Gregory Bateson Building Renovation Wins Modernism Conservation Award for Integrating Wellness and Sustainability
The Gregory Bateson Building in Sacramento, California, has received an award of excellence in the Docomomo Modernism in America Awards for its renovation project. Originally completed in 1981 by architect Sim Van der Ryn, the building was a pioneer in passive solar design and considered one of the greenest office buildings in the U.S. The recent modernization, led by CannonDesign in partnership with McCarthy Building Companies and the California Department of General Services (DGS), aimed to update the building to contemporary standards while preserving its historic appearance. The renovation successfully transformed the interior spaces to prioritize both environmental and human wellness, embracing the building's original pioneering spirit. This project is notable as one of the first progressive design-build initiatives in DGS history, serving as a model for combining historic preservation with high-performance sustainability. 
