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KPIX Building

KPIX Building

In the late 19th century, 855 Battery Street was the San Francisco headquarters for the candy and cookie manufacturer American Biscuit Company, which later became National Biscuit and renamed Nabisco. The structures comprising the plant were destroyed in 1906, and soon thereafter the present building was constructed of board-formed reinforced concrete. After decades of manufacturing candy, the building changed tenants and currently houses the local television station, KPIX.

Over the years the exterior concrete deteriorated, exposing the underlying reinforcements. Petrographic and other testing indicated that the concrete was very poor quality with low compressive strength and high porosity. Repair methods and techniques needed to be tailored to the specific physical characteristics of this historic material. ARG Conservation Services (ARG/CS) was retained to survey and document the exterior conditions, as well as execute extensive testing of patching components and coatings. The final document included identification of overall deterioration patterns as well as strategies and recommendations for treatment repairs.

Upon completion of the survey, ARG/CS was retained as the general contractor in a design/build capacity to manage a multi-year phased concrete repair campaign that is still in progress. The scope of work includes abatement and removal of existing coatings and patching compounds, removal of loose and deteriorated concrete, treatment of corroded reinforcing bars, installation of in kind patch repairs, and final application of surface finishes. All work is performed in conjunction with KPIX tenant schedules to minimize traffic interference and business interruptions. Hazardous materials were found during the initial survey, and treatments incorporated strategies for minimizing disturbances, creating containment areas, and limiting exposure of workers and tenants.

Description:

Construction Management

Client:

KPIX

Location:

San Francisco, California

Category:

Design-Build, Façade Survey, General Contracting