Historic Structure Report, Administration Building B13183, Nevada State Prison, Carson City, Nevada

ASM Affiliates, Inc.

From executive summary: "ASM Affiliates Inc. (ASM) and Dubé Group Architecture (DGA) were contracted by the City of Carson City to complete a Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the Administration Building (B13183) at the Nevada State Prison (NSP) complex, in Carson City, Nevada. The building, constructed between 1920 and 1925, is located in Carson City, Nevada (see Figures 1 and 2)... In compiling this report, information obtained from the analysis of existing building plans was applied to the field survey findings to provide an overall understanding of the nature of any given feature and its inherent strengths and weaknesses. Additional information regarding upkeep and issues pertaining to HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems was provided by Nevada State Prison maintenance personnel. This information was also analyzed vis-à-vis the field survey findings. The Administration Building is a contributing resource in the Nevada State Prison historic district, listed in the NRHP in 2015 (NRIS #15000320) on the basis of its historical association with Nevada’s adoption and refinement of prison reforms in the early twentieth century. In addition, it is individually eligible for its architectural significance as a good example of stone masonry prison architecture of the early twentieth century, as well as being a good representation of the work of a “Master Architect,” Frederic DeLongchamps. It was designed and constructed between 1920 and 1925, replacing the original building on the property, for use by guards and prison officers. More than 90 years later, the building still stands and is serviceable but in need of major rehabilitation. Accordingly, when considering the Administration Building as a historic resource, it is important to think of it as (and to allow it to continue to be) precisely what it was designed to be: a simple, utilitarian structure based on standardized prison plans of its day. “Let the building be what it was designed to be” should be the guiding principle behind undertakings that may affect the building. what it was designed to be: a simple, utilitarian structure based on standardized prison plans of its day. “Let the building be what it was designed to be” should be the guiding principle behind undertakings that may affect the building. The Administration Building retains high overall integrity and is able to convey its historic significance. Over the course of time, however, several alterations have collectively resulted in some loss of integrity of materials, design, and workmanship. Specifically, the following inappropriate alterations have negatively impacted the integrity of the building: Several original doors and windows have either been replaced or filled in; West Wing: Alterations to the interior of the west wing have modified the interior office spaces. North & West Wing: Drop ceilings installed in the north and west wings have partially covered original windows and doorways. Accordingly, the historic integrity of this building must be considered threatened. For that reason, it is recommended that the recommendations based on the SOI’s guidance presented herein be implemented as expeditiously as constraints will allow." Project funding was provided in part by a 2015 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Carson City (project number NV-15-010) administered by the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (grant number P15AF00038) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Carson City, Nevada is a Certified Local Government.

Historic Structure Report, Administration Building B13183, Nevada State Prison, Carson City, Nevada

Collections