Announcements

In March, Holmes Culley will be presenting "Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Strengthening of Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings - A New Approach" at the 7th CUEE and 5th ICEE Joint Conference 2010 in Tokyo. This paper will feature two case studies both involving the seismic retrofit of historic buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area. The benefits of this new approach will be described. These benefits included maintaining and enhancing the building's existing lateral load paths, minimizing the aesthetic impact of the strengthening, and the sustainable re-use of the existing structure. The verification methodology used for these case studies, limitations of the approach and opportunities for further research and testing will also be discussed.

New Projects

The seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara was recently honored at the 2008 Structural Engineers Association of California conference on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Holmes Culley's work received a merit award for Excellence in the Historic Preservation category.

Presidio 682 - Holmes Culley was selected in conjunction with Tom Eliot Fisch by the Presidio Trust for the rehabilitation of building 682. The rehabilitation includes a full seismic upgrade of the existing 1920’s wood frame building for potential commercial or educational use.

Temple Sinai - Holmes Culley was selected on a project team with both Mark Horton Architecture and Michael Harris Architecture. A new chapel, classroom and administration buildings are to be integrated into the historic Temple Sinai Site in Oakland. The curved, metal clad, chapel building is the unique centerpiece of what is a modern yet elegant addition to one of downtown Oakland’s most historically significant structures.