bowles hall historic resource survey update - real

BOWLES HALL Historic Resource Survey Update

University of California, Berkeley

Final Report February 27, 2015 WJE No. 2012.2262

Prepared for: Pyatok Associates 1611 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94612

Prepared by: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. 2000 Powell Street, Suite 1650 Emeryville, California 94608 510.428.2907 tel | 510.428.0456 fax

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Categories of Significance .......................................................................................................... 2

Period of Significance ................................................................................................................. 2 INTERIOR SPACES .................................................................................................................................... 3

Main Stair Hall ............................................................................................................................ 3

Dining Room ............................................................................................................................... 3 Lounge ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Hart Library ................................................................................................................................ 3 Fitness Room – formerly the Game Room (“Dungeon”) ........................................................... 4

Kitchen ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Stair Towers ................................................................................................................................ 4 Corridors ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Typical Bedrooms ....................................................................................................................... 5 Bedrooms 422, 423, & Bath ....................................................................................................... 6

Toilet Rooms ............................................................................................................................... 6 Level 8, Storage & Fan Room (“Attic”) ..................................................................................... 6 Level 9, Tower Room ................................................................................................................. 6

Level 3, Kitchen Storage............................................................................................................. 7 Level 3, Receiving ...................................................................................................................... 7

Level 5, 6 and 7 Storage (Attics) ................................................................................................ 7 Elevator ....................................................................................................................................... 7

Level 1, Apartment (not included in 1997 HRS) ........................................................................ 7 EXTERIOR ................................................................................................................................................... 7

General Exterior Features ........................................................................................................... 7 Loggia ......................................................................................................................................... 8

Library......................................................................................................................................... 8 Kitchen Storage Addition ........................................................................................................... 8 Northeast Corner of Main Building ............................................................................................ 8

Metal Canopies ........................................................................................................................... 8 Fire Escape .................................................................................................................................. 8

FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 APPENDIX A: UPDATED MATRIX OF ELEMENTS ............................................................................ 19

INTRODUCTION

Bowles Hall is an eight-story, Gothic revival structure located on the University of California, Berkeley

campus on Stadium Rim Drive. It was constructed in 1928 of reinforced concrete, and named for Mary

McNear Bowles who donated $250,000 towards the construction of the building, which has historically been

used as a residence hall. Bowles Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a City of

Berkeley Landmark.

In 1999, Glenn David Mathews, AIA, completed the Bowles Hall Historic Resources Survey (HRS) for the

UC Berkeley Planning, Design and Construction Department. The 1999 HRS is a compilation of: a history

of the building; a comprehensive survey, including a list of interior spaces and exterior building elements; a

description and conditions assessment; and a rating of spaces and features based on historic significance,

condition, and prominence.

An extensive renovation is currently being undertaken to accommodate a new program for the facility.

Anticipating that the condition of the spaces and exterior elements surveyed in the 1999 report may have

changed in the intervening years, Pyatok Associates, engaged Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE)

to perform a limited visual survey of the interior and exterior features of Bowles Hall.

WJE visited Bowles Hall on November 4, 2014 to evaluate the current conditions and compare them to the

evaluations in the 1999 HRS. During the survey, WJE had access to all of the public spaces on the interior,

and a random selection of typical dormitory rooms. In addition, we were able to walk around the entire

exterior and view all the facades from the ground level. On November 5, we visited the site again to observe

several spaces that were not accessible on the previous day.

The results of our survey are intended to update the conclusions of the 1999 HRS. Primary consideration is

given to the interior spaces, as the plan for renovation is not anticipated to impact the exterior. The list of

interior spaces and elements surveyed follows a similar order as the 1999 HRS. The 1999 HRS as amended

by this report offers a basis for the appropriate preservation of the building’s historic character. Specific

recommendations for treatment are beyond the scope of this report.

Categories of Significance

The significance and conditions ratings used in this report are based on the definitions included in the HRS

for historic value and condition, with one deviation: the rankings for historic significance in the 1999 HRS

do not provide a category for original construction that has been altered below the level of significance. We

have expanded the 1999 HRS category of “Contributory” to include these areas and elements.

Period of Significance

The period of significance as defined in the HRS extends from the construction date 1923 to 1946. The HRS

does not cite the National Register Nomination, which cites the period of significance as being from 1928-

1929, the period of construction only. The HRS justifies 1946 as the end date for the period of significance

based on the university’s decision to house two additional students in each suite, resulting in the “loss of the

home-like atmosphere” that was one of Mary Bowles ideals.

