SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Zoo will be shoring up one of its three signature structures that greet visitors at the zoo entrance. The iconic structures have inverted curved roofs “hyperbolic parabaloids” according to zoo officials.
The largest structure is closed after dry rot was discovered in roof beams. Built as a snack bar, it was used as an education center until it was closed for safety reasons a year ago.
When they were built in 1961 as part of a zoo renovation, space and the atomic age influenced architecture. Now called “googie architecture, square and rectangular patters were out and rounded triangular designs influences were in.
“I love it, it’s such and interesting design,” said Jill Rothstein who was visiting the zoo with her son and husband.
Both were glad the 55-year-old building will be repaired.
“I think so much of the architecture has gotten flat and functional and we’ve lost our sense of touch with what design can do for our lives,” said Matt Rothstein.
Zoo officials say they will spend $30,000 to shore up the beams so the building can be reopened later in the year. The repairs are expected to last 5 years. The zoo is looking at a redesign of the entrance area which sees 500,000 visitors a year. Some hope the structures will be around a lot longer.
“Whether that’s at the front entrance of the Sacramento Zoo or whether that’s another safer location we’re not sure at this time but I definitely think it’s an icon for Sacramento,” said Zoo public relations coordinator Tonja Candelaria.
