| The current architect saw the revitalization of the building as the physical embodiment of the non-profit health foundation’s activities to intelligently intervene in the life of a physical body, enhancing its existing qualities, promoting a “new” open and healthy outlook with views and connection to the exterior community and allowing for a richer and longer life for the building, the occupants and the community. Remaining in the center of the community with this building allows the non-profit to become part of the urban revitalization of an under-utilized part of downtown Riverside, which in decades had not, until now, seen active reinvestment in private infrastructure.
This adaptive reuse revived and enhanced the building, respecting the original mid-century architect’s design intent by allowing the original rational and efficient structure to be celebrated. The building had a clear expression of the primary structural frame on the outside and this was continued in the revitalization into the building by exposing and expressing the existing post and beam system.
Materials selected were honestly expressed and simply finished in keeping with the design ethos of the mid-century period. Existing interior wood was cleaned and left un-painted. The inclusion of new wood elements such as seating benches and a new entry stairway act to emphasize the strong wood post and beam appearance.
The heavy clay tile roof, large overhangs and existing wooden sun screens were retained and re-stored to reinvigorate a 1960’s passive approach to energy conservation in this hot inland California location.
Interior spaces are designed to encourage and enhance the interaction and collaboration of foundation staff and the community it serves. Several ground floor spaces are designed as meeting places for the public and board members outside of the primary community and board rooms. A separate entrance has been added for the “Pink Ribbon” offices to allow community members experiencing the rigors of cancer treatment to be treated with appropriate privacy and respect.
The second floor holds the primary offices of the foundation. This area is designed to encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas via a large open office space that allow for visibility to all four sides of the building. This space shares natural light on 3 sides and exposes the original roof framing, designed to appear as a separate enveloping structure spanning the full width of the building.
Special spaces are designed for reception, open conference and waiting behind curving walls at the entry to the floor, providing a transition to a full view of the large open office space when first entering this floor. Additional types of collaboration spaces on this floor include a small conference room, open seating area and an extended counter, acting as spaces for staff interaction.
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