Interior view of a modern, multi-story office building atrium with a central open space, seating areas, stairs, large orange columns, high glass ceiling, and people walking around.

Gregory Bateson Building Renovation
Sacramento, California

Size
308,000 sf
Sustainability Certification
LEED Platinum
Architect
CannonDesign
Role
Senior Project Architect
Photography
CannonDesign
Distinctions
* California Preservation Foundation, Preservation Design Award
* Metropolis, Planet Positive Award
* Sustainable Facilities Forum, Leadership Award

Built in 1981 under the guidance of sustainability trailblazer and California State Architect Sim van der Ryn, the Gregory Bateson Building was a groundbreaking experiment in energy-efficient design. Featuring passive cooling, night flush ventilation, and early low-energy strategies, it quickly became a benchmark for sustainable office buildings, perfectly suited for Sacramento’s warm climate. Emerging during the energy crisis of the 1970s, the building captured a pivotal moment when environmental responsibility and design innovation merged to shape California’s architectural path.

Over 40 years later, this landmark building underwent a rare, comprehensive renovation led by CannonDesign, McCarthy Building Companies, and the California Department of General Services (DGS). As one of DGS’s first progressive design-build projects, the update honors the building’s innovative roots while modernizing it to meet today’s standards for performance and occupant wellness.

Cityscape with a modern building complex, tall trees, and office towers under a clear blue sky.
Outdoor terrace with seating and people, modern building with large glass windows, lush green trees, blue sky
Modern lounge area with yellow accent wall, large sofa, chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows showing outdoor patio with people sitting and standing, trees, and buildings.
Modern multi-story building with orange and blue accents, large glass windows, and people standing on balconies. The building number '1600' is visible on a brown railing. Tall green trees and a clear blue sky are in the background.
City street corner with pedestrians walking, trees lining the sidewalk, several cars and a motorcycle on the road, and modern buildings in the background.
Interior of a modern office building with multiple floors, open atrium, large windows, and people walking and sitting in common areas.
Modern multi-story building with open balconies, surrounded by green trees, along a busy city street with parked cars and moving vehicles, and some pedestrians and cyclists.
Urban scene with modern multi-story building, green trees, a person walking, and a passing red car on the street.
City intersection with cars and pedestrians during daytime, multi-story building with trees and traffic lights

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