Cathedral of Christ the Light

• Client:  Conversion Management Associates
• Location:  Oakland, California
• Project Manager:  Linda H. Liang
• Principal-in-Charge:  Hadi J. Yap

The Cathedral of Christ the Light, located at Grand Avenue and Harrison Street in Oakland is a multi-use facility consisting of a tall, elliptical, glass-clad cathedral that is 106 feet tall, plaza and gathering area, two- to three-story chancery offices, a parish hall, reliquary walls, mausoleum, and two-levels of below-grade parking garages. 

Treadwell & Rollo performed a geotechnical investigation and a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) for the project. Primary geotechnical concerns included (1) the presence of weak, compressible lakeshore deposits a part of the site, (2) shallow groundwater table and need for structure to resist hydrostatic uplift forces, and (3) construction issues related to deep excavation adjacent to existing buildings.

We performed engineering studies and developed design recommendations for foundations, shoring, and underpinning. During project planning and design, we worked closely with project team to optimize foundation, shoring and underpinning systems. The structure is supported on a mat foundation bearing on native soil or engineered fill. 

Treadwell & Rollo provided field observation and consultation during shoring and underpinning installation, deep excavation and dewatering, engineering fill placement, foundation preparation, and utility trench backfill.