Objective:
Seismic upgrade of a 3 story unreinforced masonry (URM) building for an increase in occupancy load.

Solutions:
We performed a complete seismic analysis of the building to conform to the California Historical Building Code. Instead of adding new or replacing inadequate lateral force resisting elements, we were able to modify the existing structural elements to comply with the upgrade requirements. We increased nailing for several interior plywood shear walls. Two existing moment frames we reinforced for the upgrade. Additional URM wall pullout anchors were added to secure the walls to the floor systems.