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.
Before construction, the site was a literal dump.
Related Stories
Architects | Feb 2, 2022
Steven L. Pliam joins LEO A DALY as Design Technology Leader
Pliam will oversee the deployment and use of technologies such as computational design, parametric design, digital practice, reality capture, visualization, virtual/augmented reality, GIS and AI/Machine Learning.
Architects | Jan 31, 2022
Heatherwick Studio proposes new public waterfront site for Seoul
Heatherwick Studio was recently selected as part of the team by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to create a new sports and cultural district for the city.
Retail Centers | Jan 31, 2022
Amazon Style: Amazon’s latest innovative physical shopping experience
In January, Amazon unveiled plans to build a physical fashion store concept, dubbed Amazon Style, in Los Angeles. The e-commerce giant says the store will offer “together the best of shopping on Amazon–great prices, selection, and convenience–with an all new shopping experience built to inspire.”
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Jan 30, 2022
Optimized steel deck design
This course provides an overview of structural steel deck design and the ways to improve building performance and to reduce total-project costs.
Laboratories | Jan 28, 2022
3 must-know strategies for developers in today’s life sciences industry
While the life sciences industry had been steadily growing, this growth exploded when the pandemic arrived—and there is no indication that this lightning-fast pace will slow down any time soon.
Cultural Facilities | Jan 27, 2022
Growth in content providers creates new demand for soundstage facilities
Relativity Architects' Partner Tima Bell discusses how the explosion in content providers has outpaced the availability of TV and film production soundstages in North America and Europe.
Sponsored | Webinar | Jan 27, 2022
On-demand webinar: Open plenum design with baffles
With their vast, airy aesthetics, open-plan interiors offer a feel that can inspire and support occupants. But they can also create acoustical challenges that negate the effects of all that beauty. Baffles are an ideal ceiling design solution that address both aesthetics and performance.
Architects | Jan 27, 2022
Gensler’s latest design forecast is also a call to action
The firm urges the AEC industry to take the lead in creating a fairer, cleaner built environment that faces many obstacles.
Architects | Jan 26, 2022
HMC Architects Welcomes New Director of Sustainability
The Sacramento studio of leading national architecture and design firm HMC Architects has announced the appointment of new Director of Sustainability Jennifer Wehling, who joined in December
Market Data | Jan 26, 2022
2022 construction forecast: Healthcare, retail, industrial sectors to lead ‘healthy rebound’ for nonresidential construction
A panel of construction industry economists forecasts 5.4 percent growth for the nonresidential building sector in 2022, and a 6.1 percent bump in 2023.
