Originally built in 1903, the Greek Theatre is an iconic music venue and a highly recognizable feature of the University of California, Berkeley campus. The university has completed multiple enhancements of the space in recent years, including seismic upgrades, historic structure repairs and construction of a new plaza with concessions and restrooms. However, concerns remained regarding the safety, comfort and capacity of the theater’s upper bowl and lawn.

This improvement project offered a solution by creating a more accessible and comfortable environment for patrons and ensuring compliance with current codes and accessibility standards through refurbishments to the lawn seating, temporary support facilities and emergency access lanes. Crews installed concrete curb seating and added staircases for improved circulation within those seating areas.

Following numerous grading studies, the project team adjusted the steeply sloped lawn’s geometry for acoustics and sight lines. The lawn was rebuilt with tiers that optimize views and facilitate access to newly built restrooms and concession areas. Pervious pavers were added in the concession area to minimize runoff and erosion. ADA access was improved and ADA seating was expanded, and the fire access lane was updated.

Photo courtesy Sherwood Design Engineers

But the team had to navigate significant constraints such as the site’s 20% slope and a complex existing network of electrical and water utilities that had to be left intact. In addition, the historic stage and amphitheater structure had to remain untouched.

These conditions combined with the presence of multiple utilities that were shallower than documented in as-builts resulted in numerous layout and grading adaptations during construction.

Excessive rain caused schedule delays, forcing the project team to solve multiple problems together regarding constructibility and product procurement. A collective, open forum approach gave everyone on the multidisciplinary team the opportunity to contribute design ideas and ensured that the client would benefit from the most effective and efficient solutions to these challenges.

Despite the site and schedule challenges, the Greek Theatre was completed in time for the first concert of the season in April 2024.