Adaptive Reuse Resource Guide

Adaptive Reuse Culture-Focused Design

Current Industry Challenges The commercial real estate landscape continues to evolve in 2025, influenced by post-pandemic shifts and economic changes: + Office Spaces | Remote and hybrid work models have led to a national office vacancy rate of 19.8% at the end of 2024. + Retail Properties | Shopping centers face challenges due to online shopping trends, resulting in a 5.4% vacancy rate in the third quarter of 2024. + Multifamily Housing | Rising homeownership costs and housing shortages keep demand high, with an 8.7% vacancy rate in the third quarter of 2024. + Industrial Properties | The sector remains robust, driven by e-commerce and logistics needs.

To adapt, property owners are exploring Adaptive Reuse— transforming existing structures for new purposes— to maintain financial viability in this shifting environment.

96B

5.9M

SF of Commercial Floor Space in the US

Commercial Buildings in the US

61%

49%

INCREASED VACANCY RATES: As businesses close or reduce their operations, the demand for commercial space declines. This led to an increase in vacancy rates and declining rent revenue particularly in the office and retail sectors.

DECLINING RETAIL PRICES: As vacancy rates increased, landlords were forced to lower rental prices to attract tenants.

INCREASED DEMAND FOR FLEXIBLE LEASING OPTIONS: Tenants became more interested in flexible leasing options, such as short-term leases and subleases, as they sought to reduce their risk in the uncertain economic environment.

FOCUS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY: Tenants and landlords placed a greater emphasis on health and safety measures, such as enhanced cleaning and air filtration systems.

SHIFT TO REMOTE WORK: The pandemic accelerated the trend towards remote work which has lowered demand for designated long-term workspaces but raised the demand for short-term hoteling workspaces.

Approach

+ Regulatory Considerations | Zoning, historical status, and city/state/federal incentives.

WORKPLACES Most Adaptive Reuse projects begin with converting office properties into new uses. This also includes upgrading Class B or C office buildings into Class A assets through strategic refurbishments— extending lifespan, increasing occupancy, and boosting property value for resale or refinancing. Cities are seeing this trend in aging skyline-defining buildings from the 1960s and 1970s, where upgrades focus on:

+ User Needs & Program Shifts | Interior reconfiguration, access, and parking requirements.

+ Exterior & Structural | Building façade, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and parking improvements.

Our goal is to reimagine buildings while preserving core elements like structural integrity, elevator shafts, and exit stairs.

We maximize material reuse through restoration, repairs, and recycling— making Adaptive Reuse an ideal candidate for LEED or WELL Certification.

+ Amenities & Common Areas | Lobbies, outdoor spaces, and shared facilities to enhance tenant appeal.

At Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C), we help clients, developers, and brokers determine if Adaptive Reuse aligns with their goals by evaluating key factors like: + Building Feasibility | Floorplate layout, column grid, mechanical/electrical systems, structural integrity, and site constraints.

Navigating zoning changes and potential incentives is critical, especially for mixed use projects. With deep experience in working with local and federal agencies, our team ensures a smooth process to maximize project potential.

With proper updates, buildings typically last 50-60 years, but Adaptive Reuse extends longevity and ROI. KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR REUSE & RECLASSIFICATION Before repositioning an office asset, feasibility studies assess: + Location & Market Demand | Central Business District vs. suburbs, tenant mix, and neighboring development growth. + Occupancy & Lease Structure | Large vs. small leases, long-term commitments (10+ years), and rental rates. + Infrastructure & Site Conditions | Age of elevators, HVAC, plumbing, and potential environmental concerns like asbestos. + Land Value & Zoning | Cost of land and potential regulatory challenges.

