PROJECT PROFILE
Client:
United States
Postal Service
Project Duration:
1998-2001
Project Value:
$1.2 million
Parsons Services:
Architecture, engineering;
building renovation including handicap access and
asbestos survey
 
|
 Front entrance |
In 1998, Parsons was commissioned by the United States Postal Service to provide architectural and engineering services for the San Luis Obispo Mission Station post office. The project started as a fairly small design effort to replace the existing inoperable air conditioning system with a new, energy efficient system that would heat and cool both the basement and ground floors. During the first job walk with the client, however, it was quickly discovered that there were numerous other problems with the building that were potentially more serious than just providing conditioned air to the customers and employees.
The building was constructed in 1928 and many of the materials used for the original construction and subsequent renovations contained products that are now considered toxic. Parsons testing found traces of asbestos in the roofing membrane, flooring tile, and piping. Lead paint was discovered on the steel window frames and on the old radiant heaters that were located throughout the building. However, the most significant problem was that handicapped patrons could only access the Post Office box lobby by means of an exterior stairway.
 Wheelchair access |
After many discussions between the USPS project management, Parsons small air conditioning upgrade grew into a large historic renovation project. The project expansion included a new roof, new air conditioning, asbestos and lead paint abatement, loading dock renovation, renovating the interior and exterior of the building, a new handicap access ramp and stairs, new lighting fixtures, and new landscaping.
The City was also planning a project of its own: a three-story parking garage to be built on the parking lot that serves the post office. Parsons worked with the city's design architect to coordinate vehicular and pedestrian access to both facilities, the construction staging requirements, and new landscaping for the post office.The residents of San Luis Obispo supported their local post office project. They tolerated walking around the construction scaffolding, the concrete trucks pumping concrete, and the tar kettles for the new roofing membrane. As the concrete was drying for the new ramp and stairs, the final paint colors were applied to the building's trim. The idea for the color of this building was a return to the vibrant colors that were typically used in the southwestern vernacular architecture of the 1920s. Parsons colorful approach came as a welcome surprise to many of the residents of San Luis Obispo.
The City of San Luis Obispo truly appreciated the efforts that our client and our design team gave to create an enjoyable building that can now be proudly used by all the residents of San Luis Obispo. In appreciation, the City of San Luis Obispo Downtown Association awarded Parsons a 2001 Beautification Award for our design efforts.
