A groundbreaking ceremony on September 6, 2008, presided over by Novato Mayor Pat Eklund and former Mayor Jeanne MacLeamy, marked the beginning of construction for Novato’s new City Council Chamber, Meeting Space and Event Center.

Richmond architecture-engineering firm Interactive Resources designed the $4 million rehabilitation and addition of the 1896 church that is also Novato’s city logo. Richmond’s Vallier Design Associates, Inc., is the project landscape architect.

Alten Construction, also located in Richmond, was the low bidder and will be the general contractor.

Interactive Resources Project Architect Andrew Butt, AIA, LEED^®  AP, described the project program as “…bringing the aging community icon up to modern codes and comfort levels while maintaining the historic integrity and adhering to a strict sustainable design approach.”

Al Whitecar, SE, of Interactive Resources was the structural engineer. He provided innovative structural solutions required to make the 112-year old building meet current seismic standards. 

The project is designed to LEED^®  standards and includes features such as building-integrated solar photovoltaic roof shingles, waterless urinals, on-site storm drainage management, drought-tolerant landscaping, and recycled and low-voc materials and finishes.

The design includes moving the existing building approximately 12 feet from its’ existing location to provide more separation from a busy thoroughfare and the addition of a foyer and connecting hallway and prep/warming kitchen, as well as upgrades to foundation, structural system, acoustics, HVAC systems, site development and parking and site accessibility. 

As an historic structure, the rehabilitation is designed to conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Kim Butt, AIA, also of Interactive Resources, served as the historic preservation consultant, preparing the original historical analysis of the building and providing information related to the CEQA review process.

For more information on the project, click here.