OFFICE

HOTEL

OFFICE

OFFICE

HOTEL

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

RESIDENTIAL

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

OFFICE

OFFICE

OFFICE

MEDICAL

EDUCATION

LIFE SCIENCE

MEDICAL OFFICE

EDUCATION

LIFE SCIENCE

CIVIC

GOVERNMENT

GOVERNMENT

OFFICE

OFFICE

OFFICE

MIXED USE

RETAIL MALL

RETAIL STRIP CENTER

RETAIL MALL

RETAIL MALL

MIXED USE

MIXED USE

OFFICE

HEALTH CARE

Benefits to Adaptive Reuse INCREASED POSITIONS FOR REFINANCE

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORICAL VALUE

You may be able to sell the building later for more than what you initially paid.

Reinvigorating established cultural centers rather than tearing the building down is supported and celebrated by local government and community members.

INCREASED LONG TERM OCCUPANCY

EVERGREEN

There is a waiting period of ROI, however once the project is completed one can project expected increased revenue.

Reusing buildings reduces embodied carbon and lowers the need to source, process, and transport raw materials.

Adaptive Reuse is environmentally friendly that leans itself well to LEED or WELL certification.

INCREASED BUILDING LIFESPAN

Typical building lifespans are approximately 50-60 years with proper upkeep and updating. Adaptive Reuse projects can increase this lifespan and allows for additional ROI over a longer term.

ACCESS TO LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL FUNDING AND TAX INCENTIVES Certain Adaptive Reuse projects can be candidates for additional funding by various judicial municipalities. One example is California AB 1532 which provides special incentives for Office Building to Affordable Housing Residential. Another is a Federal Program entitled Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit available in all state’s coast to coast.

HIGHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Older buildings when retrofitted during the adaptive reuse process often achieve higher efficiency standards.

INCREASED RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Create a new revenue stream when your original investment runs its course.

Workplaces Most Adaptive Reuse projects generally start as an Office property being converted to another programmatic use. Office Adaptive Reuse also applies to refurbishing an existing Class B or Class C office asset into a new Class A office asset through property refurbishment that will extend the life of the property, prepare the asset for sale or refinancing, or increase occupancy over time providing increased revenue. We are seeing this in most cities with signature skyline defining property with a desirable address nearing the end of its lifespan. This now applies to any signature building created in the 1960s or 1970s.

Reuse projects can increase this lifespan and allow for additional ROI over the longer term. Many asset owners at the same time look upgrade and increase the building’s amenity mix with upgrades of common areas, outdoor spaces, building lobbies, and parking structures.

Typical building lifespans are approximately 50-60 years with proper upkeep and updating. Adaptive

When considering changing the Buildings Asset Class several considerations determine if the project to be viable. Building Location (Central Business District or Suburbs), surrounding community growth and neighboring developments, rent rates of neighboring properties, tenant mix (large verses small leases) building occupancy rate, length of long-term leases (10 years and over) and age of infrastructure (elevators, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) all need to be considered in a feasibility study. In addition, asset owners need to consider the price of land that the building sits on and if there are any environmental concerns with asbestos or other ecological containments present.

BEFORE

AFTER

This may be completed by refurbishing or upgrading the building’s skin, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, parking, and or a mixture of other factors.

BEFORE

AFTER

CASE STUDY

Tower 180 Although situated in a prime location in the heart of Downtown San Diego, this existing tower was hampered by its dated façade, tired common areas and lack of robust amenity spaces. Our architectural, interior, and landscape design teams worked together to harness the potential of this building to make it a desirable asset for its owner, converting it to a Class A office tower.

With respect to the original facade, we enhanced the vertical language of the exterior with a new curtainwall system and metal fins. The vertical lighting along the metal fins is reinterpreted inside with museum-like lighting in common areas that creates opportunities for art displays, similar to high-end galleries. Common areas are infused with unique, one-off details such as custom furniture and fireplaces.

Accompanying the improved street frontage and common areas is a 13,500 SF roof deck terrace that offers building users elevated views of downtown.

Is Your Asset Right for Adaptive Reuse?

LET CARRIER JOHNSON + CULTURE ASSIST IN YOUR FEASIBILITY STUDY When entertaining the idea of adaptive reuse or conversion of an existing building, there are several factors that are important to consider first.

LOCATION Does the neighborhood offer amenities that support your desired program?

