural Foundation.

Oct 8

All aboard for 2014! What’s better than one train station? Two! #40YearsARG

2014 marked the 75th anniversary of Los Angeles Union Station and ARG was busy helping to make sure the iconic and glamorous station shined. Working with station ownership since 2007, our work at LA Union Station truly utilizes all three of our disciplines from authoring the Historic Structure Report to the restoration of all wood and metal to ceiling cleaning to designing and constructing the Metro Bike Hub. There is nowhere in the station ARG has not touched! Next time you pass through, keep an eye out for posters explaining our current projects there. In the meantime, check out our website for more on our work at this beauty.

Visible from our San Francisco office, Coit Memorial Tower features WPA-era frescoes and murals that depict life during the Depression. When it was discovered that water leaks were damaging these significant cultural resources, ARG’s architecture and conservation divisions were called in and worked closely together to repair the artwork and simultaneously waterproof the structure. Our team enjoyed the sunny grand re-opening of the historic tower in November of 2015. The entire firm was able to enjoy Coit Memorial Tower in 2019, when we toured the site during our all-staff retreat.

Speaking of waterproofing, we completed a Historic Preservation Plan for the State Forester’s Office Building in Salem, Oregon. The cornerstone of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Headquarters Campus, we also developed recommendations to address waterproofing issues and completed as-built drawings. This charming building is an excellent example of the National Park Style in Oregon.

We also had plenty of fun this year! The Pasadena (now LA) office kicked off the New Year with a Rose Parade viewing party and got competitive on the mini-golf course. SF staff enjoyed a Giants game and had fun BBQ’ing and playing cornhole on Pier 9.

Oct 1

This week we are chugging down memory lane to 2013! #40YearsARG

We begin with the Portland Union Station where ARG was the architect of a three-phase enhancement project that rehabilitated the beloved historic station. We repaired the clock tower, rebuilt historic doors, and oversaw structural upgrades all while the station remained open for the thousands of people who use the station to get where they need to go.

Less than a year after the successful opening of the Inn at the Presidio (see 2012 post), its cozy neighbor - the Funston House - was completed and ready to welcome visitors. A half-block from the Inn at the Presidio, the Funston House provides additional guest rooms and an expanded range of services for the hotel.

Speaking of cozy, we also concluded the seismic strengthening and restoration of California Theater. We even reconstructed the original marquee based on historic photo documentation. Yes, we can do that!

Our relationship with Yosemite National Park continued with The Ansel Adams Gallery complex in Yosemite Village. ARG prepared a Historic Structure Report (HSR) and Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) the latter of which was co-authored by RHAA. Both of those reports provided excellent guidance for the rehabilitation of the gallery, darkroom, and residences that we completed in 2016.

And this year’s fun bit? Our LA staff moved to the Mills Place office in Pasadena, and the SF office cut loose and enjoyed some silly moments in their Fall photobooth! (and for a bonus a mesmerizing video of the Exploratorium opening projections)

#Presidio #Yosemite #PDX #Rehabilitation #Hospitality #ARGCreate

Sep 17

What do a boutique hotel, a 163-year-old winery, a veterans memorial building, and a visitor center in one of the hottest places on Earth have in common? They were all projects completed by ARG in 2012! #40YearsARG

Pershing Hall turned Inn at the Presidio was once the Bachelor Officer’s Quarters for the U.S. Army at the Presidio of San Francisco. ARG led the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of this 22-room bed and breakfast-style hotel. Our San Francisco staff was led by principal Debbie Cooper on a behind-the-scenes tour shortly before the hotel opened to the public.

At Buena Vista Winery, we completed the seismic strengthening of the Cellar Building. Closed to the public for 30 years, it is now once again open to visitors – and a new vintage is currently aging in oak barrels within the restored space! Not just experts in existing structures, we also design new buildings and additions that complement their historic neighbors – as was the case at the Danville Veterans Memorial Building. Located in the historic center of Danville, we rehabilitated the Veterans Memorial Building, and constructed an addition which bridges the new senior services spaces with community event space that is jointly used.

Finally, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Located in Death Valley National Park, ARG oversaw the rehabilitation of the 1959 Park Modern “Mission 66” style visitor center. When rehabilitating a visitor center in one of the harshest environments in the world, improvements to the visitor experience and comfort were key. Apart from interior program upgrades, new photo-voltaic -supporting parking shade structures were added, improvements to the building envelope and new highly efficient building systems were installed, allowing the building to achieve a LEED gold level of certification.

