Savage & Cooke Premium Distillery

Historic Mare Island buildings transform into premium craft distillery

Mare Island, California, United States

Client: Savage & Cooke, LLC

Sector: Commerce, Workplace, Design, Industrial, Environmental, Architecture

RIM Architects, now part of GHD, transformed two historic Mare Island decommissioning Navy military buildings into Savage & Cooke's 35,000-square-foot premium distillery, creating a destination that features production operations, tasting rooms and event spaces while preserving and celebrating the structures' rich architectural heritage.

At a glance

RIM Architects, now part of GHD, transformed two historic Mare Island decommissioning Navy military buildings into Savage & Cooke's 35,000-square-foot premium distillery, creating a destination that features production operations, tasting rooms and event spaces while preserving and celebrating the structures' rich architectural heritage.

The challenge

Mare Island's Buildings 45 and 65, constructed in 1865, presented complex rehabilitation challenges that required balancing historic preservation with modern functionality. As some of the oldest structures on the former naval base, these historic buildings of unreinforced masonry needed significant upgrades to meet current building codes and safety standards. The project demanded careful navigation of preservation requirements while accommodating modern distillery operations including production facilities with varying types of stills, barrel storage, tasting rooms and gathering spaces. The century-old brick structures required thoughtful solutions to integrate contemporary systems and equipment without compromising their architectural integrity. Additionally, the building’s location and historic status meant coordinating with multiple regulatory agencies and stakeholders throughout the approval process.

Our response

GHD developed innovative architectural solutions that respected the building’s historic character while enabling modern use. We conducted thorough assessments and created designs that preserved significant features like original brick cisterns and ornate window frame configurations, incorporating them as unique custom elements in the new facility. Our team managed complex historic review processes and secured necessary approvals by demonstrating how new uses and elements would complement existing structures without diminishing their historic value. We transformed a former central military concrete bunker into an exclusive VIP tasting room, creating a distinctive hospitality experience that celebrates the building's heritage. The project included designing a rooftop gathering space and restoring the historic passenger bridge connecting the buildings, enhancing visitor circulation and experience.

The impact

The completed distillery has become a catalyst for Mare Island's revitalization, creating a premier destination that draws visitors from across the Bay Area. The project demonstrates successful adaptive reuse of military infrastructure while preserving significant historical elements, earning recognition through a 2019 Engineering News-Record California Award of Merit North and a Wood Design Award. Located within walking distance of the ferry terminal, the facility supports sustainable transportation options and helps establish Mare Island as an emerging craft beverage and tourism destination. This transformation showcases how thoughtful architectural intervention can breathe new life into historic structures while maintaining their authentic character.

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