Historic
St. Joseph's CathedralBiggs Cardosa performed the retrofit and rehabilitation of St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Built in the late 1800s, it is one of the most significant landmarks in San Jose. Modifications included the partial removal and replacement of the 45-foot tall masonry walls and pilasters with shotcrete elements, stiffening of the bell towers with steel bracing and plywood shearwalls, and rehabilitation of the timber trusses supporting the three domes.
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Santa Clara County CourthouseThe courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed in 1866, partially rebuilt after a 1931 fire and damaged during the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Architectural finishes were rated for historic significance and retrofit details developed accordingly. Portions of existing masonry walls were removed and replaced with shotcrete panels to maintain original wall thicknesses. This structural “surgery” allowed historic finishes to be removed and reinstalled over the retrofitted walls. |
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Hotel De AnzaThe historic Hotel De Anza opened its doors to the public during the heart of the Depression on February 26, 1931. Significant for its architectural style, the De Anza Hotel is one of San Jose’s few Zig Zag Moderne (Art Deco) buildings. In the 1970’s the hotel fell into disrepair and was almost torn down. The City of San Jose Redevelopment Agency decided to save the historical and architectural value of the hotel and hired a development company to lead the effort. Biggs Cardosa provided the structural design services for the rehabilitation and seismic retrofit of this 85,000 sf 10-story concrete and steel reinforced high-rise building. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Jose TheatreOriginally opened in 1904, the Jose Theatre is the oldest theatre in San Jose. Biggs Cardosa was privileged to be a part of this $15 million historic preservation project, providing a complete seismic retrofit and replacement of the entire south wall. The restoration resulted in a showcase theatre that supports contemporary uses while reflecting San Jose’s past. The 450-seat theatre features a partially salvaged pressed-tin ceiling adorned with new gold leaf along the edges. This project received the prestigious Gold Nugget Award in the category of “best rehabilitation of a commercial or special use building” for structures designed within the Western United States and the Pacific Rim.
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German Consulate Complex Rehabilitation and Seismic RetrofitThe German Consulate Complex is set on a sloping site comprised of two mansions, which form a “U” around a central courtyard. The Chancery, built in 1921 houses the German Consulate and Visa offices. The Residence, constructed in 1925, houses the Consul General’s family. Both buildings were designed by architects Bliss and Faville, and are considered historic buildings by the City of San Francisco. The goal of this three-phase rehabilitation is to improve the seismic strength of the buildings and to provide greater safety and comfort for the consulate staff and visitors.
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