One more note-worthy event of 2012 was our tour of the new Bay Bridge under construction.
Do you know about the Bay Bridge troll? 😏 #BayBridgeTroll #OMCA #Presidio #DeathValleyNPS #BuenaVista #DanvilleVeteransMemorial

Sep 10

Having just celebrated our 30 years as a firm, 2011 was marked by the completion of projects across various cities and states. #40YearsARG

We prepared the Swedenborgian Church Historic Structure Report (HSR), produced a Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) for the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with RHAA and completed an abatement and clean-up project at the Sacramento Railyards in anticipation of rehabilitation. At Caltech, the preservation of the Linde Center for Global Environmental Science, formerly the Robinson Laboratory of Astrophysics, concluded.

It boasts the lowest energy use of any physical science research laboratory in the nation and at the time was the first LEED Platinum-rated renovation of a historic laboratory.

Working collaboratively with HOK and SRG, our involvement with Oregon State Hospital was coming to a close. This complex renovation truly was a multidisciplinary effort and involved the talents of our architects, historians, and conservators.

Over on the East Coast, ARG was finishing our work as the architect for the adaptive reuse and restoration of the University of Virginia’s Garrett Hall – now the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Designed by McKim, Mead & White, this former refectory now features highly flexible lecture and gathering spaces and offices. This LEED Gold-rated project received a Historic Preservation Award of Merit from the Virginia Society AIA.

Also in 2011, SF staff toured the construction site at the pier next door. Guess who became our neighbors? 😉

Sep 3

2010 – the beginning of another decade brought several important preservation planning projects to ARG. #40YearsARG

We completed a Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the Village Green in Los Angeles, an updated HSR and Historic Structure Preservation Guide for the Walnut Canyon Ranger Cabin in Flagstaff, Arizona, and a citywide Preservation Plan for Anaheim. As if that weren’t enough, our planners also conducted a historic resources survey of all the parcels in the city of Monterey’s Old Town Historic District and prepared a National Register Nomination for the Bayview Opera House in San Francisco.

Meanwhile our architects were hard at work in Yosemite. After a decade of design, installation of comprehensive fire detection and suppression systems was underway at The Ahwahnee. This project expanded to include insertion of a second means of egress from the upper floors, which was a design-build collaboration with Plant Construction and Hornberger + Worstell. We also designed three new entrance kiosks for the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station in Yosemite National Park. Be sure to check them out next time you are entering Yosemite from Highway 120.

Just in time for ARG’s 30th anniversary, we added the finishing touches to the restoration of the interior and exterior of San Francisco’s Maritime Museum. The museum served as a wonderful backdrop for our celebration and we were proud to show off the restored beauty!

Aug 20

So much of our success has to do with our staff and the fostering of long-term relationships. #40YearsARG

One relationship that started in 2009 – and is still going strong today – is that with the State of Washington’s Department of Enterprise Services (DES). For the last 11 years ARG has worked with DES on the stewardship of the Washington State Capitol, where we serve as the campus’s on-call conservator.

2009 also saw the completion of the adaptive reuse of the historic Jackse Barn in Napa. These new offices for the Napa Valley Vintners Association not only look like amazing places to work but are California Preservation and Napa County Landmark award winners!

The exterior building façade restoration and window rehabilitation and replacement project at 450 Sutter Street in San Francisco concluded. Did you know that 2,800 windows were either rehabbed or replaced?

To wrap up 2009, our entire team came together to unwrap white elephant gifts and celebrate another stellar year!

Aug 13

2008! A year so big our caption will surely leave you out of breath. #40YearsARG

2008 saw many great things for ARG including the start of our work at Portland Union Station, Walking Box Ranch, SurveyLA, and the Danville Veterans Memorial Building.

We completed the adaptive reuse of Fort Baker into Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, which turned a former military base into an award winning hotel and conference center; the rehabilitation of the Alameda Theatre; and the rehabilitation of the Locke Boarding House which saw 1910 structure returned to its original condition.

If that wasn’t enough, we also completed the restoration and seismic upgrade of the Huntington Art Gallery; and the exterior renovation of the Hollywood Palladium.

Staff-wise, Principals Katie Horak, Maya Foty, and Matthew Davis all joined the firm. Under their guidance and leadership, the Portland and Los Angeles offices have seen tremendous growth and success.

Continue to follow us for a look back at these and many other projects.

