When visiting Pasadena, Calif., your eyes are automatically drawn to the majestic Pasadena City Hall which dominates the Civic Center District. Designed by San Francisco-based architects Bakewell and Brown, it is one of the finest examples of California Mediterranean style architecture in the state.

Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, city officials decided to seismically rehabilitate the structure. The primary goal was to ensure that, in the event of a major earthquake, the lives of the building occupants were protected. However, the city also wanted to preserve this historic structure for future generations.

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Stephen Marusich, S.E., is an associate at Forell/Elsesser Engineers, Inc., in San Francisco. He can be reached at steve@forell.com.