Niles District Veterans' Memorial Bldg

Fremont, California

Historic renovations and restoration projects require careful examination of existing construction, comprehensive evaluations to identify structural/seismic deficiencies, methods of repair and strengthening, and close monitoring of the implementation during construction.

This 1929 vintage building designed by Henry Meyers was constructed from hollow clay tiles in the early California mission architectural style. The very close proximity of the structure to the Hayward fault, coupled with antiquated construction methods and high sentimental value of the building in the surrounding community, presented significant seismic strengthening challenges.

The desire to preserve the building with most of its existi ng interior finishes and exterior appearance intact led to an innovati ve retrofit approach in which a 4” wythe of masonry was removed around the perimeter of the building to provide space for the strengthening scheme. A new stucco finish was then applied to match the memorial’s original appearance.

Vet_mem_bldg