Carrillo Ballroom Construction 2010

April 1, 2010

Here are a few current shots of the remodeling. It's now been completed!

Carrillo Ballroom Stage During Construction

The next was shot from the stage.

Carrillo Ballroom Front of Stage

And finally, the new ceiling.

Carrillo Ballroom Ceiling During Construction

Discussion for this project began in 2000 when we identified that our historic landmark building was in need of refurbishment if we wanted it to remain viable for another 50 years. In 2003 an RDA (Redevelopment Agency) tax allocation bond earmarked $5 million for the project - we didn't know what the budget would be at the time, but thought this would be a good place to start. In 2007 KBZ Architects started working out design specification and we had a final project with blessings from the Historic Landmarks Commission and Public Works plan check by mid-2009.

One of the more controversial items of the plan was the removal of the ficus vine that covered about half the front façade. While the vines were there for many years, they damage mortar, hide architectural detail, and require significant resources to maintain; this allowed us to have the vines removed without a requirement to replace them after the project. Below is a partial list of the items this rehabilitation will address:

The ballroom acoustic ceiling tiles will be removed. The plaster ceiling will be restored and fabric-wrapped acoustic panels will be installed.
The heating and ventilation system for the ballroom will be replaced and we'll restore the ceiling vents to move hot air out of the ballroom.
The ballroom will have a richer color scheme inspired by craftsman-era earth tones.
The lighting throughout the facility will be replaced with fixtures that look like they fit historically while being much more efficient. The ballroom will have four larger chandeliers running down the center of the room and an up light system we found during research will that will be replicated. The wall sconces in the ballroom and Baylor room will be replaced.
Wheelchair lifts will be installed for the stage and the top floor office suite.
Bathrooms will be made more accessible. The ballroom restrooms will be in the same location while others are moving to accommodate the new design.
A covered patio at the back of the facility will be restored - this alteration was designed by famed architect Julia Morgan.
The glass block wall on the west side of the facility will be removed and restored to it's historic configuration.
An elevator will be installed in a location that does not require any roof penetrations.
The kitchen will be moved to where the main lobby women's restroom is currently located. This is the original location of the kitchen.
The main lobby stairs will be re-worked to wrap around the new elevator shaft (close to its historic configuration).
Exterior light sconces flanking the ballroom entrance will be installed (lights were historically in this location and we found hardware hidden underneath the vines).
A new dance studio will be installed in the corner of the 2nd floor where offices are currently located (overlooking the intersection of Carrillo and Anacapa)
A new office suite will be configured in the middle of the top floor. The new office will be more efficient accommodating 11 workstations. This office's emergency exit stair (off the rear of the building) will need to be replaced to meet code.
The electrical and plumbing systems are in poor shape and will be replaced.
Although we're not a brick building (the bricks are a veneer on our wood-frame building), there were several seismic issues identified that will be addressed.

Construction bids were recently opened and proposals came in significantly under budget. If we can stay on track for budget, this project will also include landscaping of the front and rear courtyards and installation of solar panels on the roof of the next-door gym.

We hope to have offices and programs moved out of the Carrillo Recreation Center by September 14th with construction beginning in early October. If all goes as planned, the ballroom will re-open in March 2010 with the remainder of the building opening around February 2011