New life is coming to historic locations throughout Sacramento. These six projects are examples of adaptive reuse, an environmentally-friendly construction tactic that repurposes old buildings while maintaining their cultural and historic heritage.
These historic sites are part of the fabric of Sacramento's history, and now they will be part of its future too. Learn more.
These 6 Adaptive Reuse Projects Are Bringing Economic Growth & Innovation to Sacramento
The Railyards Central Shops
The Railyards Central Shops consists of eight historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In its heyday, The Central Shops District was one of the largest industrial sites in the country. When The Railyards closed its doors in 1999, the buildings fell into disuse.
Now, The Central Shops are poised to help bring new economic growth to Sacramento. The Central Shops will become a retail district, home to exciting eateries, entertainment venues, art galleries, shops, and a new expansion to the State Railroad Museum.
The Central Shops have been designated as a historic district, so the work to transform these eight buildings into a new community hub will also rehabilitate them according to historic preservation guidelines, taking care to maintain their original style and building materials.
Sleep Train Arena
Sleep Train Arena has sat empty for seven years. Now, this local icon will be rebuilt as a medical school and teaching hospital. The first phase of the project will bring a medical center to the property. This will be followed by nursing, dental, and pharmaceutical programs.
With this project, the former home to the Sacramento Kings will transform into an economic driver and hub for innovation in the Sacramento area. The hospital and campus are expected to break ground in 2022.
The SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
The SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento first opened its doors in 1974, but its competitive position has since fallen behind major convention centers in other cities. Because of this, Sacramento approved a plan to renovate the center in May 2017.
The renovated center, which reopened in June 2021, added over 100,000 square feet of space and new features. It now features expanded programmable space, an exhibit hall, an outdoor plaza, meeting space, breakout rooms, and more. 92% of the materials from the demolition were recycled for the new center, and the renovation is expected to result in increased hotel occupancy in Sacramento.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity
The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, or MOSAC, is Sacramento's newest Science Center. This innovative space will become a local epicenter for STEM education, and is a beautiful new part of Sacramento's revitalized waterfront. Sacramento residents will enjoy engaging exhibits, classroom space, a planetarium, and other attractions.
The new MOSAC location is the culmination of a multi-year effort to renovate and reuse an 114-year-old historic power station on Jibboom Street, located just minutes away from The Railyards.
Exchange Hotel
The Exchange Hotel in Sacramento is an adaptive reuse project revitalizing the historic California Fruit Building at 1006 Fourth Street.
The California Fruit Building was Sacramento's first high rise when it was built in 1914. Now, the building will be transformed into a 100-room hotel. The building will feature two restaurants and an interior curated with art made by local artists.
Hyatt House Hotel
Construction is underway on the Hyatt House Hotel, a reuse of the Eastern Star Building. The Eastern Star Building was built in 1928 as a meeting hall for the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic women's organization. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as an example of Romanesque Revival Architecture in 1993.
The project will preserve the building’s exterior facade, grand lobby, and staircase, while transforming the interior into a 128-room hotel.
2413 J St.
This adaptive reuse project turned a former auto body shop at 2413 J Street into a new retail center. Construction has been completed and visitors can now visit the space’s three retail shops - Wild Heart Beauty, Ro Sham Beaux wine bar, and Ginger Elizabeth Patisserie.
Which historic Sacramento location are you looking forward to seeing in a new light? Share your thoughts with us on social media.