Bowles Hall is listed on the National Register under criterion A, for its association with events that have

made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history, and criterion C, for its architecture. In either

case, it is arguable this cultural change should not end its period of significance unless there were significant

Bowles Hall

Historic Resource Survey Update

February 27, 2015

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architectural changes that accompanied this change in the use. If not, the period of significance should

likely be extended to the point at which significant alterations were made to the architectural character of

Bowles Hall.

INTERIOR SPACES

Main Stair Hall

The Main Stair Hall is located directly inside the main entrance. The Dining Room, Lounge, Library, and

main staircase are all accessed via this central hall. The combination of these rooms makes up the core of

the building’s historic communal space.

The physical description of the space included in the 1999 HRS remains accurate at the time of this report,

with most original finishes and fixtures intact. The non-contributory elements present in the HRS are still

present today. The historic elements in this location are still in good condition. The Main Stair Hall remains

a Very Significant element of the historic character of the building, as noted in the HRS.

Dining Room

The Dining Room is located to the west of the Main Stair Hall. The room is no longer furnished as a dining

room, and is instead used as a gathering space. Couches, TV’s, and game tables now occupy the room

(Figure 1).

Despite change in use, the physical description included in the 1999 HRS remains fairly accurate. Linoleum

tile flooring has been replaced with carpet and a TV has been mounted from the ceiling in one corner, but

the historic elements and finishes present in 1999 are intact and in good condition. The former food-service

corridor area has been converted to a kitchenette with a vending machine, and the non-historic sheet metal

wainscot mentioned in the 1999 HRS has been replaced with tile (Figure 2).

The Dining Room remains in good condition, and should still be considered a Very Significant historic

element as noted in the HRS. The former food-service area is a Contributory space, preserving the

connection from the Dining Room to the former kitchen, but containing no historic finishes.

Lounge

The Lounge is located to the east of the main stair hall, opposite the dining room. At the time of our site

visit, the entrance to the lounge was locked, and the room was not being used as a public gathering space.

Couches visible in the HRS photos are no longer present, and the room is furnished with tables and chairs.

Some of the chairs match those visible in the 1997 photos of the dining room (Figure 3).

The physical description of the space included in the 1999 HRS remains accurate, with historic elements in

fair to good condition. The Lounge remains a Very Significant element of the historic character of the

building as noted in the HRS.

Hart Library

The Hart Library is located to the north of the main stair hall, opposite the main entrance. At the time of

WJE’s site visit, the entrance to the library was locked and the room was not open to the public.

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The 1999 HRS physical description of the library remains accurate, with one significant exception. Three

false wood beams have been added to the ceiling in the north/south direction, dividing the ceiling into four

vaults. Craftsman-style suspended light fixtures have been installed at the center of each beam (Figure 4).

The 1999 report describes the ceiling as “simple, flat plaster with no ornament,” and includes a photo of

the east portion of the ceiling that verifies the absence of a hanging fixture or false beam. The other historic

finishes remain in good condition.

The 1999 HRS rates the Library as a Contributory space based on the fact that it is not original to the

building. However, the addition of the library occurred in 1938, within the period of significance established

in the HRS (1923 to 1946), and retains most of the original elements and finishes. It is a well-documented

and well-designed addition to Bowles Hall, named for a prominent member of the UC faculty, and noted

as historically significant in the History portion of the HRS. The Library should be considered Significant

to the historic character of Bowles Hall (instead of Contributory as noted in the 1999 HRS). The light

fixtures and false beams should be considered Contributory by the original definition of the HRS.

Fitness Room – formerly the Game Room (“Dungeon”)

The game room described in the 1999 HRS is now furnished as a fitness room. It is not original, but added

prior to 1978. It is located directly to the east of the lounge, and is can be accessed from either the east wing

hallway or an exterior door.

The exterior door is as described and shown in the 1999 HRS, but the “dark, imitation wood paneling” and

drop ceiling described in the report have been removed. The walls and ceiling are all painted white, and the

floor is carpeted (Figure 5). The fitness room is rated in the HRS as Non-Contributory to the historic

character of the building, however, depending on its construction date, the room may be considered

Contributory.