Residential buildings should be located near grocery stores, day care facilities and schools. Office buildings should be located near eateries, fitness centers, and mass transit.

NEIGHBORHOOD GROWTH Is your site in an area that is experiencing or about to experience growth? Will new developments support your envisioned program?

ACCESSIBILITY Older buildings are not built to modern code. Circulation paths typically need to be updated for buildings older than 20 years.

AREA RENT RATES Does the neighborhood offer amenities that support your desired program?

Residential buildings should be located near grocery stores, day care facilities and schools. Office buildings should be located near eateries, fitness centers, and mass transit.

VACANCY RATES Look 5, 10, and 15 years out. An uptrend in vacancies means your building might not be good candidate for adaptive reuse or conversion.

PARKING Does your building accommodate EV parking spaces and charging ports? Can the parking deck structurally support electric vehicles? Can you feasibly insert charging stations?

BUILDING AMENITIES If converting part of an existing building, does that building offer amenities that support and appeal to future users?

BUILDING HEIGHT Low rise buildings are typically designated for single use, whereas high rises accommodate more programs, which requires division of those programs (secure entries, divided elevator cores, etc.)

BUILDING SYSTEMS The age and capacity of your building’s core, infrastructure, and MEP systems will determine if you need to replace or upgrade those systems.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Can your building appeal to the community for special occasions? Can it serve as an event venue? Can it host retail pop ups? Will there be a publicly accessible entry or street front retail?

FLOOR PLATE Conversions are difficult for large, expansive floor plates. Spaces deep into the floor plate don’t receive much daylight access – a particular challenge for residential use.

GREENSPACE Opportunity for terraces and parks differs based on city regulations of set backs.

Is Your Asset Right for Adaptive Reuse?

FENESTRATION Not all buildings have operable windows, though residential buildings require them. Different building types allow for different structural bays; the exterior building façade may not align with your desired interior program type.

ENTRIES Does your building have appropriate security and number of entrances for your new users?

CITY REGULATIONS What zoning and permitting challenges will you face for conversion?

DECK HEIGHT 13’-6” is typical for residential buildings but not for other building types. Will your building accommodate required mechanical systems with its existing deck height?

TENANT MIX What are the size of vacant spaces?

Are they anchors or small leases?

REGIONAL DEMAND What building type is in the most need within the community?

Currently, office buildings are in decline, but affordable housing and research spaces are in demand.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES Will you face seismic, or site remediation or abatement challenges?

INCENTIVES Are there tax incentives for the project type? Many communities give incentives to salvage and reuse buildings, which means cost savings for you.

HISTORIC CULTURAL VALUE Some cities also prioritize the reuse and preservation of buildings with historic and cultural significance.

COST COMPARISON Is the land worth more than the reuse investment? What will your economic return and timeline be? Are the upfront planning costs more than that expected return?

CASE STUDY

Confidential Downtown High Rise

This is a transformative adaptive reuse project that reimagines a 27-story high-rise office building into a vibrant mixed use residential community. Originally completed in 1965, the building is being thoughtfully converted to provide contemporary housing while maintaining key structural elements. This ambitious redevelopment breathes new life into an aging office tower, aligning with sustainable urban growth principles and addressing the increasing demand for residential living in the city center. The project enhances the resident experience through new rooftop amenities, improved ventilation and natural light, and the introduction of modern residential units, all while preserving the original architectural integrity.

PROJECT TYPE Office High-Rise to Mixed Use Residential

LOCATION San Diego, CA

SERVICES Architecture Interiors

SIZE 27 Stories

CONSIDERATIONS + Structural Modifications | Adapting an existing office tower for residential use requires significant structural reconfigurations, including new floor layouts, ceiling heights, and load-bearing considerations.

+ Zoning and Code Compliance | Addressing the complexities of changing occupancy classifications from office (B) to residential (R-2) and integrating various sub-occupancies within a single structure.

+ MEP System Upgrades | Modernizing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) infrastructure to accommodate residential needs, including new HVAC, electrical distribution, and water systems.

