A project in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles within the prominent Wilshire corridor a couple blocks from the planned metro purple line extension. The multi building development includes a new senior living high-rise building and the demolition and re-construction of a low-rise church education center, also located at the development is an existing church that is to remain. The project seamlessly blends the sites multi-uses together by tying the existing building and new building together with a large glass structure housing a multi-purpose event space which reflects the adjacent buildings and the community.
The 5-story, 80,000-sf Type-I project will provide 92 suites / 107 beds of assisted living and memory care.
This boutique project in West Los Angeles includes 16 large stacked townhome units and underground parking. The warm gray and burnt orange metal panel exterior anchors the building’s modern vocabulary. A roof deck provides communal spaces for residents and views to the Santa Monica Mountains.
A major project in the Heart of Hollywood, the multi-building development includes a new residential high-rise building, the rehabilitation and restoration of a historic low-rise building and a new low-rise building on historic Hollywood Blvd. The project at a prominent corner location blends old and new in a historically sensitive fashion while expressing the dynamism of 21st Century Los Angeles.
GMPA Architects designed an office building located on a prominent corner in West Los Angeles. The site is a wedge-shaped, triangular corner with a 10’ differential between the ground elevation of the south and the north side. The design concept is an energized, swirling 4-level structure. Dynamic, multi-shaped levels add visual interest and reinforce a connection to the street. Its riveting, spiral shape is derived from the 10’ difference in elevation. The south and north elevations differ in response to elevation as well as sustainability concerns. Deep mullions on the south side provide sun protection,…
Clean modern lines and respect for the scale of existing properties steered the project’s design. The building includes 40 units over one level of underground parking. Resident amenities include fitness and club room spaces opening to a landscaped courtyard with lounge seating, a fire pit and barbecue area.
GMPA’s design for the Busan Opera House International Competition capitalizeson the unique attributes of its enviable site—its location, marina waterfront, distant hillside views, and cultural significance. The vibrant design exudes tremendous energy and propelling, forward movement via a series of intricate geometries gleaned from its island location and its complex, harmonious program. The concept itself is inspired by the densely woven circulation within the City of Busan, South Korea. Multi-layers mimic the hillside topography and the valley beow, suggesting a connection to the city while the colorful, multi-dimensional angles comprising the structure symbolize Busan’s dynamic,…
Designed as an integrated, urban village, the Gonda Healthy Aging Campus is carefully choreographed to blend with the neighboring commercial community in downtown Culver City / Los Angeles. The 5- and 6-story structures meld well with their eclectic neighbors, radiating a sense of warmth via a welcoming, residential-like façade; the use of stone, soft colors; and a lushly landscaped perimeter. The program for this CCRC facility includes various levels of senior living—independent, assisted and memory care in addition to an on-campus All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center. PACE provides seniors with access to the…
Daylight and industrial materials were key elements in the transformation of this underutilized warehouse into creative workspace. Factory-style windows were installed throughout the exterior of the building to improve the overall building aesthetic. Rooftop clerestories were added to flood the interior with natural light – especially important to the high-volume space. Metal mesh overhangs, exposed brick walls, corrugated steel canopies, structural elements and raw steel staircases work together to create a building highly desirable to firms engaged in creative businesses.
The new memory care building consists of one-bedroom singles; each floor level forms its own comforting neighborhood. Inside, the scale is small with a home-like feel, and outside, intimate spaces exist within courtyards that are secured for safety reasons yet allow continuous walking for exercise and exploration. The building footprint gets smaller as go higher up on each floor level. Components of the memory care building include a deli, subterranean parking, a community room, a “mommy and me” room and a playground that spills out onto the corner area encouraging seniors to connect with children…
The striking design symbolizes “The Gateway to Hollywood” and pays homage to the Hollywood hillside, the energetic Hollywood vibe, and its eclectic surroundings. All three of these elements are reflected in the conceptual renderings—with the aesthetic borrowing from the diverse architectural background of Hollywood and the scenic hills beyond. The contemporary architectural design is clean, crisp, and white—contrasting pleasantly amidst its colorful, neon-hued surroundings. Located on a predominant corner that marks the “beginning” of the famous Hollywood Strip, the stately structure stands out gracefully due to its pure white color amidst a sea of vividly-colored…
Inspired by the ocean and maritime experience, the Regatta features shimmering blue-green laminated glass, sail-like silver and white aluminum panels, and highly-crafted wood interiors. Sweeping views of the marina, mountains and the city are captured with the floor-to-ceiling glass that is prominent feature in each of the 224 luxury condominium units. The Regatta, the first of Marina Pointe’s three iconic residential towers, received two Gold Nugget Merit Awards in 2001.
