Rehabilitation of Historic Government Building
DGS Jesse Unruh State Office Building Rehabilitation | Sacramento, CA
Nearly 100 years after its original construction, the Jesse Unruh State Office Building has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined for the future. DPR Construction is proud to have partnered with the California Department of General Services to rehabilitate and modernize this iconic civic landmark, honoring its historic craftsmanship while delivering a flexible, efficient, net‑zero workplace built for today’s public servants.
Partners
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Client California Department of General Services
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Design Team Treanor
Restoring a Historic California Landmark
After continuously serving the State of California for over 90 years, the structure originally known as State Office Building No. 1 was in need of rehabilitation and modernization. The Jesse Unruh State Office Building Renovation project revitalized and rehabilitated the National Register‑listed historic building and its site for the continued use as the California State Treasurer’s office. The project also restored the circular fountain within the traffic circle to its historic appearance and made it operational once again.
The building’s exterior was cleaned, and cladding materials were repaired; historic windows were rehabilitated, and inefficient aluminum windows were replaced. On the interior, the project rehabilitated historic areas and preserved character‑defining features while integrating progressive workplace environments into spaces that were significantly modified over the last century. The project provided a contemporary workplace within a historic setting and a healthy environment that promoted modern work practices and collaboration opportunities.
To prepare for the next 100 years, the renovation modernized all building systems, improved the structural seismic performance, incorporated a new fire sprinkler system and alarm, upgraded building security, enhanced universal accessibility, and added new amenities. The project also exceeded the State’s targeted sustainability goals of Zero Net Energy and LEED Platinum Certification, as well as carbon neutral goals for operating without reliance on fossil fuels. As a project historic property, all work complied with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
Modernizing Workplace
Balancing Restoration & Renewal
The restoration effort focused on protecting and celebrating the building’s original character. The team repaired and refinished the terra cotta façade, restored historic wood windows, and preserved ornate plaster ceilings and marble finishes in key areas, specifically the first-floor lobby. The project also included the rehabilitation of a long-inactive historic fountain located between the Jesse Unruh and Library and Courts buildings. Using historic photos, a new fountainhead was carved from Italian marble to match the original structure, honoring the original design and bringing the fountain back to life. On the inside, the layout was reconfigured to align closely with the original 1920’s floor plan—reintroducing perimeter open office areas and improving access to daylight.
Collaboration That Made a Difference
From the beginning, the project was guided by four core objectives: fiscal responsibility and timely delivery, preservation of historic features, a people-centered, flexible workplace design, and commitment to sustainability. These core objectives were central to the success of the project through creating buy-in on a team-oriented approach that brought together the right people at the right time for the right tasks. An example of this was DPR's early and ongoing partnership with the fire marshal. By bringing them in from day one, the team avoided common pitfalls and stayed aligned on design and installation details.
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