Kitchen

As noted in the HRS, the Kitchen retains a significant amount of its original finishes, as does the adjacent

pantry. Since the conversion from its original use, it is being used as a maintenance facility; accommodating

tools, work tables and storage (Figure 6). The Kitchen remains a Significant element of the historic building

as rated in the HRS.

Stair Towers

In addition to the stair at the main entrance, two stairways are located in the west wing of the building, and

one stairway is located in the east wing. All stairs are similar, with the exception of more decorative

elements at the main entrance stair between the third floor (entry level) and fifth floor.

The physical description of the stairs included in the 1999 HRS remains accurate, including the presence

of some Non-Contributory corridor doors at stair landings (Figure 7). However, the report assessment that

the railings present a life safety issue is unsupported. The HRS states, “The plaster guardrails are a life-

safety issue and do not meet current code” (Figure 8), but there is no evidence given that a life safety hazard

exists. Although the railings may not meet current code for new construction, they do meet the provisions

of the California Historical Building Code (CHBC), which is the applicable code for the building. In

addition, the railings were likely code compliant at the time of construction, making them compliant with

the California Building Code (CBC) for existing buildings.

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All stairs remain in fair to good condition. Although the HRS points out that the wood caps of the railings

have been worn from extensive use, they are functional in their current condition, and the wear need not be

corrected. All of the stairways remain Significant elements of the historic building as rated in the HRS.

Corridors

The majority of bedrooms in Bowles Hall are accessed via double-loaded corridors which extend the length

of each wing. All corridors are very similar, and the physical description of the corridors included in the

1999 HRS remains accurate. The corridors were identified in the HRS as “secondary” spaces, meaning

private or semi-private, away from main entrances and intended to be used by the dweller. These spaces do

not typically include decorative finishes or ornate decoration (HRS p. 17). As described, the original walls

are constructed of plaster over hollow clay tile. The width of the corridors has been reduced with the

addition of framing and a new gypsum board finish over the existing plaster. Reportedly, this new framed

wall at the corridor side was installed as a seismic mitigation for the original hollow clay tile walls. At a

number of locations, a section of the new finish has been removed and the original plaster appears to be

intact behind the additional framing (Figure 9). However, it is unknown what the current condition of the

original finishes is, and if any other original elements remain in place (such as baseboards or other

moldings).

The 1999 HRS states that the doors were “left in their original location,” and that the original door trim

remains intact and is in good condition. However, the report does not note that all original door trim has

been altered by the addition of a metal surround in order to accommodate the increased wall thickness

(Figure 10).

The 1999 HRS rates the corridors as “Significant – although altered.” In their current state, however, the

only visible original element is the original door trim, which has been modified with a metal surround.

While maintaining their original locations, the original width of the corridor has been altered, and non-

contributory doors have been added at either side of the central stair (Figure 7). All of the alterations could

be reversed, but as the walls were altered to incase the original hollow clay tile for safety reasons, it is

unlikely that the alteration will be reversed. In their current condition, the corridors have been too heavily

altered to be considered Significant as rated in the HRS, and should be considered Contributory only.

Typical Bedrooms

The description of the typical bedrooms included in the 1999 HRS remains largely accurate, with a

moderate level of historic finishes remaining. The bedrooms were also designated “secondary” by the HRS.

The wood trim has been painted in all cases, except as noted below for Bedrooms 422 and 423.In most

locations, the additional framing at the corridor wall was also installed on the interior side of the wall,

covering the original surfaces and altering the door casing (Figure 11). Crown moldings described in the

prior report are present where walls have not been moved or altered. Where left intact, the crown molding

has been painted white, covering the original “clear finished oak” noted in the HRS (Figure 12).

The Nomination notes that “The multi-faced building gives each resident a view of either the bay or the

sweep of the hills” and this feature remains true in the bedrooms. It also notes that “The thoughtful and

unique layout of the living quarters and the common areas fulfill the long-standing desire of the university's

early educators, including Philip E. Bowles, to provide a supportive environment for the social and spiritual

development of its students” (Nomination Section 8 page 3) and counts these features as critical: “the

handsome lounge, dining hall, tower, spiral stairway, and living suites encourage fraternization and mutual

education” (Nomination Section 8 page 4). Each of these features was characterized as “Significant” or

“Very Significant” in the HRS.

