This project sensitively and sustainably restores and enhances a significant building in the heart of Los Angeles’ African American Community. The original 1926 YMCA building was designed by celebrated African American architect, Paul Williams, in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and the restoration and addition re-establishes the building’s role as an important community resource. The inventive approach to the integration of new building systems generated a strong social space – the anchoring roof garden. The subtly detailed screen that wraps the new addition backdrops the garden and provides a lightweight counterpoint to the solid Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The perforated screen feathers at the ends to catch views of the city and incorporates a fugitive ornamental pattern (inspired by historic building details) that is revealed by the sun at different times of day. The final construction cost came in under the original estimates and the building is pending LEED gold.

Photos by Eric Staudenmaier