El Rodeo School Voluntary Seismic Retrofit and Historic Rehabilitation

El Rodeo School Voluntary Seismic Retrofit and Historic Rehabilitation is a winner for the 2025 Preservation Design Award for Rehabilitation. Award recipients are selected by a jury of top professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, planning, and history, as well as renowned architecture critics and journalists. Tickets and sponsorship options are available at californiapreservation.org/programs/awards/.

About El Rodeo School Voluntary Seismic Retrofit and Historic Rehabilitation

Originally built in 1927 with cast-in-place concrete, Building A, B, and C are designated historic and therefore renovated according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The campus features 4,200 square feet of Spanish Renaissance Revival cast-stone facades, which were reinforced with helical anchors for minimal visual impact. The tower dome had too much structural damage to restore, so it was carefully replicated. Upgrades include new state-of-the-art security, fire alarm, fire protection systems, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure. Historic elements such as the exterior windows were replaced with insulated versions that honor the original designs. The auditorium ceiling was thoughtfully restored and new theater rigging and advanced audiovisual systems were installed to make a state-of-the-art space. A community garden and new outdoor pathways were created to improve accessibility. Additional upgrades included artificial turf fields, landscaping, irrigation, fencing, and shade structures. This project transformed the campus to meet modern standards while preserving its historical essence.

Community Importance

Beverly Hills’ legacy of fine civic buildings is aptly illustrated by the five public schools within the city limits. A unifying thread of architecture, keynoted by towers, characterizes not only the schools, but also the City Hall building and the La Cienega Water Treatment Plant, tying the community together. Additionally, most of the historic civic buildings, including the schools, are variations on Spanish Revival styling. The services of some of the most prominent architects in the Los Angeles region were utilized here and unlike many of the surrounding communities, Beverly Hills has maintained most of its school buildings from the 1920s instead of building anew.

The El Rodeo School Voluntary Seismic Retrofit and Historic Rehabilitation project is a beacon of what is possible when heritage preservation meets modern innovation. By marrying seismic safety with meticulous historic restoration, this endeavor has safeguarded a beloved landmark while equipping it for the future. From the meticulous replication of architectural details to the seamless integration of sustainability and advanced educational facilities, the project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. It preserves a symbol of cultural and architectural significance and breathes new life into a campus that will inspire generations. This achievement exemplifies a commitment to preserving the past, protecting the present, and pioneering a resilient future.

About CPF and the Awards

The California Preservation Awards are a statewide hallmark, showcasing the best in historic preservation. The awards ceremony includes the presentation of the Preservation Design Awards and the President’s Awards, bringing together hundreds of people each year to share and celebrate excellence in preservation.

The California Preservation Foundation (CPF), a 501c3 nonprofit, was incorporated in 1978. We now support a national network of more than 36,000 members and supporters. Click here to learn how you can become a member.