Bell Plaza Bike Depot - Adaptive Reuse of a Historic Building
As architects, we relished the challenge of bringing futurist thinking to one of Redding’s oldest buildings—a rare opportunity to bridge the past and future through design. Our approach to Bell Plaza centered on adaptive reuse, preserving the building’s historical integrity while imagining a multi-use and sustainable future for the structure.
We restored the core structure, retaining key architectural features such as the original brick materials, which were carefully salvaged and preserved, the historic roof pitch, and many of the existing windows. This sensitive renovation honors the character of the original building while enhancing its functionality and resilience for the future.
The revitalized complex now features the Shasta Bike Depot and Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen—a dynamic blend of community-focused uses that activate the space day and night. The Bike Depot offers bike-share and valet services alongside a cyclist-friendly café, all oriented around a welcoming public plaza. Situated near major bike trails and public transit routes, Bell Plaza promotes low-carbon, active transportation and serves as a vital hub for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
This project exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse to breathe new life into historic structures—preserving the past while shaping a more sustainable, connected urban future.
The Opportunity
“Programming the bike depot to complement the bike network improvements that the City of Redding, Caltrans and SRTA are undertaking is exciting. Imagine a family hopping on bikes near the Sundial Bridge, and easily getting to a downtown destination. Or a person who lives downtown being able to easily access the world-class Sacramento River Trail by bike,” said Rachel Hatch, Senior Program Officer for Community Vitality. “Downtowns that thrive, are those that are bikeable and walkable.”
Bicycle tourism is an important economic driver for the future of Redding, contributing $83 billion to the US economy annually. In addition, it’s a vital option for Redding residents to get around town.
“When we give people the resources, skills and confidence they need to get around safely and conveniently by bike, they discover the ease and joy of bicycling. People in Redding and Shasta County aren’t just ready for this – they are excited about it,” Anne Thomas, Manager of Shasta Bike Depot said.
Bell Plaza: Courtyard entrance to Pipeline with outdoor seating and bike parking.
Preservation Notes
This project features an open concept interior with an upper level observation area, large windows and dining and bar area.
The existing structure was restored to the original design aesthetic. Salvaged bricks were used for construction reducing materials usage. Common areas and multi-use retail and hospitality applications foster a creative beacon for connection and community building.
The Challenge
We were able to substitute a pre-engineered metal building for the original custom designed steel structure, reducing costs and allowing us to retain the architectural design.
Sustainability Features
Salvaged bricks from historic local buildings preserved and used in construction.
The bike depot connects Downtown Redding with the wide network of surrounding bike trails.
The project preserves original surface parking.
Designed to meet CalGreen standards which reduce indoor water usage and energy usage.
Project
Client: The McConnell Foundation
Size: 12,000 square feet
Location: Redding, California
Completed: 2024