The DIGGS is an adaptive reuse project that converts the long-vacant, historic Thomson-Diggs industrial/office building into a mixed-use market-rate housing development on Sacramento’s R Street corridor. The building evidences the history of the R Street Industrial Corridor as the center of Sacramento industry in the early 20th century. The original four-story eastern portion was constructed in 1911, and a western historic addition quickly followed. A two-story concrete addition was constructed initially in 1936, which subsequently received a two-story steel-framed rooftop addition in 1947, resulting in the existing form, scale and massing. A brick veneer facade ties the three separate building phases together to give the appearance of one structure. 

Although evaluation of the proposed improvements and relevant existing building code provisions determined that seismic evaluation and retrofit of the existing building would not be required, the developer elected to implement several recommended voluntary seismic improvements. The retrofits generally comprised of reinforcing the diaphragm connections between the east and west wings of the building and strengthening the transverse concrete shear walls with shotcrete infill at existing openings. Once converted, The DIGGS will host 132 apartment “loft” units, 24,800-SF subterranean mini-storage, amenities for residents, office space and bar/restaurant spaces.

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