A complex seismic upgrade and retrofit project of a 1927 Los Angeles Designated Historic-Cultural Monument fallen into disrepair.
Reimagined as a flagship store, a Performance-Based seismic retrofit approach was adopted that utilised the strength of the historic structural elements with supplemental new elements. This allowed minimisation of intrusive new elements and maximisation preservation of important architectural features.
A well-coordinated design and artful use of modern tools has substantially improved the seismic performance of a historic building monument. The project features many imaginative solutions, and it is an excellent example of how engineers can take account of current regulations and apply them proportionately to a historic building in order to bring it back into use.
An exemplar refurbishment, preserving the character of a valuable building while converting it into a one-of-a-kind contemporary space with great amenities and matching structural performance.