Sacramento Memorial Auditorium Seismic Retrofit

Sacramento, CA

Hosting events such as the inauguration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger requires a special space with character and strength. The historic Memorial Auditorium was originally constructed in 1925, but required seismic upgrades to the structure and improved strength for modern theatrical ambitions. Due to the undocumented nature of components such as the fly gallery, a deft hand was required to understand the existing structure and to provide solutions that did not disturb the historic fabric. New steel framing installed above the original wood elements, allowed the existing theatrical system to remain permanently in place. This approach resulted in a retrofitted system fully capable of supporting the ongoing theatrical needs, preserved the historic framing, and simultaneously maintained a safe working platform during construction.