New renderings have been developed for our work at NOVA Academy Santa Ana, due to open this Fall. Located in a prominent location across from Santa Ana City Hall, the future home of NOVA Academy is a 4 story office building that Berliner has been charged with converting to a hi-tech charter school serving students from surrounding low-income neighborhoods.

Berliner completed a through code analysis process, determining the extent of the upgrades required to convert the occupancy classification from B (offices) to E (Educational). This work includes additional means of egress, fire-rating of corridors, and structural upgrades.

Originally built in 1981 with a "pre-Northridge" steel moment frame system, the building requires an extensive seimic strengthening as a result of the change of occupancy. To this end, Berliner and our team of consultants evaluated a diverse range of strategies, ultimately landing on an innovative fluid damper retrofit system. This approach will alleviate the need to enlarge the foundations, saving valuable time and resources.

Additionally, the renovation will fully update and modernize the facilities - including a fitness center and student resources hub. Brand new IT and A/V infrastructure, combined with a vibrant and exciting environment that Berliner can provide, will ensure that NOVA Academy's mission to prepare students for the rigors and challenges of college will be fulfilled.