California State Offices, Buildings 8 and 9

Sustainable Renovation and Addition

This renovation and addition to two 18-story State office buildings introduces improved works spaces, secured lobby access, seismic upgrades, new mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems, and sustainable design strategies.

Design details include both interior and exterior upgrades to modernize the twin towers for the State of California Department of Social Services (DSS). A 12,000-SF addition provides a secured lobby for the two buildings, a second-level walkway connecting OB-8 and OB-9, and a childcare facility. Plaza renovation adds green space and offers private play areas dedicated to the child-care program.

Sustainable Design

LEED^® Gold certified. The project meets or exceeds all appropriate California Tier 1, Tier 2, and Title 24 design criteria. Major sustainable highlights include reuse of the existing building structure and exterior skin; energy-efficient electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; low-VOC finishes (carpet, paint, wood doors and cabinets); and certified wood. In addition, the twin towers were seismically reinforced through upgrades of the existing steel and concrete structure (large liquid-filled dampers act as shock absorbers for tower framework).