Adaptive Re-use

AC Martin provided architectural and engineering services for the rehabilitation of Los Angeles’ historic Subway Terminal Building as live/work loft housing. The project served as a case study model for the City’s recently approved Adaptive Reuse Ordinance. AC Martin provided public space historic renovations, new parking structure and complete seismic and structural work.  

Built in 1925 by the Pacific Electric Railroad, the 482,450 sf Historic Subway Terminal Building was originally an office building that housed the Red Car Subway Station until 1956 when the system was permanently retired. The building design features four north-south wings, joined by an east-west corridor. 

Floors three and above (totaling 294,300 sf) were reconfigured and fully outfitted by Thomas P. Cox Architects. Thirty-one unit types range from 384 sf studios to a 2,200 sf, three-level penthouse.

The roof areas between the apartment wings was given a hardscape design by Mia Lehrer Associates, who also created a roof garden on the top of one of the towers.

AC Martin’s design of the five-level parking structure mirrors the mass and strength of the historic building, and adds contemporary features such as a “green wall” of plantings.

Amanda Villas is an affordable senior housing development, currently under construction, in Cudahy, CA. The 140-unit project will provide low-income seniors earning 50% below the area median income with high-quality affordable housing. The project includes a 21,000 square foot state-of-the-art health center that will deliver medical, dental, and behavioral health services to residents of the development as well as neighbors in the community.

According to LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn “the proposed development is designed to be an impactful mixed-use development that provides a one stop housing and wellness solution for low income and homeless seniors, including an array of on-site health services and economic development opportunities accessible to the surrounding community, such as job creation, and education and training programs”.

The five-story building exterior was designed with Irvin Gil’s influences, considered a pioneer of the modern movement in architecture and commonly found in southern California. The exterior design features white stucco walls contrasted by a brick cladded base and colorful tile insets. The building massing is softened with deep roof overhangs and gracefully articulated arched openings at the ground level. Rounding the street-facing building elevation is a focal entry courtyard and a landscaped rooftop terrace on the fifth level overlooking the existing streetscape.

The project is funded by a combination of LA County Development Authority (LACDA) funds and State of California Tax Credits.