+ Amenity and Public Space Enhancements | Designing engaging common spaces, including a new rooftop pool, terrace renovations, and retail enhancements, to foster community engagement and appeal.

+ Facade and Window Replacement | Replacing fixed office windows with operable units to improve ventilation and comply with residential code requirements.

+ Streamlined Approvals | SB 35 and AB 2011 enable faster housing approvals by removing discretionary reviews and CEQA requirements for qualifying projects, helping to accelerate residential development.

+ Stair and Elevator Reconfigurations | Removal and relocation of existing stairs and elevators to optimize access and circulation for residential occupants. + Parking Reallocation | Reconfiguring existing parking areas and adding Level 1.5 parking to balance residential demand while maintaining efficiency. + Fire and Life Safety Compliance | Ensuring adherence to high-rise safety regulations, including updated stair pressurization, fire separation requirements, and improved emergency egress routes.

+ Repurposing Commercial Land | AB 2011 allows for by-right housing development on commercially zoned land, making it easier to convert underutilized areas into mixed-income and affordable housing. + Reduced Parking Requirements | A recent executive action redefines transit-oriented development, lowering parking minimums to encourage more housing near transit hubs.

This adaptive reuse project represents a forwardthinking approach to urban redevelopment, creating a dynamic residential environment while preserving and modernizing a historic high-rise.

5959 LLC

LAX Hyatt House/Place

The LAX corridor is the gateway to Los Angeles and offers a fun layover or a home base for further travels. The LAX Hyatt House/Place is a new addition to the corridor consisting of a renovation of an existing 13-story 1960s office building.

The character of the 1960s building’s architecture and historical office environment plays a role in the essence of the interior design. A mix of bold accent colors, statement furniture pieces, and mixes of rich materials elevates the design concept.

The proximity to the international airport adds a dynamic and adventurist quality to the concept approach, resulting in unexpected designs solutions integrating masculine characteristics sprinkled with feminine accents. The ground level of the building contains the main amenities such as the lobby, reception area, lounges, F&B outlets, multi-function rooms, and guest services.

PROJECT TYPE Dual-Branded Hotel Adaptive Reuse

LOCATION Los Angeles, CA

SERVICES Architecture Interiors

COMPLETION 2021

SIZE 280,000 SF 13 Stories 401 Guestrooms

SCOPE OF WORK The lower level was modified to include meeting space, fitness center, staff spaces, prep kitchen for the meeting room and back of house laundry and storage rooms. Work on the main lobby level included dining and bar areas, full-service kitchen, business center and lounge area. A penthouse level was added which included a pool deck, a second restaurant/bar area and kitchen. The entire electrical, mechanical, and plumbing in the building were replaced for the new hotel use.

CHALLENGES + Although there was a change in occupant type, the project was able to reuse the existing egress stairs with some modifications. + Existing elevator shafts were re-used and in some cases lengthened to extend to the lower level and new penthouse. + A fire in the LADWP electrical vault room at the start of construction required the electrical system be redesigned to compatible with more robust switch gear. + Two atriums were cut into the building to allow additional guest rooms to be in the center of the building. The atriums required an extensive smoke removal system for building safety. + The building’s concrete waffle slabs were not in alignment from floor to floor, causing re-design of several bathroom stacks to thread the plumbing down through the building during construction.

BEFORE

AFTER

SKANDIA CONSTRUCTION

GRACIOUS. SPACIOUS. GRAND .

Solara Lofts

UNIT

A

STUDIO / 1 BATH

gracious. spacious. grand.

UNIT

APPROX: 541 SQ. FT.