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Per the Nomination, Section 8, page 4:

Each 4-man suite consists of a center study room connected to two single siderooms which each house(d)

one resident. The center rooms were one of the aspects of Bowles which contributed most to the home-like

atmosphere because they dispensed with the notion of a residence hall which consists solely of bedrooms.

However, since World War II, these center rooms have been used to house two freshmen, while the

siderooms are reserved for upperclassmen. Interestingly, despite the reduced living space, this living

arrangement has several benefits, particularly its effectiveness in fostering interaction between freshmen

and upperclassmen.

The bedrooms and are in fair to good condition and remain important contributors to the historic character

of the building. Although secondary spaces, their contribution to the cultural history of Bowles Hall as cited

under National Register Criteria A, they are a Significant element of the design as noted in the HRS.

Bedrooms 422, 423, & Bath

These two bedrooms are separated from the main corridors and are currently used as staff rooms, as they

were at the time of the 1999 HRS. The physical description included in that report remains accurate. As

opposed to the typical bedrooms, these bedrooms maintain the original doors, trim, and widows, all with

the original varnished wood finishes in good condition. Corridor walls have not been altered, and the

original wall and ceiling finishes are maintained. All finishes are in good condition. These are the only

bedrooms that maintain a high level of integrity, and were rated as Very Significant in the HRS. However,

these bedrooms do not have the characteristic suite layout of the standard dormitory rooms, and therefore

do not contribute to the cultural importance of Bowles Hall. We recommend that the rating for these

bedrooms be reduced to Significant

Toilet Rooms

The 1997 HRS rates the toilet rooms as Significant/Contributory, citing the white tile wainscot, cast iron

radiators, original marble walls in the shower, and mostly original fixtures. Of the three restrooms we

examined at random, the only visible historic tile was a backsplash at the lavatories. No original tile

remained at the shower stalls, and the fixtures were new in many cases. Conditions were fair to good.

Although these bathrooms were rated Significant/Contributory in the HRS, we did not see any evidence

that they rise to the level of Significant. We recommend a rating of Contributory.

Level 8, Storage & Fan Room (“Attic”)

The Attic at the top of the main stair remains as described in the 1999 HSR, with layers of intact graffiti

left by decades of graduating students.

The Attic was given a rating of Significant in the 1999 HRS, citing the presence of the historic graffiti and

longstanding tradition associated with the space. However, the beginning of the graffiti may have begun

later 1946, the end of the period of significance. While the attic is not currently a public room, and the

historic significance of the graffiti is in question, the importance of preserving the current condition should

not be understated. We recommend that all the spaces continue to be considered Significant to the historic

character of the building.

Level 9, Tower Room

Not observed.

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Level 3, Kitchen Storage

Not observed.

Level 3, Receiving

The receiving space to the south of the Kitchen remains as described in the 1999 HRS. The space is in fair

to good condition, and remains Significant.

Level 5, 6 and 7 Storage (Attics)

With the exception of the Maintenance/Storage space at the West Wing, Level 6, these spaces were listed

as Not Reviewed in the 1999 HRS. It is assumed that these refer to the attic storage spaces located at the

ends of the East and West Wings (Figure 13). These spaces are not open to the public, but are original

spaces in unaltered condition. The attics should all be considered Significant to the historic building, as the

Maintenance/Storage space was rated in the HRS.

Elevator

The elevator is as described in the 1999 HRS, and remains a Significant feature of the historic building as

noted in the HRS.

Level 1, Apartment (not included in 1997 HRS)

At the south end of the west wing an original bedroom suite has been converted to a one-bedroom apartment

with modern finishes and fixtures. The space retains no historic elements aside from typical windows and

window trim. As an original space, it should be considered Contributory to the historic significance of the

building, however none of the existing finishes warrant preservation (Figure 14 & Figure 15).

EXTERIOR

General Exterior Features

The exterior of Bowles Hall has not been significantly modified since the 1999 HRS. The historic

appearance of each elevation has generally been preserved, with a small number of additions as described

in the HRS. Historic elements that are common to all elevations and remain Very Significant include the

board-formed concrete surfaces, steel windows, tile roofs, copper downspouts and header boxes, and copper

gutters. The 1999 HRS physical description of each remains accurate, and most elements appear to be in

fair to good condition. The roof appears to be in better condition than is described in the prior report (Figure

16).

