Hyperbolic Innovation: The Wiley & Sons Building at 1530 Redwood Rd
John Wiley & Sons Publishers: Building and Company History
John Wiley & Sons is a major New York-based publishing firm specializing in college textbooks and professional literature. Known for its long-standing reputation in educational and professional publishing, the company continues to expand its operations to meet growing demand for academic and technical resources.
In 1962, the company undertook the construction of a new warehouse and office facility at 1530 S. Redwood Road. The project was designed by Donald H. Panushka & Associates, whose architectural vision introduced a uniquely innovative roof structure to the region. The building’s roof consists of 15 hyperbolic paraboloid concrete shells, each supported by a central column. This design allows the roof to serve both as a cover and a structural support system. One of the advantages of this approach is that a single casting form could be used repeatedly for all the shells, simplifying construction while achieving a visually striking effect.
The building’s walls, also constructed of reinforced concrete cast on-site, are non-loadbearing, allowing the hyperbolic roof to bear the structural weight. This combination of engineering and aesthetic innovation made the facility an interesting and new architectural solution for warehouse construction in the area.
Once completed, the facility would serve as both a warehouse and office for John Wiley & Sons, providing the space needed to manage and distribute the firm’s extensive catalog of textbooks and professional publications. The Redwood Road building represents a significant step in the company’s physical and operational expansion, highlighting Wiley & Sons’ commitment to innovation not only in publishing but also in its functional architecture.
Today, it is still in use and houses the Kroger Grocery offices, demonstrating the durability and adaptability of its design. The structure remains a notable example of mid-century architectural innovation
