TCA Architects

Westgate

TCA Architect - May 10, 2020

Westgate is an 11.7 acre mixed-use TOD, and an urban-infill development within walking distance of Old Pasadena’s historic downtown including Pasadena’s Metro Gold Line Del Mar Station and Central Park. Westgate is LEED Silver Certified under the City of Pasadena’s Green Building Ordinance and is the first smoke-free community in Los Angeles County. The entire master plan includes 820 residences, 15,000 square feet of retail, two public parks, and two public plazas, with an overall density of 70 dwelling units per acre. The planning and entitlement process began in 2004 with numerous sessions working with City planners and engineers. Public design charettes with community members enabled residents and the local business community also to provide input and concerns. The project delivers on the City’s specific plan which calls for the site to provide an “eclectic urban village,” deliver housing and mixed use as a Smart Growth development and to redevelop a key downtown brown field site previously struggling with underuse.

HIKARI

TCA Architect - May 01, 2020

Japanese for “light,” Hikari embodies the resurgence of Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district. Once a dilapidated parking lot, the urban infill site compliments the growing neighborhood alive with students, new residents and a nightlife that was once unimaginable. The unusual pie-shaped site sits at a key juncture; an entryway accessing Little Tokyo and the resurging downtown area. Over 20 different floor plans were designed to fit this uncommon geometry and maximize city skyline views. The street orientations responded to the different nature of their community roles. Second Street is pedestrian-oriented and has a finer grain detail that terminates at the corner, an arrival point to this district.

CANVAS LA

TCA Architect - Apr 29, 2020

Canvas LA was designed to create a signature urban living environment that would attract a hip, young urban professional market. The dilapidated site, once a parking lot, had freeway frontage with wide-open views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline creating differing adjacencies on all sides. The design of each façade reflected its corresponding edge. Stacked townhomes on the freeway side create a deliberate, repetitive module overlaid with a series of random horizontal metal awnings referencing the movement of the freeway and take full advantage of the downtown LA view. The southern façade is a white, neutral building with moveable glass panels on private balconies which provides a dynamic architectural feature for the building and allows residents a fun custom lighting feature. Residents enjoy numerous vibrant indoor and outdoor spaces with views of the downtown skyline, giving a visible connection to this dynamic urban setting. The courtyards and pool area create a variety of social opportunities and acts as an outdoor extension of the resident’s living and entertaining space.

7950 WEST SUNSET

TCA Architect - Apr 25, 2020

Located next to the Hollywood Screen Actors Guild, 7950 West Sunset aims to attract residents looking for a glamorous upscale Hollywood lifestyle without the cost and responsibility of owning and maintaining a single family residence. The units are well-appointed and amenity spaces include: a rooftop infinity edge pool modeled after older Hollywood hotels like the Roosevelt, an entertainment lounge, billiards room, fitness studio and 4 separate outdoor sky terraces offering views of the Hollywood hills, Sunset Strip and a distant downtown Los Angeles. The design team was inspired by the vibrancy and history of the Hollywood area and the brick siding is a nod to the former brick auto repair buildings that previously occupied the site. 7950 West Sunset revitalized the area by demolishing the severely dilapidated auto buildings (greatly reducing neighborhood crime) and providing much needed housing to support local businesses. The development achieved total community support from two cities and achieved successful financing for an extraordinary 65 year ground lease.

METRO 417

TCA Architect - Apr 15, 2020

This historic building is located in the heart of downtown and once served as a station for Los Angeles’ fabled Red Car trolleys. Constructed in 1925, this building has been designated a historic-cultural monument. It’s one of the largest historic adaptive reuse projects in LA County history and many elements of the building were salvaged for architectural appointments. In addition to respecting the building’s historical significance, this effort of preservation was intended to give the spaces more character and reflect the building’s past. Remodeling presented many design and structural challenges. Since the structural elements couldn’t be changed, they had to be worked into the design. The building’s main lobby and public areas are largely intact and were refurbished using the existing mosaic tiles and marble columns as design inspiration. These distinctive features represent the height of the 1920s style and craftsmanship. Amenities included a rooftop garden, fitness center, movie screening room and an additional parking structure for residents’ convenience.