Our firm designed this award-winning headquarters for the California Public Retirement System (CalPERS) in the 1980s. It is one of the first buildings to use a raised floor system in the data center, allowing the computer cabling technology to be changed with minimal disruption. It is also one of the first energy efficient fluorescent tube installations with T8 lamps. More than 144,000 square feet of landscaped terraces and courtyards surround each level of the building providing shade, minimized water use, and reduced heat gain.

We were retained in 1999 by the Public Employees Retirement System to completely renovate the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors for flexible, open-office spaces. The headquarters building was continuously occupied during the renovation. Construction phasing was a key design consideration as was developing a new finish palette to replace the existing finishes throughout the complex, for a fresh and updated appearance.

The use of “transparent technology” proved a design success in this project. Sophisticated audio, video, lighting controls and communication systems are employed throughout; yet the equipment and controls are seamlessly integrated into the space and almost become invisible.

This elegant renovation received an AIA Citation Award in 2002 for interior design.

Lincoln Plaza North was certified LEED EB Gold by the USGBC in 2009 and is directly across the street from CalPERS R Street.