North of the River Sanitary District No. 1

The NOR Sanitary District No.1 Office and Maintenance Facility was successfully completed in September of 2003. The buildings for the NOR Sanitary District are modest, efficient, and elegantly detailed, successfully integrating the wishes of the client.

The NOR Sanitary District No.1 Office and Maintenance Facility was successfully completed in September of 2003. The buildings for the NOR Sanitary District are modest, efficient, and elegantly detailed, successfully integrating the wishes of the client.

Project Details

Commercial
New District Office
North of the River Sanitary District No. 1
204 Universe Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308

Project Summary

Critical to the design aesthetics of the project was the surrounding residential neighborhood. The office building for the NOR Sanitary District was designed to respect the scale, form and finishes of the surrounding homes. A Mediterranean emphasis was expressed in the details: sculpted cornice molding, arched entry, tile roof with stucco walls, and accenting wrought iron work. These concepts were intended to be at once residential in nature, yet providing a strong statement of entry for the public.

The site design elaborates further on the concepts incorporated into the building design. Trees frame the office building and soften the view from the street. A manicured lawn area provides a “front yard” that meshes with the nearby homes. Parking was located at the side of the building, with walkways leading to the front door.

The maintenance building was located independent of the office building to accommodate development flexibility and to respond to the owner’s modest budget. Because of our successful cost control, both buildings were constructed simultaneously.

The NOR Sanitary District Office and Maintenance Facility represents a gentle reminder of a public entity’s obligation to respect its neighbors.

Photography by Larry Aronat

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