H5

LEVELS 2 THRU 8

APPROX: 868 SQ. FT

1 BEDROOM/ 1 BATH

ENTRY

BALCONY BALCONY

LEVELS 4 THRU 5

W/D

BATHROOM

CLOSET

MOVEABLE

BEDROOM LIVING /DINING ROOM

DW

KITCHEN

MOVEABLE

LIVING /DINING ROOM BEDROOM

KITCHEN

CLOSET

DW

FRIDGE

This mixed use project converted an existing, underutilized office building into a contemporary residential condominium project. Offering unique views of the San Diego bay, Balboa Park, and the city skyline to the south, the project was the first phase of a potential three-building complex. Phase II anticipates a high rise condominium tower on the southeast corner of the same full-city block, and Phase III is planned to utilize the northeastern section. The eight-story building now includes a day spa for residents, a racquetball court, a fitness N center with showers and a sauna, and resident storage space.

FRIDGE

*

W/D

BATHROOM ENTRY

* EUROSTAR TILT & T URN W INDOWS

N

IN AN ONGOING EFFORT TO IMPROVE SOLARA LOFTS, W E RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO

PRICES, MAPS , PLANS , SQUARE FOOTAGE, SPECIFICATIONS, MATERIALS , FEATURES AND COLORS WITHOUT NOTICE. A LL MAPS , PLANS , IN AN ONGOING EFFORT TO IMPROVE SOLARA LOFTS, W E RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO LANDSCAPING AND ELEVATION RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST' S CONCEPTIONS AND MAY NOT BE TO SCALE. PRICES, MAPS , PLANS , SQUARE FOOTAGE, SPECIFICATIONS, MATERIALS , FEATURES AND COLORS WITHOUT NOTICE. A LL MAPS , PLANS ,

LANDSCAPING AND ELEVATION RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST' S CONCEPTIONS AND MAY NOT BE TO SCALE.

BEFORE

PROJECT TYPE Office to Residential

LOCATION San Diego, CA

SCOPE Feasibility Study Architecture Interior Architecture

COMPLETION 2006

CONSTRUCTION COST $13,000,000

SIZE

AFTER

77 Units gracious. spacious. grand.

4 Levels Below-Grade Parking UNIT

E

1 BEDROOM/ 1 BATH

APPROX: 780 SQ. FT. LEVELS 2 THRU 7

DW

* KITCHEN W /D

CLOSET

FRIDGE

ENTRY

*

LIVING / DINING ROOM

BATHROOM

BALCONY

BEDROOM

WALK -IN CLOSET

*

N

* EUROSTAR TILT & T URN W INDOWS

IN AN ONGOING EFFORT TO IMPROVE SOLARA LOFTS, W E RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO

PRICES, MAPS , PLANS , SQUARE FOOTAGE, SPECIFICATIONS, MATERIALS , FEATURES AND COLORS WITHOUT NOTICE. A LL MAPS , PLANS , LANDSCAPING AND ELEVATION RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST' S CONCEPTIONS AND MAY NOT BE TO SCALE.

HP INVESTORS

PROJECT TYPE

Block D

Office to Residential

LOCATION

CJ+C completed a feasibility study and unit test fits for an office-to-residential building conversion in downtown San Diego. Our test fits explored options for inserting 45 studio, one- and two-bedroom units on levels two through six in the existing building shell while reserving the ground floor for multiple retail tenants using a live-work arrangement.

SCOPE

San Diego, CA

Feasibility Study

SIZE 57,000 SF 46,500 SF Residential 8,000 SF Retail

COMPLETION 2023

Proposed Ground Level

Proposed Upper Levels

Existing Ground Level

Existing Upper Levels

PITZER COLLEGE

Robert Redford Conservancy

BEFORE

AFTER

Located on 12-acres across the main campus of Pitzer we renovated and repurposed an existing infirmary building as the Robert Redford Conservancy (RRC)— a facility containing science classrooms, offices, laboratories, meeting rooms, and an art studio. The renovated building is the first higher education building in California and the fourth in the world to be Zero Energy certified by the International Living Future Institute. With its inherently passive design and extensive natural landscape, the RRC is a destination which recognizes the past, educates about the present, and fosters collaborative learning across disciplines in a dynamic space for the future.

