Finding Gold in Downtown LACaliforn

Finding Gold in Downtown LA
California has a long history of innovative sustainable design, especially in civic and public sector buildings. But when Ankrom Moisan was hired to design two large multi-family projects in downtown Los Angeles, there had never been a LEED Gold (or higher) housing project in the state. For the first new housing built in LA in over 20 years, Ankrom Moisan collaborated with the client to create an innovative design that became the first and second LEED Gold condominiums in California.

The two buildings use many strategies that today are common, but at the time were groundbreaking innovations. High-performance glazing and high-efficiency heat pumps achieve significant energy savings. Water usage is minimized through dual flush toilets and stormwater is captured and filtered onsite. Extensive use of regional materials and recycled content help reduce embodied energy. Parking is considerably below city requirements and 95% of construction waste on the project was recycled.

The design team paid careful attention to the pedestrian realm, which includes over 10,000 sq. ft. of retail that activates the street edge. Ten ground-floor live-work residences add additional vitality to the area. A 3rd floor terrace between the buildings, with a swimming pool, gardens, and an outdoor kitchen, provides a common amenity space and creates an opportunity for residents to interact and build community.