At Azzurra, the marina experience is captured with modern exteriors featuring blue-green laminated glass and sail-like silver and white aluminum panels. Highly-crafted wood interiors are reminiscent of luxury yachts. Luxuriously appointed interior spaces feature floor-to-ceiling glass framing sweeping views of the marina, mountains and the city. The second high-rise built in the Marina Pointe complex, Azzurra gives further shape to the site creating a sense of place. This 450-unit high-rise apartment building was named the Gold Nugget 2003 Residential Project of the Year.
Peninsula del Rey is a 208-unit, five-story senior living apartment community, located in an affluent community in north San Mateo County. Planned around two landscaped courtyards, Peninsula del Rey features a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include a full service dinning room (with room service), private dining room, a gracious lounge, home theater, library, business center, activity/game room, fitness center with adjacent pool and spa, in-house laundry service and beauty salon. Valet parking is provided for all residents and guests. 24/7 on site management insures that all resident needs will be…
Instead of an institutional atmosphere, the focus for the West Covina Commons was placed on service and care. The resulting hospitality-like environment makes each resident’s experience unique and meaningful. Special accommodations are provided for ambulatory, non-ambulatory, and Alzheimer’s residents to provide a safe and caring environment. Outdoor gardens and clustered amenities encourage healing and socialization. The elegant, Craftsman-style design features terra cotta roofs, large overhangs, stone-clad fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and skylights.
Function and flexibility are key elements in a medical office building. Working with the client and within the constraints of the site, an optimal floor plan was developed that maximized leasable space to accommodate a wide range of medical practices. This floor plan determined column spacing and other ground floor functions were designed to fit within this framework. A separate drop off area/lobby and 5-story parking structure were also included on the site. Interior spaces were designed to provide a relaxing experience, suitable to calm the nerves of those seeking medical treatment. The resulting five-story,…
Dignity was the driver of this project, creating a rehabilitation facility more like a home than a hospital. Because the majority of visitors to this facility would stay three weeks or less, the goal was to create a healing environment that “lifts the human spirit and gets people feeling good.” This was accomplished using well-lit spaces, open-air courtyards, recessed arched doorways, and light colors that brighten the interiors. To soften its impact on the community, Mediterranean style architecture is used and the openings to the street create a residential look and feel.
The Palm Court Retirement Hotel, built on the former site of the Gone with the Wind set at MGM Studios, displays the architectural grandeur and gracious detailing reminiscent of Hollywood’s heyday. The interiors were designed with a hospitality focus to appeal to active seniors seeking a home-like environment – not a medical institution. After more than ten years of operation, the Palm Court Retirement Hotel remains a model for successful senior housing. Because the project was designed to fit the elegance of the place and the unique needs of its inhabitants, it has remained a…
This luxury timeshare resort, located on Las Vegas Boulevard in close proximity to the bright lights and activity of the Strip, was created to be an oasis. Classical Tuscan architecture was selected because of its elegance and simplicity. The seamless way interior and exterior spaces flow together creates a living environment that is ideal to the desert climate. In addition to 402 residential units the complex includes a clubhouse, cafe, laundry/maintenance building and recreation court. Surrounding the clubhouse is a 3-acre recreation court fitted with serene water features, rockscapes, and lush, tropical landscape.