PROJECT TYPE Infirmary to Higher Education + Labs

LOCATION Claremont, CA

SCOPE Adaptive Reuse Programming Architectural Renovation Interior Renovation Site Improvements

SIZE 12-acre site 10,500 SF Interior Renovation 3,000 SF Exterior Renovation

CONSTRUCTION COST $5,400,000

COMPLETION 2018

AWARDS American Institute of Architects (AIA) Los Angeles, Design Award Committee for the Environment (COTE), Merit Award, Claremont Heritage, Preservation Award USGBC LA Chapter, Project of the Year and Honor Award (SIA Energy + Atmosphere category)

EDUCATION FIRST

International Language School BEFORE

AFTER

The Education First project involved redevelopment of the former Cabrillo Hospital site in the Midway area of Point Loma, acquired by Education First. CJ+C redesigned the existing building into a new EF International Language School campus.

The new facility of 183,000 SF will accommodate 600 students living on-site, inclusive of dormitory rooms, a full service cafeteria, classrooms, an exercise & yoga center, a projection room with theater-style seating, and laundry area. The site will also be re-designed to incorporate a soccer field, tennis courts, pool and open patio areas, with full landscape.

PROJECT TYPE Hospital to Private Education

LOCATION San Diego, CA

SCOPE Adaptive Reuse Programming Architectural Renovation Interior Renovation FF&E

SIZE 183,000 SF

CONSTRUCTION COST $18,967,382

COMPLETION 2016

211 SAN DIEGO

211 Headquarters 211 San Diego is an agency that connects San Diego County residents with information about the community resources.

CJ+C was retained to renovate an existing 2-story, concrete tilt-up research and development building and transform the space into their new state-of-the-art headquarters office. The new space includes collaborative open office areas, community and company meeting rooms, specialized suites for community partners, including County of San Diego Disaster Response Operations.

PROJECT TYPE Research Lab to Offices

BEFORE

LOCATION San Diego, CA

CONSTRUCTION COST $2,400,000

SIZE 28,866 SF

SERVICES Programming Space Planning Architecture Interior Design FF&E

COMPLETION 2016

AFTER

CO-MERGE

Flexible Downtown Office Co-merge launched their flexible hoteling office concept in a one-story 1965 building in downtown San Diego’s Civic Center area that sat empty for 15 years. The revitalization of the building included an exterior face lift and full interior renovation, including asbestos abatement, transforming a vacant property to a hip alternative office environment. CoMerge also offers multiple levels of outdoor space— a green front “porch” and rooftop garden, enabling members to feel part of the activity generated from the urban surroundings without leaving the grounds. The project was designed with eco-friendly features in mind such as use of materials with high recycled content, daylighting strategies, and water conservation through use of drought-tolerant landscaping.

PROJECT TYPE

BEFORE

Vacant to Co-Work Space

LOCATION San Diego, CA

SCOPE Interior Design Signage + Wayfinding

COMPLETION 2011

SIZE 9,00 SF

AWARDS Orchids + Onion Winner for Adaptive Reuse “The design team took a horrible building and, utilizing space, light and color, transformed it into something special.”

— Union Tribune October 27, 2011

AFTER

TERRAMAR

The Headquarters at Seaport Village This site had sat vacant for over 25 years and is on the National Register of Historic Places, which added to the challenge of transforming the 1930s police headquarters into a collection of 30 upscale shops and restaurants. We developed a strong relationship with the Port of San Diego and State Historic Preservation Office to identify historic elements to be kept and restored and design strategies for non-historical additions. To maintain the Spanish Colonial style we reused 27,500 roof tiles, large ornate wood doors, ironwork, light fixture and skylights, windows and 15,000 SF of historic courtyard pavers. We opened up the building with courtyard and interior spaces to accommodate the site’s new life as a pedistrian-focused retail district.

