Historic Structure Report The Hearst Greek Theatre University of California Berkeley, California Prepared by Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. San Francisco, California April 2007 It is Greece! -Sarah Bernhardt Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California Table of Contents I. Historic Structure Report A. Executive Summary................................................................1 B. Introduction............................................................................4 C. Site and Building History ........................................................9 D. Theater in Antiquity ...............................................................24 E. Late History: Planning and Construction ................................30 F. Description..............................................................................41 G. Selected Architectural Elements ..............................................57 H. Site..........................................................................................61 I. Utilities and Infrastructure......................................................69 J. Alterations and Use .................................................................71 Construction Chronology ........................................................80 K. Use of the Greek Theatre .........................................................85 L. Significance and Integrity Evaluation .....................................90 M. Ratings of Significance ............................................................96 N. Architectural and Site Conditions and Recommendations ........99 O. Materials Conditions and Recommendations............................112 II. Bibliography III. Illustrations IV. Appendices a. HSR Diagrams and Drawings April 2007 Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California i. Site Boundaries ii. Nomenclature iii. Site Significance diagram iv. Building Significance diagram v. Significant Trees (survey) b. Elements of the Theatre c. 1903 Drawings d. Site vicinity drawings 1927-1953; 1955 Drawings (repairs) e. 1956 Drawings f. Prohedria or Chairs of Honor listing g. Lawrence Halprin Biography h. Phoebe Hearst Biography i. William Randolph Hearst Biography j. University Timeline k. Article from Berkeley Daily Planet 04/18/1906 l. Methodology for GPS April 2007 Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California I. Historic Structure Report April 2007 Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California A. Executive Summary Commissioned by the Physical and Environmental Planning unit of Capital Projects (PEP) in connection with the Haas School of Business Executive Education Center, this document summarizes historical information and observations of current conditions to provide a convenient reference conveying the significance of the William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre. While intended primarily as a resource for understanding what makes this property historically important, this document also addresses historical considerations related to management and development. This Historic Structure Report (HSR) treats the Greek Theatre as a single property; it has three primary components: the classical 1903 amphitheater designed by John Galen Howard, the 1957 backstage complex designed by Ernest Born and landscape improvements designed by Ernest Born (with some level of consultation by Lawrence Halprin), and the site which is an integral element in the identity of an outdoor structure such as this. While the original site was a loosely defined but extensive portion of the lower hills east of the main Campus Park, subsequent developments on all sides have reduced it to the relatively discrete bounds described and illustrated in this report. This report traces the development of the theater itself and its site as well as its major architectural influences, and provides capsule biographies of the handful of individuals most closely associated with it. It includes a description of the property today, a statement of historical significance, designation of the significance of major components of the property, and a discussion of important materials and repairs issues. While this document is not a Historic Landscape Report or Cultural Landscape Report, it does consider the landscape elements important to the character and significance of the Greek Theatre. The Greek Theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the 1977 multiple resource nomination which encompassed 17 of the most significant resources on the campus. It is significant at the local, state, and national level for its association with important events, persons, and construction/design values. It is noteworthy for several reasons: as an excellent example of a classical amphitheater; as a site that represents the development of the Berkeley campus from the 19th Century period, the Hearst Competition and John Galen Howard, and the post-World War II era; and as a venue for important campus events and famous performances and figures from the larger culture. April 2007 Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. Page 1 Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California An outdoor space known as “Ben Weed’s Amphitheatre” was used for some campus gatherings on the same site before Phoebe Hearst, Emile Benard and John Galen Howard reshaped the campus and set the stage for Howard’s 1903 classical structure which survives today with a high degree of historical integrity. Howard’s original design was notably more elaborate than the theater as built, with a roofed colonnade at the upper promenade, but as executed the Greek Theatre embodied the essentials of a classical theater, following fairly closely the model at Epidaurus, Greece built in the second half of the Fourth Century B.C.1 Howard’s use of a spare Doric order, executed in cast-in-place concrete with a thin cement parging visually complements the relatively unadorned project as executed. Set in the hills above the main campus, it expressed the contemporary ambitions of establishing a new expression of Western civilization in the unspoiled landscape of the West.2 The structure underwent relatively little change from its construction until after World War II. Although Bowles Hall (1928), the Women’s Dormitory (now Stern Hall, 1941), and Gayley Road (1946) circumscribed a site which was previously defined by the surrounding grove of trees, the character of the theater (including the vistas to the west through the trees of the campus located below the site and in the distance of the Bay, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate) changed very little. In 1957, the only significant alteration occurred, adding a layer of Modernist architecture and landscape architecture which has become an essential element in the property. Architect Ernest Born deftly flanked Howard’s original stage backdrop, or skene, on the north, west, and south with largely subterranean backstage buildings and with landscape architect Lawrence Halprin tied the site and circulation on the north and south with a series of terraces, ramps, planting areas, and service spaces. The project reinforced the classical definition of the amphitheater, its spaces, and vistas, while using a very distinct visual language that allows the 1903 design to read clearly. Few exterior changes have occurred in the half century since the Born design was executed. The Greek Theatre continues in use for campus ceremonies and cultural uses scheduled by Cal Performances. While it has been maintained consistently, there has been some deterioration of 1 Robertson, Greek and Roman Architecture, p 166. 2 Helfand, The Campus Guide, p 17. April 2007 Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. Page 2 Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California note, including cracking in the west walls of the amphitheater; deterioration of the concrete in the seating area and the stone prohedria, or ornamental seats; significant water leaks in the ground floor of the 1957 addition; cracks through the center of amphitheater; and displacement of north and south quarter spheres. The site has been affected by construction of the Foothill Student Housing project, which seriously compromised the historical integrity of the theater on the northeast and east side and reduced the size of the eucalyptus grove; by the construction of the parking lot on the south side of the theater, which resulted in the removal of some of the trees from the eucalyptus grove and as a result reduced the overall effect of the grove on this side of the theater; and by construction of high-rise academic buildings west of Gayley Road which have changed the setting, altered views (to the west), and compromised the potential for acoustic performances. Future concerns center on the need for a capital project to rehabilitate construction that is fifty to one hundred years old and the potential for new construction around the property to impact the setting which is important to the identity and experience of the theater. April 2007 Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc. Page 3 Historic Structure Report Greek Theatre University of California B. Introduction This Historic Structure Report follows a general format used for decades in the United States to compile and evaluate information relating to the significance of historic buildings and structures. Similar report formats for landscapes and sites guided the consideration of the Greek Theatre site, though this document