The University of California Student and Policy Center aims to reinvigorate the education of UC students in policymaking in an all-in-one place that provides public policy internships and real-world experience with the state government. UC did not, however, want this new center to focus only on education. It is also a hub, where top UC researchers, state leaders and policymakers can work together to develop solutions to California’s biggest challenges. 

The final structure is the product of an early 20th-century two-story office building renovated into a three-story office and adult education center. The project replaced the existing wood roof with a new steel-framed floor, bringing into question the existing columns’ overall integrity and capacity to support the additional loads due to poorly consolidated concrete. In response, Miyamoto added permanent steel shoring members to cut back on costs and schedule. The team was also faced with the lack of original as-built documentation, prompting a detailed investigation. The renovation included stair and elevator upgrades, an open terrace area and reinforcement of the existing structure for the new occupancy live loads and UC seismic safety standards.

Awards: 

2023 Citation Award in Adaptive Reuse, Awarded by AIA Central Valley 

*Professional Photography by Chip Allen.