BBI Construction recently completed the $8.5M historic renovation of a community art recreation center for the City of Oakland. The new and improved art center includes a variety of art rooms including painting, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, lapidary, photography, glasswork, a performing arts theater, and a separate kiln building.

Studio One, which was originally a children's orphanage, was built in 1894 and is a candidate for historic landmark designation. The scope of work included extensive seismic reinforcement, ADA accessibility upgrades, new heating, ventilating, lighting, and plumbing systems, a new elevator, plus interior and exterior finish work.

The project broke ground in April 2006. The 17,600 sq. ft. building was completely gutted and a new foundation and slab were poured. The exterior brick wall at the first floor was 100% repointed and new top-grade cedar shingles are scheduled to be installed over the existing exterior sheathing at the second floor. A new asphalt shingle roof was installed along with several 5-6 foot tall mechanical chimneys which had to be craned to the roof top.

The team earned a PG&E Savings by Design Award by incorporating sustainable materials and an energy efficient design into the new building. Energy efficient wood glazed windows and doors were installed throughout the building, and environmentally friendly flooring, including quartz tiles and cork flooring, were installed throughout the majority of the building. Infrastructure for a future photo voltaic system was also part of the project scope.

The restoration of this community center involved the cooperation and collaboration of various City agencies, staff, instructors, students, the Friends of Studio One and the Landmarks Preservation Board.