Gregory D. Smith, Architect
HISTORIC RENOVATION/RESTORATION
Historic renovation is an important component of my sustainable design mission. It preserves our cultural achievements as well as resources. Projects include adaptation of existing monumental buildings and restoration to their former beauty.
California Historical Society
San Francisco, California
The former Builder's Exchange was the epicenter during the rebuilding of San Francisco after the earthquake and fire of 1906. The exterior was restored and the interior remodeled into a history museum. It is located in the Yerba Buena Cultural district near the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Temple Eman-El
San Francisco, California
This temple is important to the Jewish Reform movement and was designed by the eminent nineteenth century architect, Bernard Maybech . The exterior restoration included patching and repainting the badly cracked and soot covered concrete walls, replacing inefficient steel single-glazed windows with modern dual pane metal windows and restoring the ornamental cast concrete details.
San Mateo County Historical Association
Redwood City, California
This courthouse was in use by the county courts from 1912 until the 1990's. At this time the county struck a deal with SMCHA to occupy and maintain the building. We helped the Association with a master plan to remodel/renovate or restore each part of the building depending on its historical significance and various program requirements. We then tailored the scope to create several projects matching the fundraising schedule and curatorial requirements allowing this small organization and its new home to become the focal point of a successful revitalization of downtown Redwood City.
Notable features of the courthouse include a copper dome over a rotunda that was the largest dome west of the Mississippi when completed in 1912. The main courtroom saw famous trials but none more so than the one featured in the movie "Mrs. Doubtfire".
All these projects where completed while with Adolph S. Rosekrans, Architect.
