PCR staff provided preservation design consultation and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards plan reviews for the adaptive reuse of the historic Santa Monica Jail housed in historic Santa Monica City Hall after the jail closed in 2003. The project called for major alterations in order to turn the jail into an information technology center. Although some character-defining features were removed for the adaptive reuse of the jail, the new plans were carefully analyzed to ensure the new additions and alterations retained the character-defining features of the historic jail and were compatible with the historic City Hall.

To address the proposed undertaking, PCR prepared a Section 106 Effects Evaluation report and recommended a mitigation plan to reduce potential effects to the historic Jail. PCR assisted the City in consultation with FEMA, the Advisory Council, and the California State Historic Preservation Officer, which resulted in successful execution of a Memorandum of Agreement. PCR subsequently prepared a HABS Level II recordation of the historic jail, oversaw the salvage program and prepared a salvage report, provided construction monitoring and architectural conservation consulting services during project construction, and assisted in the design and installation of a permanent interpretive exhibit as part of the mitigation plan.