Project Overview

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Since 1927, the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium has drawn gatherings of up to 4,000 for a variety of events, including inaugurations, commencements, entertainment and sporting events, meetings, conferences, banquets, receptions, and speaking engagements. The auditorium is listed on the National Historic Register and is one of the most recognizable and beloved buildings in the region. In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the auditorium as one of five national winners of “Protecting America’s Treasures”. Located at the center of the city’s cultural and convention district, it serves as a principal multi-purpose venue for the Sacramento community.

When the auditorium’s grounds were to be excavated in order to repair foundation walls, the city recognized an opportunity to improve the existing site and building lighting. The City of Sacramento contracted M. Neils Engineering, Inc. to provide a new exterior lighting design for this historic building. The firm served as the prime consultant and electrical engineer of record on the project and was responsible for managing the design team, preparing the construction documents, and providing construction support. The firm also contributed significantly to the development and realization of the lighting design. Other firms involved in the project included Benya Lighting Design (lighting consultant), Collins Electrical Company (electrical contractor), Unger Construction Company (general contractor), Buehler and Buehler Structural Engineers (structural engineer), and Callander Associates (landscape architect). M. Neils Engineering, Inc. collaborated closely with each of these firms to design, mock-up and implement the final solutions for the facade, site, and street lighting.

This project won the 26th Annual GE Edison Award (2008) as well as an Award for Excellence in Environmental Design.