The Fresno Community College building that housed the college’s theater and historic administration offices had been boarded up for more than 30 years, when ELS Architecture and Urban Design were brought in to drive a $39.2 million dollar rehabilitation of the facility – winning the 2012 AIA Preservation Merit Award.

The 1916 Old Administration Building, a National Landmark, was the first permanent structure for Fresno State College. Saved by a local bond issue, the building now houses classrooms for 2,000 students, an auditorium, and community spaces.

 

Wooden Window preserved over 800 windows and 100 doors – refurbishing, reglazing and restoring the doors and windows to contemporary safety standards. Units that could not be rehabilitated, including 18 floor-to-ceiling windows, were recreated “perfect to match”, improving the original acoustics of the building spaces. Wooden Window also fabricated 120 new doors made to precisely match their original counterparts – meeting safety and ADA standards and helping to define the new classroom spaces.

 

 

There are few things as deeply satisfying as taking a piece of history and renewing its life for generations to come. Wooden Window is honored to have been able to develop the experience and expertise that allow us to be a part of this valuable work.