International House Berkeley

International House Times 7 H ow long have you been at I-House? What are your responsibilities and how have those changed over the years? I have been at I-House for 29 years. I started as a senior building maintenance worker. I was part of a three-man crew that made sure all the repairs were done in the resident rooms, public areas, and offices for ten years. I got to know the building very well. I was then reclassified as a carpenter for 12 years. Next I became the assistant director of physical operations. I went from slinging a tool bag to managing a maintenance crew of three and a custodial crew of 14. In 2017, I was promoted to the director of physical operations position and serve in that capacity currently. What are some of the features that are particularly unique about I-House architecturally and structurally? I am a fan of the Spanish mission style architecture. Lots of arches, rounded corners, and painted tile. e painted ceilings in the Great Hall and Auditorium are amazing! I'm also a huge fan of the wooden wainscoting and the hand-carved wooden scarabs over some of the doorways. Structurally, this building is impressive. Solid concrete and rebar construction with hollow clay-tile partition walls covered with plaster. is was top-of-the-line construction for its day. ey don't build like this anymore. What have been the key renovations and ongoing maintenance projects during your tenure? e biggest key renovations have to be the seismic upgrades to the resident rooms, the phased renovations of the resident restrooms and showers, the complete ADA upgrade for accessibility to the house, the upgrade to the fire alarm system, and the Dining Commons renovation. e residents are our top priority. I know it sounds cliché but it's true. Every project we embark on is to ensure resident safety and to improve the resident experience. Which projects you are most proud of? My first project when I started working here was the Hall of History. We made all the wooden display frames and wooden signs above them. Having that as my first project really helped me appreciate I-House and its mission. I got to see the photos of its construction and read the stories of how this house originated, and it made an impact on me. If you have the chance to spend some time in the Hall of History and really read and look, I'd highly reccomend it. It's pretty impressive. How do you interact with the Board House Committee? I am one of four I-House staff members who serve as support to the House Committee. e House Committee is made up of I-House board of director members, and staffed by my colleagues and me plus consultants, architects, developers, accountants, and Resident Council members. eir primary function is to preserve and improve the International House structure. ey determine what capital projects are necessary to improve and preserve the building. We spend countless hours discussing pros and cons, reviewing renderings, and putting together proposals to take to the full board of directors for their approval. I-House Berkeley is now celebrating its 90th year. Many alums remember the Loma Prieta earthquake. Since being on the Hayward Fault is a key element of planning, how do we look structurally and in case of emergency? I-House sustained no significant structural damage during the 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. e Emergency Planning Committee meets regularly to ensure that safety procedures are in place and that staff and student staff are trained in the event of an emergency. I-House is equipped with an emergency generator in the event of power loss and emergency first aid, fresh water, and rations to accommodate 600 residents for three days. I believe we are the only building on campus that has these provisions. I hope we never have to tap into these supplies, but we are prepared if necessary. What is on the horizon for key repairs, restoration, and renovations going forward? A Great Hall refresh has now occured and residents are already enjoying the new furniture. We're completing our maintenance elevator modernization. We will be renovating the Sproul Kitchen, Gamble Lounge, and Café next summer, along with power pole removal and front-entry landscaping. A major campus-wide seismic safety program, including a detailed plan for I-House now under development, will require significant attention. We've got a very busy year ahead of us! What are some "fun facts" about the building, architecture, and physical plant? e building has changed in many ways over the years. Most people don't know that the front-entry doors were originally where the front desk is now, so you would enter directly into the Great Hall! ere were glass doors on the north and south walls with wooden wainscoting and columns like the Dining Commons has. Also, the third floor rooms 344 – 361 used to be the laundry area. It's been a great privilege to be a part of the I-House legacy. n Preserving the I-House Architectural Heritage An Interview with Mark Cassettari, Director of Physical Operations

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