Whittier College, Deihl Hall

Whittier, California

Firm

William Loyd Jones, Architect

Client

Whittier College

Area

10,038 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$1,200,000

Completion Date

01/1998

Designed in 1918, this unreinforced masonry classroom building had been unused for 10 years, after an earthquake rendered it seismically unsound. A gift from the Ahmanson Foundation provided resources to restore the Spanish Revival structure, undertake a major seismic retrofit and transform the building into a modern classroom facility integrating the technology of today.
The building has been completely transformed without visible intrusion or obscuring historic architectural details. New structural concrete walls and steel braces, new HVAC systems, electrical systems and computer systems have been located in concealed spaces. The lighting is energy efficient. New thermal insulation was added and windows replaced with architecturally correct insulated units. Original mission clay tiles, plaster and cast stone detailing were carefully restored.
The Language Resource Center features an advanced digital teaching system and the media classroom has state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. Wall colors and carpets were chosen to reinforce the historical character. Original concrete floors were preserved in circulation areas.
Rededicated as Deihl Hall in 1998, this revitalized Whittier College Landmark now houses the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

Photographer: ©Christine Mutschenbacher

“Beautiful restoration; maintains original character.”—1998 Architectural Portfolio jury