PROJECT TYPE Police Headquarters Jail to Retail Hospitality

BEFORE

LOCATION San Diego, CA

CONSTRUCTION COST $17,200,000

SIZE 100,000 SF 4 Buildings

SERVICES Historic Restoration Architectural Addition

COMPLETION 2013

AWARDS Orchids + Onions Winner for Adaptive Reuse AIA San Diego Hisotric Preservaiton Award Save Our Heritage Origanization People In Presrevation Award for Commercial Renovation

AFTER

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT

Stay Open Micro Hotel CJ+C completed schematic design of a commercial space to hotel conversion on a 3-acre site near the San Diego airport. The existing District Annex Building was reimagined as a low-cost micro-accommodations lodging facility with a lobby, bar, and daylit atriums. Our design extends the existing floor plate and adds a second story to create space for an additional 12 rooms along with an activated rooftop.

Rooms can accomodate 8 to 12 people, each with their own POD, with shared shower and bathroom facilities. Private rooms are available at a slightly higher price point. The site’s proximity to the airport and rideshare options makes it ideal to house a hotel while mitigating traffic congestion and the need for parking.

Restricting this design to the annex building leaves the adjacent 2-acre parcel available for additional redevelopment that would compliment the new hotel.

BEFORE

AFTER

PROJECT TYPE Commercial to Hotel

LOCATION San Diego, CA

SCOPE Architecture Programming

SIZE 220 beds 6 private rooms

SRO HOUSING CORPORATION

Panama Hotel PROJECT TYPE Hotel to Affordable Housing

LOCATION Los Angeles, CA

SCOPE Architecture Interior Design

COMPLETION 2017

SIZE 37,800 SF

CONSTRUCTION COST

The Panama Hotel serves the housing needs of a transient population of seasonal laborers, emergency shelter for homeless people and others on the margins of society. The new renovation/conversion from historic hotel to affordable housing provides a safe, comfortable, and sustainable environment while respecting the historic character of the existing structure. Our team worked to restore features of the building’s brick envelope, removed the interior system of floors, walls, and roof, and provided a new structure within the existing envelope that improves the acoustic, thermal, and structural performance of the building.

The original 1920 Panama hotel had 219 boarding room units comprised of a single room with sink, bed, dresser, and table with shared bathroom facilities off hallways. These were converted to 72 units with individual bathrooms, small kitchenettes and closets.

$12,000,000

BEFORE

AFTER

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION

University of the Rockies Overlooking Denver’s famous tree-lined outdoor pedestrian promenade on 16th Street, the new University of the Rockies instructional facility and administrative headquarters is housed within the shell of a what was once a department store anchoring the Tabor Center retail mall.

The primary goal of this project was to increase the University of the Rockies’ instructional capacity and physical presence for its School of Organizational Leadership and to consolidate the University’s administration into a new central headquarters and learning center that would showcase the institution’s unique identity and redefine the graduate school experience for students specializing in social and behavioral science.

PROJECT TYPE Retail Mall to Academic Offices

LOCATION Denver, CO

SCOPE Interior Architecture Interior Design FF&E Environmental Graphics

COMPLETION 2012

SIZE 52,200 SF Total 20,600 SF Education Center 29,600 SF Admin Center 2,000 SF Multipurpose Room

FAIRFIELD RESIDENTIAL

The Village at Totem Lake An aging 26-acre regional shopping mall sat at the edge of Kirkland’s metro area, the adjacent forest, and Totem Lake.

The mall faced a fate similar to that of many other American shopping malls; its popularity steadily declined over the past twenty years as it lost tenants and visitors. Much of the property sat vacant for over a decade. The developers aimed to create a walkable village that reflects the surrounding wooded landscape, fosters a sense of community that is unmistakably rooted in the PNW, and revives an undesirable area back to its height of civic importance.

The redevelopment maintained retail establishments at the ground level with an enlivened pedestrian experience. A new urban promenade now centers the village and leads towards a green plaza accented with hard and softscapes. The residences above boast a variety of unit types and views overlooking the streetscapes below and land and city scapes beyond.

PROJECT TYPE

BEFORE

Commercial to Mixed Use Residential

LOCATION Kirkland, WA

SCOPE Architecture Programming

SIZE 1,400,000 SF

AFTER

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