The design concept for the renovation of Young Israel of Hancock Park is based upon the principles of connectivity, urban design, sustainability, religious symbolism and context. While many of the proposed materials suggest traditional values, the manner in which they are combined elevates both the design and the spiritual experience in a fresh, modern way. Natural daylighting plays a dominant role in the transformation of existing spaces into awe inspiring settings that lead to a more spiritual frame of mind. Cutouts in the structure allow light and lend an uplifting transcendent glow. Scale, height, light…
Located in the North Hollywood Redevelopment area, this mixed-use project is designed to revitalize the NoHo Arts District and help alleviate the severe shortage of apartments in this well known creative district. Occupying a tight, urban site, the modern design is clean and sophisticated with an abundance of windows, reinforcing its connection to the outside community. A prominent design feature is a large green wall, located at street level. Residential housing, which consists of both market rate and affordable housing units, is located on five floors plus a mezzanine. Ample public spaces include a second-floor…
Located in the up-and-coming Chinatown neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles, this new mixed-use residential project embraces its urban context and .uses a modern design aesthetic to create a light-filled building targeted to the millennial generation. A number of well programmed amenities complement the private spaces. Located steps away from a Yellow line light rail station, the project exemplifies the best of the increasingly popular urban lifestyle. The combination of a Type III wood frame structure over a two level concrete podium keeps construction costs low and small unit sizes help increase affordability for the likely…
This project includes two separate buildings near Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. The first building is an approximately 80,000-sf with an approximately 90-110 bed short term SNF/sub-acute OSHPD 2 rehabilitation center, with physical, speech and other therapy facilities. Spacious rooms with tall ceilings and large windows promote recovery, while an efficient layout lessens staffing needs. The second, approximately 90,000-sf four-story building is an assisted living facility, with one level of doctors’ offices and a possible “hotel” for visiting family of those in rehabilitation or assisted living. At the street level, a transparent ground floor engages…
The landmark circular design of this dramatic Modern-era icon, combined with its highly visible location, enabled the owner to look beyond dated interiors to envision a hip and trendy boutique hotel. Challenges included erasing all vestiges of the outdated hotel and mitigating freeway noise. Glass and concrete sound walls at the base of the building give the hotel an updated aesthetic while isolating public spaces from the freeway. The glass wall also provides a backdrop for a dramatic light show. Inside, natural materials including wood, stone, water and light are used predominantly. The contrast between…
Named for its unmatched views of the waterfront and Palos Verdes Peninsula, Vue was inspired by the nearby Port of Los Angeles. Rectangular blocks mimic stacked containers. Vertical elements take their cues from cranes. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls in blue-green and yellow glass symbolize the ocean and sky. The layout was choreographed to create interaction between residents and the public, promoting a sense of community and creating a great pedestrian experience designed to activate this neighborhood in transition. The Vue is the recipient of a 2009 Gold Nugget Merit Award.
Oceana provides high-end senior housing with ground floor neighborhood retail, enhancing this already dynamic waterfront community. Active seniors seeking the serenity of coastal living and a wide range of personalized services are catered to in this unique retirement hotel. Oceana is currently pursuing LEED certification. The site plan maximizes views of the marina on one side and the Lagoon on the other. The design is reminiscent of classical architecture, capturing the elegance and quality of this style while integrating contemporary detailing, materials and forms. Stepped terraces enable hotel residents to enjoy views while reinforcing the…
Peninsula del Rey is a 208-unit, five-story senior living apartment community, located in an affluent community in north San Mateo County. Planned around two landscaped courtyards, Peninsula del Rey features a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include a full service dinning room (with room service), private dining room, a gracious lounge, home theater, library, business center, activity/game room, fitness center with adjacent pool and spa, in-house laundry service and beauty salon. Valet parking is provided for all residents and guests. 24/7 on site management insures that all resident needs will be…
This project represents a master plan for a new pedestrian-oriented mixed-use district at the edge of downtown Los Angeles. The ‘Landmark District’ will be a vibrant urban place for living, shopping, dining and enjoying time out with friends and family. More than just the sum of its parts, the planned 1450 new residential units, boutique hotel, stores and restaurants combine to create a new community and regional destination that pays homage to the existing Boyle Heights and downtown industrial communities while having a distinct identity that speaks to the 21st century resurgence of historic downtown…
This waterfront project features strong modern design elements. External glass capitalizes on views and replicates the colors found naturally in the marina. The project is currently pursuing LEED certification. The parking structure facade features a waving pattern. The building provides replacement facilities for the existing yacht club, health club, and boater amenities. Commercial office space is also included to offset traffic congestion by creating a live/work environment for residents of neighboring high-density residential projects. Hardscape along the edge of the Marina fills in a developing pedestrian walkway. A section of the site was set aside…
GMPA received a Special Honorable Mention Award from the City of Busan, South Korea for our master plan design. Our design concept incorporates harmony and balance with an ecological and social conscience. Care is taken to reduce Busan’s carbon footprint by creating a high-tech vertical city, leaving much of the natural land unspoiled. Density builds upward, rather than outward. A natural transition in building height distinguishes newly created, high density centers from the low-profile shoreline. Emphasis is placed on providing all people with access to green spaces, scenic views, and nature as well as proximity…
Located across from a Marina and close to the Pacific Ocean, the modern architecture of this 140-unit timeshare complex features nautical elements, bold colorful shapes, and curvilinear balconies arranged in a striking pattern across the site’s 800-foot length. Each unit includes an entertainment center, fireplace, and balcony barbecue. Located on a hillside bluff and adjacent to the I-5 and a working rail line, there were considerable site challenges.
