Architect: Coup Smith Architects

The seismic retrofit and renovation of the 11,572-square-foot historic auditorium located in Calexico, California. The scope of work for included the structural upgrade design, detailing, construction observation and consultation.

The structure was originally built in 1927, predating any seismic design criteria, as part of Calexico Union High School. The auditorium also encompasses an attached building and five classrooms. Due to its proximity to geologic fault lines, the single-story, wood-frame structure required seismic resistance upgrades that included the installation of a grade beam under the auditorium proscenium, the addition of a steel frame to provide increased lateral resistance of the main structure, and upgrades to the roof system. All seismic upgrades had to be made in a manner that would preserve the existing architectural design and historical nature of the building.