#ARGCreate #restoration #adaptiveuse #historicarchitecture #sanfrancisco #losangeles #portland

Aug 6

2007 was yet another groundbreaking year in the history of ARG, as the firm established its Portland Office and completed a number of important projects. #40YearsARG

In Northern California, we completed the rehabilitation and expansion of the Palo Alto Children’s Library, and the award-winning Curry Village Employee Housing at Yosemite National Park opened – where the new buildings were designed to be compatible with the neighboring Curry Village Historic District. In Southern California, our years-long seismic upgrade of Pasadena City Hall was completed, and we oversaw the complete seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Pasadena. Our staff was also fortunate enough to spend the weekend at the historic West Point Inn. Located near the top of Mount Tamalpais, ARG had worked on the seismic rehab earlier in the decade.

Learn more about these projects here: bit.ly/argportfolio

Jul 30

Among several exciting projects in 2006, ARG completed important work at the Angel Island Immigration Station and provided rehabilitation services at Jensen’s Recreation Center in Los Angeles. #40YearsARG

Built in 1908 and in operation from 1910 until 1940, the Angel Island Immigration Station acted as the port of entry for thousands of immigrants arriving on the West Coast. After years of neglect, the buildings at Angel Island were scheduled for demolition until the rediscovery of Chinese poetry led to the preservation of the dilapidated Detention Barracks. ARG was honored to serve as architect for the rehabilitation of the Detention Barracks and as Conservator for the poetry inscriptions on this important National Historic Landmark.

Down south, ARG helped rehabilitate the 1925 Jensen’s Recreation Center historic storefronts, including the restoration of historic prism glass transom windows, and the rehabilitation several interior finishes.

Fun fact: the building once contained an Egyptian-themed bowling alley and billiard hall!

Jul 28

2006 was a great year for ARG, as we were honored to be named Firm of the Year by the AIA California Council. #40YearsARG

After 25 years of commitment to historic preservation, ARG’s selection as Firm of the Year by the AIA California Council was a major moment of recognition. We have always sought to go beyond the bare minimum to craft creative solutions and share our insights in order to serve our communities. We were especially pleased that the Council noted in their decision that “The legacy of the firm’s built work serves as a testament to ARG’s ability to create projects that have life and meaning well beyond the current generation.”

Also that year, Principal Kitty Vieth visited the Wolong National Nature Preserve in Sichuan Province, China. She and Founding Principal Steve Farneth worked on some pro-bono projects at the Wolong Panda Breeding Center between 2004 and 2006. While there, they of course had to meet the pandas – because who doesn’t like pandas!

Jul 23

The Serra Chapel at Mission San Juan Capistrano was built in 1782 as one of the first non-indigenous buildings in all of California. #40YearsARG

ARG developed repair recommendations and produced a Historic Structure Report (HSR) for the Mission. Subsequently, ARG’s sister firm @arg_cs provided conservation services, including conservation material conservation and implementation of seismic reinforcement system for three high-traffic archways of the Mission arcades, which was carefully integrated into the masonry work.

Also in 2005, ARG celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a formal party, Kitty and Mei were promoted to the Associate level, and our #LEAPSandcastleClassic team braved cloudy skies to make their creation.

Cover image from @missionsanjuancapistrano

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #MissionSanJuanCapistrano #SerraChapel

Jul 21

2005 saw the start of ARG’s work at Mission San Juan Capistrano, as well as the completion of ARG’s work at the Altenheim Senior Housing Facility: a site with both a fascinating history and an important continuing function of providing Bay Area seniors with affordable, supportive housing. Also in 2005, future principal Lisa Yergovich joined the firm! #40YearsARG

The Altenheim, with its beautiful gardens and multiple historic, interconnected wooden structures, was built in 1908 as a retirement home for German settlers. In the 2000s, ARG provided Historic Preservation and Tax Credit consulting services for a project that involved converting the former assisted-living facility into affordable, independent senior rental housing. The project included both rehabilitation and new additions and won a Partners in Preservation Award from the Oakland Heritage Alliance, as well as an award from @capreservation.

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #Altenheim #SeniorHousing

Jul 16

Picking back up in 2004, ARG also provided architectural, conservation, and planning services at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral as part of a multi-phase project. #40YearsARG

Part I, which was completed in 2004, consisted of a seismic strengthening project, as well as remodeling. Subsequent phases included accessibility and other upgrades, and the project was also a @capreservation award-winner in 2006.

