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Studio One Eleven designed the adaptive reuse of an underperforming Class B office into a 106-unit apartment building, with townhomes at the top level and lofts and amenity space on the ground floor.Â
Originally designed by AC Martin and Associates in 1967, the building was commissioned by the General Telephone Company of California to serve as the headquarters for the southern region. The new residential units employ sustainable materials and drought-tolerant landscaping throughout, as well as exposed concrete walls in the corridors, tall ceilings, and balconies with either ocean or city views.
before
after
The design complements the existing mid-century architecture, queuing in on its history and introducing renewed vibrancy with contemporary touches. While the original building felt insular with an impenetrable facade and dark windows, the renovation has sought to reverse this relationship with the city fabric by inviting views and connectivity back into the building for residents.
One goal was to increase daylight and views for residents, which was achieved by doubling all existing windows in size. Additional slots were cut into the concrete bulkhead to make them larger.
While the original concrete structure at the exterior was very plain and repetitive, by introducing pops of color, glazing mullions, and lighting we were able to subtly animate the facade.
A unique approach to the townhomes was the addition of top-floor interior atrium spaces at four of the inbound units. Creating openings in the roof allowed for an inbound bedroom to have direct access to natural light and ventilation with dramatic views through the double-height living room beyond. The building has unobstructed views after level 4 –south side towards the waterfront, Queen Mary and Catalina Island beyond. On the north side towards downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountain range beyond.
Despite the hype about office to residential conversion, it’s not an easy feat to do it successfully. This project navigates those waters gracefully and has converted what was a nondescript, Class B office tower into a successful, welcoming residential community with some interesting units and community building amenity spaces, and reactivates the urbanism at the street frontage in Long Beach along the way as well.
2025
AIA CA Citation Design Award
2024
Westside Urban Forum Merit Award, Adaptive Reuse, Built
AIA LA Residential Architecture Climate Positive Award: Merit for Sustainability
2023
AIA OC Citation Award
Los Angeles’ Best New Residential Designs Selected for 2024 AIA|LA Residential Architecture Awards
Conversion of former Verizon building in Downtown Long Beach is nearly complete
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Studio One Eleven Transforms a Mid-Century Office Building into Modern Housing
Long Beach, Calif., office tower converted to market rate multifamily housing
200 West Ocean by Studio One Eleven
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