GMPA Architects was asked to design a fresh, reinvigorated Sanctuary that would be recognized as the spiritual heart of the this spiritual-educational community. It was designed to be an inspirational but not monumental space that will connect the individual to the greater congregation. Working within the constraints of the existing structure, key strategies included bringing daylight into the space, shifting the focus from the East Wall of the sanctuary inwards towards the center of the space, and dividing the space into multiple sections based on seating needs.
The Cove completed Marina Pointe which is now an established Westside hot spot. Units are larger than its predecessors, from 1,500 to 3,700 square feet, and feature more luxury amenities. Blue-green laminated glass and silver panels reflect the ocean and capture the maritime experience. Interiors are designed in an open plan concept, including gourmet kitchens and large master suites with walk-in closets. The Cove’s 138 units feature large windows with views of the ocean and city.
This new multi-family residential development is planned to help revitalize the local community, while providing much needed housing. Its challenging, hillside location in the trendy Silverlake neighborhood, which faces the Los Angeles River and a major freeway, necessitated an innovative design solution. Inspired by the motion of cars along the freeway, various design elements suggest movement, high energy and connectivity. Colorful, modular elements lend an open, playful feel and provide depth and contrast. Vibrantly-hued glass walls serve to energize, showcase views, place “eyes on the streets,” and reduce sound attenuation via special glazing. The development…
This luxurious ocean front property features amazing views from its enviable location. The four-story structure is designed with state-of-the-art technology inside and out. The top level contains a roof garden and a sophisticated cooling system that ventilates the interior spaces—capturing refreshing, ocean breezes and eliminating the need for mechanical air conditioning. On the outside, adjustable metal shutters enable each of the six units to regulate its own individual temperature by raising or lowering the valance according to preference. This feature creates a variety of exterior elevations as viewed from the outside, based upon the height…
This modest mixed-use building aims to enhance this area of Santa Monica by supporting a vibrant pedestrian streetscape while offering 60 urban residences. Modern and elegant, with an air of refined simplicity, this building employs a sophisticated, restrained materials palette. In contrast, the building exhibits a surprisingly complex ground floor with a mixture of retail spaces, internal courtyards, and ground level units with outdoor patios. All parking is located underground, shielded from public view. Some 4,300 square feet of highly visible retail space fronts onto Santa Monica Boulevard to help create a more pedestrian oriented…
The project, located along the Orange Line Busway in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, offers 5,000 sf of ground level retail space and 69 residential units, including nine affordable units for very low-income households. Parking is provided at ground level behind the retail spaces, as well as on two subterranean levels. The design combines a harmonious mix of materials and textures in a cheerful color palette. GMPA worked closely with neighbors to make sure that the building—located on the site of a shuttered carwash—reflected their aspirations for their community. In addition to the…
The Brandman Centers for Senior Care at Tampa Avenue is the Jewish Home’s first Program of All inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). It is envisioned as the first of a multi-site regional healthcare network. “With the opening of the Brandman Centers, the Jewish Home will provide hundreds of seniors with the quality PACE healthcare and preventative services they need while living in their own homes,” said Molly Forrest, Jewish Home CEO-President. “GMPA Architects worked wonderfully with us to create this first site—their understanding of the programs provided and the regulations governing the site created…
This project represents the expansion and renovation of a non-profit addiction recovery center in Los Angeles. Located in a light industrial / transitional residential neighborhood along a major urban boulevard, the renovation encompassed a former adjoining retail building that was gutted and radically transformed with a second story and a new exterior identity. The center offers residents a therapeutic community where principals of Jewish spirituality combined with 12-step and psychotherapy guide residents on a path to healing the whole self. The architect let the unique ethos inspire the design solutions. The center desired new, larger…
Located along busy Harbor Boulevard, this new 224-unit multifamily project features a rich, modern palette of exterior materials along with large windows and spacious balconies to complement its urban environs. The project for Miracle Mile Properties was officially approved by the Costa Mesa City council on November the 4th. Located on the site of a blighted motel, the multifamily wrap project will help rejuvenate this busy commercial corridor, as well as provide a stylish backdrop to the neighboring golf course and multi-use trail. Combining urban amenities with the outdoor-oriented California lifestyle, the project appeals to…
Located on a steep and curving hillside directly adjacent to a major freeway, this luxury condominium complex is the result of innovative design and collaborative teamwork. To maximize the number of units along the crescent-shaped site, 18 unique floor plans for the 66 units are aligned with the hillside. To mitigate freeway noise two sets of double-glazed windows and solariums take the place of standard balconies. Striking design details include 19’ ceilings, angular walls, spiral stairways, lofts and solariums. Awarded three 1997 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards of Merit.
