Recently, MBH Architects was approached by the Target Corporation, who asked them to design a new store in San Rafael, Calf. The problem: the building was slated for the former San Quentin Prison dump site, meaning that the lot was full of hazardous materials and that the ground was unstable.
MBH worked with a team of specialists—from structural, civil, and landscape specialists to experts in methane mitigation, vertical reciprocating conveyors, and onsite lighting—to make the lot suitable for the new store.
The unstable ground had been projected to sink two to three feet over the next 30-40 years. In order to make the building site more stable, the team started by driving prefabricated piles into the ground. In addition, Target San Rafael’s parking lot is connected by elevated walkways that minimize impact to the ground.
To counteract potentially hazardous materials, vents have been installed throughout the site and parking light poles release the methane build-up.
The LEED Gold-certified store features a number of green features, including 17 electric car chargers, solar panels, and a stormwater recycling system.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Feb 14, 2018
6 urban design trends to watch in 2018
2017 saw the continuation of the evolution of expectations on the part of consumers, developers, office workers, and cities.
Office Buildings | Feb 13, 2018
Office market vacancy rate at 10-year low
Cautious development and healthy absorption across major markets contributed to the decline in vacancy, according to a new Transwestern report.
Architects | Feb 12, 2018
AIA selects seven individuals to receive the 2018 Associates Award
The recipients will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.
Architects | Feb 9, 2018
AIA's 2018 Young Architects Award honors 18 recipients
The Young Architects Award recipients will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.
Architects | Feb 8, 2018
Three ways cities could evolve 2018
Cities change constantly, but given the numerous disruptive factors spanning technology, policy, climate and more that will impact 2018 – it could prove to be a year of dynamic change for our urban fabric.
Architects | Feb 7, 2018
8 inefficiencies in the architecture + design industry (and possible solutions)
Matthew Rosenberg has identified 8 major inefficiencies in the architecture and design industry, as well as a solution for each of them.
Architects | Feb 5, 2018
Little names new Corporate President and COO
International architecture and design firm Little has appointed Carolyn Rickard-Brideau as its new Corporate President, and Charles Todd as its Chief Operating Officer.
Architects | Feb 1, 2018
How to generate architecture leads
One of the first steps to increasing leads for your design firm is to acknowledge that all leads are not equal, writes Hinge’s Karl Feldman.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 1, 2018
Early supplier engagement provides exceptional project outcomes
Efficient supply chains enable companies to be more competitive in the marketplace.
Industry Research | Jan 30, 2018
AIA’s Kermit Baker: Five signs of an impending upturn in construction spending
Tax reform implications and rebuilding from natural disasters are among the reasons AIA’s Chief Economist is optimistic for 2018 and 2019.