Outside the office that year, ARG participated in the annual #LEAPSandcastleClassic, participated in the Preservation Bowl-o-Rama, and even performed a skit for the Harvest Moon celebration, which was written by our very own Paul Nachtsheim and called (if our memory serves) The Mystery of the Missing Mechanical Pencil. #spooky 😉

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #OldStMarysCathedral

Jul 14

2004 marked the completion of ARG’s work at Calvary Presbyterian Church and on the Scorpion Ranch House at Channel Islands National Park. #40YearsARG

Built between 1900 and 1902 in the Edwardian style, Calvary Presbyterian Church is a San Francisco landmark building that called upon ARG to serve as architect for the church’s rehabilitation and reprogramming. The building complex, which serves as both a religious and musical performance space, required seismic strengthening and several additional upgrades. ARG collaborated with the congregation to create a master plan, which culminated in the design of a sky-lit circulation spine to connect several buildings of the complex. This allowed for the buildings to seamlessly function together as one group without losing the church’s historic character. The project resulted in a @capreservation Historic Preservation Design Award.

Completed in 1887, the two-story stone and adobe Scorpion Ranch house originally served agricultural workers of the Santa Cruz Island Company. The building was repurposed to serve as the visitor contact station for the island, serving to orient visitors, provide interpretive information, and to function as offices for rangers and park staff. ARG’s rehabilitation work there included seismic retrofitting, among other upgrades, as well as the design of an entirely off-the-grid localized site utilities to serve the structure at its remote location.

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #CalvaryPresbyterianChurch #ScorpionRanch #ChannelIslandsNationalPark

Jul 9

In 2003, ARG completed a dazzling project at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone Campus in St. Helena, CA, provided planning services at the Shenandoah Plaza Historic District for the NASA Ames Research Center, and opened our Pasadena office location (now Los Angeles). And in case you missed it, check out our last post for more on our 2003 projects. #40YearsARG

The Culinary Institute of America (also known as CIA – but not *that* CIA), based in New York, is the only residential college in the world devoted entirely to culinary education. The CIA at Greystone is a branch campus located in the heart of Napa Valley and housed in an 1888-built former winery. ARG’s award-winning work consisted of a Master Plan for the buildings, grounds, and further development of the campus, as well as several significant adaptive-reuse rehabilitation projects, including the Gate House, which is now the Chuck Williams Flavor Discovery Center.

The Shenandoah Plaza Historic District at Carnegie Mellon University has served as the NASA Ames Research Center since 1994. Its historic campus is comprised of five 1933-built structures built in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style. ARG prepared Design Guidelines, Reuse Studies, and a Master Plan for the base, which function as a design aid for determining alterations, additions, and repairs that preserve the character of existing buildings while tailoring the spaces to the center’s research needs.

Keeping with tradition, ARG took part in the 2003 LEAP Sandcastle Classic, and the team worked together with kids to create a surfing sea lion masterpiece in the sand.

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #CulinaryInstituteofAmerica #CIAGreystone #ShenandoahPlaza #NASAAmes

Jul 7

In 2003, ARG was 23 years young and had established a strong name in the world of historic preservation in the Bay Area and throughout California. Some of ARG’s notable projects completed that year include the Sunset Center for the Arts and the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, among many others. And between projects, ARG also welcomed future principal Kitty Vieth in 2003. #40YearsARG

Opened originally in 1925 as the Sunset School, the Sunset Center for the Arts has now served as the cultural heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea for more than 50 years. ARG collaborated with a project team to expand and upgrade the theater. Among other improvements, the resultant design reconstructed original Gothic arches in the auditorium to be acoustically transparent – a change that drastically improved the audience’s sound experience with little impact to the historic fabric. The Sunset Center reopened in summer 2003 to rave reviews from conductors, musicians, and patrons and was honored with a Distinguished Project Award from the Western Council of Construction Consumers in 2004.

One of four grand old hotels remaining in San Francisco, the Mark Hopkins Hotel was constructed in 1926 and is located at the top of Nob Hill and stands as an example of the palace hotel architecture of the early twentieth century. ARG’s work at the hotel included historic wood window rehabilitation, conservation treatments of the exterior, and an addition to the cast-iron canopy, among other projects. The rehabilitation work resulted in a Historic Preservation Design Award from @capreservation.