Efficiency, economy, beauty and harmony characterize the Wilshire Margot. The contemporary architecture features classical motifs. Windows and balconies at each floor are delineated in a classical order. The unusual site and expensive neighborhood required creative design solutions allowing the building to adhere to the financial constraints of a for-rent project. Obtaining first time neighborhood approval from the Westwood Design Review Board was another significant accomplishment. A landscaped roof provides an urban “backyard” for the building residents. Wilshire Margot was the recipient of a 2008 Gold Nugget Merit award.
This multifamily residential project includes nearly 400 units on an 11.5 acre site in the Sacramento metropolitan area. The residential project includes two buildings, one for general occupancy, and the other for seniors. This two-building “wrap” project features 4-story wood construction around a central parking garage with 431 spaces. The site includes additional surface parking along the edges of the site, which helps buffer the residences from the major thoroughfares surrounding the project. The general occupancy residential building is arranged around two open courtyards and one closed courtyard space to maximize light and create outdoor…
Marina Towers enviable location serves as the iconic Gateway to Marina del Rey. GMPA’s exterior renovation of the twin towers/parking/retail complex brings new life and sophistication to this re-positioned 1970 business campus. The redesign streamlines the architectural impact, improves circulation and unifies the overall design. Clean architectural lines lend an open, contemporary feel to the original facility and emphasize the structure’s vertical detailing. Palm trees, outdoor light fixtures and signage reinforce the vertical lines. A floating, horizontal canopy replaces the narrow, arched canopy entrance—opening up the space and providing welcome shelter from the elements. The…
Luxe’s conceptual design melds the two distinct personalities of its unique site. The design seamlessly blends the urban, edgy energy of Ventura Boulevard with the woodsy, natural feel of the L.A. River on the Colfax Avenue side. On the Ventura side, contemporary man-made materials such as aluminum panels and expansive glass windows convey a modern vibe and a “retail” feel. The look is clean and simple, punctuated with “green walls” made of live plant materials. On the L.A. River side, the architectural scale is visually reduced. Here, spacious walkways and bridges between the units create…
Designed to recapture the true spirit of an authentic boating village, this mixed-use project combines multiple uses—boating amenities, retail, restaurants, housing, health club and an office building—to create a vibrant waterfront promenade. The retail component reinforces a healthy lifestyle defined by openness, simplicity, authenticity, personal exploration, sustainability, fresh foods self improvement, slowing down and getting back to basics. It is a feast of sights, sounds, aromas and taste sensations and a destination where dining, boating, biking and walking are encouraged. “The Launch Marketplace” is conceived as both a gateway and a connector. This small commercial…
A common passion among Marina residents is love of the water and boating. Therefore, the design for Capri Apartments was inspired by the surrounding environment. Like the sea, architectural elements are layered to create a rhythm of solid planes and recessions. The ocean and sky are reflected in the shimmering light blue glass used in the windows and balconies. Seaweed and sand are evoked in the green and yellow colored plaster. Boat masts are mimicked in the white window frames and aluminum canopies. A visual connection with the marina is preserved through the site plan…
