PMI’s 1440 Kellam, Angeleno Heights

When PMI started converting warehouses to creative offices in the 1990’s, people were surprised as to how much it cost to do so.  At the time, the majority of people perceived warehouse office conversion as appealing to only budget-minded office users.  However, certain users – specifically those in arts, media, and entertainment –  actually preferred these warehouse style offices to conventional offices for a variety of reasons.  A main reason these spaces were coveted was the aesthetic of the older architectural, raw deconstructed look coupled with the sophistication and refinements of newer office features.  Creative types also favored the dramatic ceiling heights, which reduced the effects of density, as well as the industrial power and operable windows.

Similarly, older apartments may offer many attributes that new complexes cropping up in Los Angeles cannot economically achieve.  Older apartments may have lower densities, more landscaping, individuality, and better outdoor space.  Most new apartments in Los Angeles tend to be three to four story higher density elevator buildings.  Granted, some renters may prefer these buildings with contemporary facades and hotel like amenities, but some renters enjoy and seek out older  apartments with historical charm, lower densities, and generous open space.

New Apartment at 6th and Broadway in Santa Monica

Knowing this, when we create a new modern interior within the bones of certain older properties, we attempt to highlight the natural existing elements of the structure (like natural wood ceilings for example), privatize unused open space, and keep the historical charm of the period.  We can create a living space in an older building that some renters prefer to a building built brand new.