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #SunsetCenterfortheArts #MarkHopkinsHotel #MarkHopkinsHotelSF

Jul 1

In 2002, just a few of ARG’s major accomplishments included completion of two major projects at the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy, a National Historic Landmark Nomination for the Swedenborgian Church in San Francisco, and rehabilitation of Kelso Depot of the Mojave National Preserve. #40YearsARG

The UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy building was designed by Ernest Coxhead in 1893 and originally served as the home of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. The University called in ARG to provide rehabilitation and seismic strengthening services for the building, and the firm’s expertise on this project led to a Preservation Award from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, as well as master planning for a new building to accommodate additional program needs. The new building, sited in a transitional zone linking the university to a historically significant residential community, was designed to respect the character of the historic building and the surrounding neighborhood while providing 13,000 square feet of new classroom, faculty office, and student services space.

The Swedenborgian Church, located in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, was built between 1894 and 1895 and has been described as one of the nation’s earliest pure Arts and Crafts buildings. It is the product of the felicitous marriage of some of the most significant Arts and Crafts architects, artists, and craftsmen of the day. ARG researched the history of the property and prepared a successful National Historic Landmark nomination for the church complex, making it one of only 137 National Historic Landmarks in all of California.

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Jun 25

2001 was a year of accomplishments for ARG. That year, our sister company, @ARG_CS, was formed, and ARG completed two major projects: the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute Rehabilitation and the San Francisco Theological Seminary Reprogramming and Rehabilitation. #40YearsARG

Montgomery and Scott Halls were constructed in 1891 as the first structures for the Theological Seminary. They are constructed of rubble stone walls, with wood-frame floors and roofs in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Unfortunately, the buildings had to be vacated as a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake due to instability, but ARG was able to bring them back into use in 2001.

ARG provided reprogramming services and designed a sensitive strengthening and rehabilitation of the Seminary buildings. In addition, ARG provided conservation services to repair and the clean the exterior envelope that had earthquake damage, deterioration, and leaks. The project resulted in a Historic Preservation Design Award from @capreservation.

Meanwhile, at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute in Oakland, a 1923 Spanish colonial-revival-style building designed by local architect Charles Dickey, ARG was brought on board to rehabilitate two major historic rooms – the library and the auditorium. The firm also developed creative solutions for inserting laboratories into existing classroom spaces.

2001 also saw continued work on the Ferry Building since the Loma Prieta earthquake, now carried on by the newly formed ARG Conservation Services, as well as ARG’s continued participation in the annual #LEAPSandcastleClassic.

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #SFFerryBuilding #ChildrensHospitalOakland #SFTheologicalSeminary

Jun 18

By the start of the new millennium, ARG had grown from a small operation into a flourishing business with a reputation for successfully navigating a wide array of complex historic preservation projects. In the year 2000, the firm began what would become two award-winning projects: rehabilitation of the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco and Los Angeles’ Historic Downtown Design Guidelines. #40YearsARG

Originally constructed in 1878, the @conservatoryofflowers is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park and one of the last remaining wood greenhouses of its era in the country. However, after a series of storms severely damaged the structure in late 1995, it was forced to close for several years until Save America’s Treasures adopted the Conservatory in 1999 for restoration. The subsequent six-year project was led by ARG along with Tennebaum-Manheim Engineers and included a thorough research phase followed by sensitive restoration and numerous systems upgrades.

Central to the project was the reconstruction of the Conservatory’s 100 wood arches, which consist of several wood pieces connected with elegant scarf joints. The #rehabilitation method repaired and reused original components wherever possible and replaced extremely deteriorated portions with sustainable #reclaimed old-growth redwood. The project enhanced the educational program with information about the rare and endangered plant species it houses, which include 700 high-altitude Masdevallia and Dracula orchids from Central and South America, as well as a 100-year-old Philodendron.

Also in 2000, ARG was selected to compile a series of design guidelines to preserve the historic authenticity of Los Angeles’ historic core while encouraging urban revitalization. In the process, ARG examined over 200 historic office buildings and theaters in the downtown Los Angeles area and provided recommendations on a variety of issues. Upon completion in 2002, the design guidelines received a Historic Preservation Design Award from @capreservation, and a Los Angeles Business Council Architectural Award.

