THIS AWARD RECOGNIZES a project that showcases the architectural development of one of San Diego's most notable military bases, Fort Rosecrans. By mid-1904, construction of San Diego's Army post on Point Loma was complete and it was thought to have everything that a base would need. However, Fort Rosecrans, like many other army bases, did not include a building where soldiers could gather, relax, and purchase goods. Wanting to improve the quality of life for enlisted personnel, in 1908, the soldiers gained the Fort Rosecrans Post Exchange as a gathering place and leisure activity center.
The Post Exchange was a large, red brick building of in the Georgian Revival architectural style. This stood out in contrast to the Colonial Revival style of other nearby structures on the base. The building included a main floor, basement, and a half second story finished as an interior balcony. The basement included two bowling lanes installed in 1909 by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, who also installed billiards and pool tables elsewhere in the building.
After undergoing many half-completed renovations to attempt to meet new needs, it sat vacant for over 20 years. This is when our winner and his team stepped in. In 2018, his company began transforming the interior to administrative offices, a training center, classrooms, locker rooms, and more. The $7.2 million project included renovating the interior into a full two-story space, with a basement suitable for administration and training. Openings were cut to complete a seismic retrofit, and to install an elevator and ramp for ADA compliance. An evidence room, locker rooms, storage areas, and classrooms was were also part of the scheme. Exterior repairs included replacing missing bricks. The end result is fully operational historic structure that honors San Diego's distinctive military past, while supporting new uses for today and the future.
For a fantastic project that showcases the reimagination of buildings from the past with life in the future, SOHO is proud to present Shane Liberty of Barnhart-Reese Construction with the Adaptive Reuse Award. Congratulations on your award and thank you for helping preserve and protect San Diego's important military past.
