On June 4, Culver City’s Ehrlich Architects, the Los Angeles Housing Partnership, and the City of Culver City were honored at the 44th Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards at a gala luncheon hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council.
The event, which took place at the Beverly Hilton, drew hundreds of the region’s leading architects, designers and building professionals and recognized more than 35 world-class projects from across the architectural spectrum for design excellence and community impact. Councilmember Jeffrey Cooper and City staff were on-hand for the awards ceremony.
These awards celebrate the best of the region’s new and innovative architectural achievements.
“The City Council is thrilled to be recognized for two key projects in our community and is grateful for our partnership with those who have spent countless hours on these quality developments,” Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells said. “We appreciate the community input during the careful planning process, and we’re confident that both projects will serve as wonderful additions to our community for years to come.”
Ehrlich Architects designed the 115,000 gross square foot project located at 9300 Culver Boulevard in Culver City. The project, in the heart of downtown Culver City, is adjacent to multiple historic and iconic structures including the Culver Hotel, Culver Studios, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
The project includes ground-level retail, a four-story office building, and a Grand Stair that leads pedestrians up to a restaurant pavilion and landscaped Elevated Plaza perched above the existing Town Square. The project also integrates into the urban environment by sensitively scaling the building elements and relating to the surrounding brick and beige material palette. Retail shops are strategically located to energize the existing sidewalks and streets. Project construction may begin as early as summer 2015 and take 12-18 months to complete.
“The development showcases the adjacent historic landmarks while enhancing the lively pedestrian activity surrounding the site,” Ehrlich Architects’ Associate Patricia Rhee, AIA said. “We hope that the confluence of art, food, retail and culture will make the Grand Stair and Elevated Plaza a rich and engaging urban experience for the community.”
The project incorporates architectural elements that are instantly recognizable and build on the City’s identity as a place of entertainment, history, and pedestrian-centered activity. The Grand Stair serves the dual purpose of drawing people to the Elevated Plaza as well as providing amphitheater seating for concerts, performances and outdoor screenings.
Another recognizable element specific to the project is the use of the historic “Culver” sign at the busy corner of Culver and Washington Boulevards. This intersection is the symbolic gateway to downtown Culver City, and the dramatic corner announces it as such.
Tilden Terrace, Culver City’s first affordable housing development for large families, involves the new construction of a mixed-use, urban infill development featuring 33-units of family housing and approximately 10,700 square feet of ground-floor commercial retail. The development is situated on a 32,279 square foot site located at the southern intersection of Washington Boulevard and Washington Place. The ground floor commercial retail fronts Washington Boulevard, one of the city’s primary commercial corridors, and is designed to encourage pedestrian foot traffic through the use of wide sidewalks, building setbacks, and colorful landscaping.
The building’s design is intended to support the community-serving commercial uses, and the housing opportunities are compatible with adjacent residential neighborhoods. The building was designed and constructed in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code. Through the use of sustainable development practices, the project earning a LEED Silver green building certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The development will be completed in September 2014.
The development of Tilden Terrace has been made possible through a combination of funding sources including Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity; City of Culver City Housing Set Aside funds (20 percent tax increment) and Non-Housing Set Aside funds (80 percent tax increment); conventional debt financing; and an Enterprise Foundation Green grant.
Moderated by Sam Lubell of the Architect’s Newspaper, approximately 500 top professionals were in attendance for the annual event. The awards are presented to entire project teams – including the building owner, designer, contractor and developer – for their contributions to exceptional design in Los Angeles County.
“The Los Angeles Architectural Awards celebrate truly outstanding projects that demonstrate an unyielding commitment to great design and meaningful sustainability,” Los Angeles Business Council President Mary Leslie said. “Today’s winners enhance our quality of life and prove that Los Angeles remains a global hub for world-class architecture.”