College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Architectural Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Architectural Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 2

Architectural Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Architectural Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 3

Construction Management Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Construction Management

Date

3-2024

Primary Advisor

Nick Watry, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Cal Poly’s Old Powerhouse (BLDG 76) is the only remaining building from the original Polytechnic school left on campus. It was built in 1910 and placed on the national registry in 1993. The Powerhouse used to do exactly what its name implies, provide power to campus. After it retired from its purpose, it was used for many other use cases, particularly as a space for the College of Architecture and Environmental design. Through its time, it was used as a classroom space, pottery/creative space, a workshop, and even once contained a fishpond. The building was then abandoned in 1990, a few years before being placed on the registry. The building contains common contaminants for the era including lead paint, asbestos, and Polychlorinated Biphenyl’s (PCBs). The Powerhouse also did previously have oil tanks used from opening to the 1920s. The 1996 Feasibility and impact study claims the possible contamination from oil is unlikely to require mitigation.

The Powerhouse holds an important place in many alumnus’ hearts as they remember having classes in there and is a point of contention between historic preservationists and others on campus. Years of neglect of the structure has led to partial collapses of the roof, nature reclaiming the structure, and an immense amount of cracking. The historical structure is and was not being treated with the honor of its significance, and most students just know it as the abandoned building on campus with motorcycle parking.

Previous Senior projects have made attempts to come up with ideas to revitalize the space along with outside studies. A 2013 senior project attempted a proposal that aligned with the interests explored turning the structure into a café. A food service space close to the stadium on that corner of campus shows immense potential. However, the expense of rehabilitating the structure along with campus pushback has made this feel unlikely.

The building is currently a College of Architecture and Environmental Design Space, CAED. The official statement from the CAED Interim Dean and Associate Dean has been “No Comment”. Cal Poly Facilities has also been relatively tight lipped on the project too. This attitude and lack of official urgency on the project speaks louder than the silence as the building continues to deteriorate.

This senior project aims to build upon those past to find a feasible means and methods to a usable Powerhouse once more. Nick Watry’s, Architectural Engineering Professor, requested approach is to try to get it off the register and propose a new construction replica in its place. Wayne Donaldson, the Historic Building Expert, proposed classifying it as a reconstruction as the likelihood of it meeting the criteria of removal is low.

This project documents these approaches and the most likely path moving forwards. It demonstrates a plethora of structural concerns, politics, and environmental hazards as obstacles.

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