May 28

At the close of the century, ARG introduced some forward-thinking changes and expanded our capabilities. The firm announced new principals - Naomi Miroglio, David Wessel, and Takashi Fukuda - and welcomed several new staff members, including Andrew Blyholder. Seasoned employees celebrated milestones as well, including architect Paul Nachtsheim’s 10-year anniversary. Both Andrew and Paul retired in 2018 and are still dearly missed. #40YearsARG

On the project front, 1999 saw the start of our relationship with Beringer Vineyards and foray into Northern California’s wine country. We worked with a large design team to develop a master plan to preserve and rehabilitate Beringer’s historic buildings, enhance the gardens, and reorganize visitor facilities. Over the next decade, we worked on implementing the Master Plan. Central to this vision was the restoration of the Rhine House and the relocation of the public retail and tasting functions to the Old Winery building.

ARG's restoration of the Rhine House revealed and replicated original decorative stencil work, refurbished 44 stained glass windows, and restored inlaid wood flooring. Compatibly designed tasting bars were inserted to accommodate current needs. Built in 1884 and listed on the National Register, Rhine House now serves reserve tasting functions, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the winery from the original owner’s perspective. We are fortunate to have worked closely with owners of historic wineries and related buildings as they move from their original agricultural-related functions to meet the needs of new commercial, hospitality, and educational uses.

Outside the office, the ARG softball team enjoyed some friendly competition, and our LEAP Sandcastle Classic team won Best Sandcraft Award for their sea turtle design.

#ARGCreate #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #PreservationPlanning #Conservation #Design #BeringerVineyards #RhineHouse #WineCountry #LEAPSandcastleClassic

May 14

In 1998, ARG completed work on the restoration of the Hanna House at Stanford University. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Jean and Paul Hanna, the house was originally constructed in 1937. Its hexagonal plan was unique to Wright’s work at the time, and its siting, design, and craftsmanship are all exceptional examples of his legacy. #40YearsARG

In 1975, the Hannas donated the house to Stanford University, where it eventually became the residence of the University Provost. After very nearly collapsing in the Loma Prieta earthquake, ARG worked with structural engineers at Rutherford and Chekene to provide innovative repair and strengthening solutions. The structure’s heavily damaged floor slab was reinforced, while the unique frame walls of laminated 1X siding were given just enough hidden strength and connections to support the perimeter walls. Finally, the masonry chimney mass was strengthened by core drilling the existing walls. As a result of the team’s efforts, the restored Hanna House retained all of its unique original materials and features, while also charting a new use for the house as a meeting and events space for the University.

Exciting new projects were also underway that year. The San Francisco Theological Seminary asked us to re-evaluate their tentative plans to demolish the two original buildings at the core of their campus in San Anselmo. We were able to outline a project of rehabilitation and adaptive use for those beautiful and very historic buildings that restored their important central role on campus. Meanwhile, in Southern California, we assisted on the restoration and conservation of the landmark Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. [caption continued in the comments]

May 7

1997 was a busy year at ARG, thanks to several substantial projects with continuing clients and a slate of new projects that represented our increasingly diverse in-house capabilities. After many years of working with the @_Filoli Historic House & Garden, ARG’s seismic strengthening work at the estate that year earned us a @CAPreservation Foundation award. #40YearsARG

78Designed in 1916 by noted architects Willis Polk and Arthur Brown Jr., Filoli Estate originally belonged to water baron William Bowers Bourn II. The house is an adaptation of the Georgian style and demonstrates a formal Beaux Arts site plan. The property’s extensive gardens are noted for their variety of plantings and the excellence of Bruce Porter’s landscape design. Today, Filoli is administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (@savingplaces) under the stewardship of the Filoli Center, a nonprofit organization.

ARG served as the architect for the phased seismic strengthening of the main house, as well as design and construction of a new visitor and education building on the property. The seismic strengthening of the main house was challenging, in large part due to the structure’s unreinforced exterior masonry walls and their relationship to a flexible interior steel frame, which meant the building had to be upgraded per County unreinforced masonry ordinance. The successful strengthening scheme and the sensitivity and expertise of ARG assured that no significant interior spaces were disturbed during the process.

Also in 1997, our Planning Group began a survey of historic resources along Cannery Row for the City of Monterey. And in partnership with the Maybeck Foundation, we began work on Bernhard Maybeck’s First Church of Christ, Scientist building in #Berkeley. The projects included a detailed conditions assessment in conjunction with planning for the seismic strengthening and of the building. Working with @DegenkolbEngineers, we were able to strengthen the four central piers of the sanctuary without any impact to the unique finishes and spatial characteristics of that iconic interior space.

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