Renovating The Historic Russell Forester Building in La Jolla.
San Diego is home to some exceptional examples of mid-century architecture. Our team has had the privilege of working on properties designed by Thomas Shepherd, Homer Delawie, Sim Bruce Richards, and Russell Forester, to name a few.
When we were selected as the general contractor on the first major structural inspections and repair work to the Park Prospect Condominiums/Russell Forester Building located at 800 Prospect Street, La Jolla, we were particularly excited to work on this architecturally significant building. Knowing that the priority of the project was one of structural safety and diligence involved coming together to discuss and ensure that everyone was aware and committed to the laborious process of peeling back layers of the building, inspecting the condition and restoring it quite literally piece by piece.
This level of detail and responsibility is our specialty and it is entirely thanks to a team who have the passion and commitment to their craft that ensures that the focus and quality of work that is there on day one remains the same throughout the project.
The Process
The Russell Forester Building has retained much of the original character and defining features of the International Modernist style. In particular the mixture of clean horizontal lines, use of concrete masonry and stucco, and most notably, the striking black vertical elements that arch at the roofline.
Beginning with the non-structural vertical and horizontal elements (including the black arch features), each piece is being taken apart and moved to a special facility where they are repaired, bead blasted, and recoated.
Our primary structural focus currently centers around the decks and horizontal elements. Each condo deck has layers of metal fascia, concrete, waterproofing and 12 inches of stucco, beneath these layers is steel that may be deteriorating.
Working with La Jolla-based Alcorn & Benton Architects, our team has carefully been removing small sections of these layers. When the steel below is finally revealed, we review the structural condition with architect Paul Benton and our other partners to assess whether or not the steel needs to be replaced and any other relevant issues that may present. These steel repairs are being done in 20’ increments which considering the scale of this building puts the level of work and patience into perspective!
Some of the inner layers were in to-be-expected condition, while others were in good condition.
When you have scaffolding outside your windows for months and some days the main entrance to your home is closed off, it’s easy to understand why building maintenance can feel like an inconvenience. It is a worthwhile and temporary inconvenience for the price of protecting your home and having peace of mind about the safety of the structure.
We communicate with the owners and tenants through weekly emails that update them on progress and what to expect and our superintendents make themselves readily available every day whether it’s answering questions or helping people into the building.
Trust is built through respect and no one respects your home more than the West Coast GBC team.