The HRS classifies all of the primary facades as Very Significant, and the north and east facades at the

utility areas including the Kitchen Wing and Receiving as Significant. Except for the location and lack of

visibility (which were dealt with in their categorization under the Use/Prominence column) it is not clear

why these facades were not included in the Very Significant category. Regardless of the reasoning, it is

clear that when the prominence is factored in, these facades are of a secondary level of importance in

comparison to the primary facades.

In the paragraphs below we are addressing only those elements where conditions have changed or where

some changes to the original ratings are suggested.

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Loggia

The physical description of the loggia contained in the HRS remains accurate, and conditions are generally

as noted, with the exception of the concrete balustrade. Some balusters exhibit full-height cracks and spalls

that have exposed reinforcing steel in multiple locations. The balustrade condition should be classified as

Fair (Figure 17).

Library

The exterior elevations of the Hart Library addition are categorized by the HRS as Contributory. As outlined

previously in this report, the Hart Library was constructed during the period of significance. While simpler

in detail than the main building, the Library is compatible in materials and design, and well designed in its

own right (Figure 18). We recommend that the exterior elevations be categorized as Significant.

Kitchen Storage Addition

The Kitchen Storage addition is categorized as Non-Contributory in the HRS. The building is relatively

old, and judging from the materials and design, may well have been constructed during the period of

significance. We recommend that the addition be categorized as Contributory to the historic building.

Northeast Corner of Main Building

The physical description of the north elevation in the HRS is divided into the areas on either side of the

library. Both descriptions are generally accurate, with the exception of the area at the northeast corner

exposed by the construction of new site retaining walls in 2003. These areas are coated with the remains of

the original waterproofing, and should be considered Non-Contributory to the historic building (Figure 19).

Metal Canopies

There are three metal canopies constructed at building entrances located on the east elevation of the West

Wing, and the east and west elevations of the East Wing. These are described in the HRS as being

constructed of steel columns and beams with a corrugated metal roof. The canopies are rated as Non-

Contributory in the HRS, and noted as inappropriate to the original design. While this is accurate, it should

be noted that these appear to be part of a system, including a series of pipe railings located at various

elevations below sloping roof edges, designed to protect the public from potential falling roof tiles (Figure

20). This issue should be addressed before any decision is made regarding removal or modification.

Fire Escape

As described in the 1999 HRS, a Non-Contributory fire escape is installed to the south of the door. The

condition of the fire escape was not assessed.

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FIGURES

Figure 1. Dining Hall.

Figure 2. Former food-service area.

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Figure 3. Lounge.

Figure 4. Lighting fixture and false beam in library, not installed at

time of 1997 HRS.

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Figure 5. Fitness Room.

Figure 6. Former Kitchen, now used for maintenance/storage.

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Figure 7. Typical Non-Contributory door at stair landing.

Figure 8. Typical stair railing.

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Figure 9. Original corridor wall finish, visible behind metal furring

and plaster or wallboard finish.

Figure 10. Metal door casing added at bedroom doors during seismic

reinforcement of clay tile walls in corridor.

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Figure 11. Metal casing installed at interior of bedroom door (red arrow). It is

unknown whether the light switch was relocated due to increased wall thickness.

Figure 12. Crown molding in typical bedroom, painted white.

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Figure 13. Typical storage space on levels 5, 6, and 7.

Figure 14. Kitchen of recently renovated apartment, south end of west

wing.

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Figure 15. Main room of recently renovated apartment, south end of

west wing.

Figure 16. Typical condition of roof.

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Figure 17. Cracked concrete baluster at Loggia.

Figure 18. Exterior of Library.

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Figure 19. Remains of waterproofing on northeast corner of main building.

Figure 20. Metal porch canopy and pipe railings at courtyard entrance, west

elevation of East Wing.

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APPENDIX A: UPDATED MATRIX OF ELEMENTS

Notes:

1. Changes to 1999 HRS matrix are highlighted in yellow.

2. Use/Prominence ratings are not addressed/modified in this update.

3. Significance ratings of exterior elevations and elements do not reflect Use/Prominence.

4. Game Room: a. Significance rating of the space is dependent on confirmed date of construction

(contributory if constructed during period of significance).

5. North Facade East of Library:

a. Areas of elevation exposed during excavation for retaining wall are non-contributory (areas

coated with remains of waterproofing). The remainder of the elevation should be

considered very significant, as is typical of all original elevations.

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