Gregory Bateson Building Renovation

The rebirth of a sustainable icon

Client: California Department of General Services
Location: California, United States
Size: 308,000 SF
Status: Completed; Pursuing LEED Platinum

Originally constructed in 1981 under the leadership of sustainability pioneer and California State Architect Sim van der Ryn, the Gregory Bateson Building stood as a bold experiment in energy-efficient design. With passive cooling, night flush ventilation and an early commitment to low-energy strategies, the building quickly became a model for sustainable office environments, especially well-suited to Sacramento’s warm climate. Built during the energy crisis of the 1970s, it reflected a moment when environmental responsibility and design innovation converged to shape California’s architectural future.

More than 40 years later, this iconic structure underwent a once-in-a-generation transformation, led by CannonDesign, McCarthy Building Companies and the California Department of General Services (DGS). As one of the first progressive design-build projects in DGS history, the renovation embraces the building’s pioneering spirit while updating it for 21st-century performance and wellness.

The four-story building occupies a full city block in downtown Sacramento, California.

In 2013, Architectural Review affirmed that the Gregory Bateson Building was “the first large-scale building to embody what we now call sustainable architecture."

Our work on the project was as much about preservation as it was about transformation. From a distance, the exterior looks nearly untouched. But behind the familiar façade is an extensive modernization. All the original wood cladding was removed and a modern building envelope — including a weather barrier, rainscreen system, higher-performance insulation and low-E glazing — was implemented to protect the building. The wood panels were replaced in-kind but attached in a different assembly to prevent deterioration.

A photo of the building shortly after it first opened in 1981.

The building today, framed by trees.

Large clerestories punctuated by north-facing sawtooth skylights welcome light deep into the building's central atrium.

Inside, the entire building's infrastructure was overhauled, including new HVAC, plumbing, life safety systems, vertical transportation, data and power. The soaring atrium with its enormous clerestories punctuated by north-facing sawtooth skylights remains largely unchanged, with upgrades to improve accessibility and thermal comfort. It’s been thoughtfully updated with biophilic elements like West Coast-sourced planters and communal seating. Original fabric tubes used for passive airflow remain, joined by a modern, high-volume, low-speed fan to enhance comfort without compromising character.

The highlight of the original design is its massive 150 x 144–foot atrium.

The original fabric tubes hanging from the atrium were designed as circulation fans. While the tubes will be preserved, the team outsourced a new way to cool the atrium by installing a large high-volume, low-speed fan in the center of the atrium ceiling.

While the building’s historic character was carefully preserved, its daily workspaces were completely reimagined to deliver a modern, people-first experience. Designed to support a range of work styles and wellness needs, the new interiors feature collaborative coffee areas, flexible meeting zones, outdoor work and respite spaces and more — all reflecting a deep commitment to employee well-being.

Sustainability also remains at the forefront, with the building on track for LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy performance. In the main entrance area, educational signage, created by our experiential graphic design team, celebrates its many green strategies.