The War Memorial Veterans Building is deeply rooted in San Francisco’s rich history. It is where the United Nations Charter was signed in 1945, is home to the American Legion War Memorial Commission, and houses the 900-seat Herbst Theatre, where for half a century some of the world’s most well-known orchestras and performing arts groups have performed.

Beginning in 2011, the classic Beaux Arts-style landmark underwent a renovation and seismic upgrade. Glumac provided electrical engineering design services, along with interdisciplinary peer review. The original building systems were surveyed and deemed to be insufficient for the new programming, so Glumac upgraded the building to a new networked 4000 amp electrical service and designed all new power distribution infrastructure throughout. Glumac continued involvement well past the design phase, providing on-site oversight of all electrical installations, and supporting oversight for telecommunication, theatrical lighting, and theatrical audio/visual installations. Intelligent lighting controls were designed throughout the entire facility via a networked Lutron lighting system.

The modernization included office space for the San Francisco Arts Commission, a new 4,400-square-foot art gallery, and upgraded backstage space for the Herbst Theatre. Glumac MEP engineers are metering lighting and HVAC loads in support of a pursuit of LEED Silver certification.

The War Memorial Veterans Building renovation and modernization earned the AIA San Francisco’s Special Commendation for Historic Preservation, the APWA National and Northern California Award for Project of the Year – Historical Restoration/Preservation over $75 million, and the SEAONC 2016 Excellence in Engineering Award of Merit in Historic Preservation.

Size: 350,000 sf
Cost: $94 Million
End Date: 2014
Architect: San Francisco Public Works / Building Design & Construction + Carey & Co.
Contractor: Pankow
Services: Electrical, Lighting, Technical Integration

Images courtesy of Kyle Jeffers