Johnson Fain Office
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Client: Johnson Fain
The Johnson Fain studio is located in the historic Basso Chrysler/Jeep Showroom in Downtown Los Angeles overlooking the new 17-acre State Historic Park. Just south of the Broadway Bridge, the site is near the original Gaspar de Portola encampment of 1771 which marked the beginnings of the city’s history as a pueblo along the Los Angeles River. The building’s location on the border of Chinatown, an area which is presently undergoing a resurgence of new retail activity, high density housing projects, artists’ studios and galleries, historic loft conversions and a Metro Gold Line station.
The one-acre property combines an automobile showroom (1937), two barrel-vaulted loft industrial buildings (1924), a single-family dwelling, and a large parking lot. All buildings (except the single-family dwelling) have been substantially renovated with reception, offices, and common meeting space accommodated in the showroom, with the two contiguous high-bay loft buildings open to house the entire Johnson Fain architecture, planning, and interior design studios on one level. North facing clerestory lights and natural ventilation systems in all buildings have been reactivated to service the studio, its model fabrication shop, and the digital platform center which networks all workstations and coordinates plotting and 3D animation activities. The project’s exterior design integrates the restoration of existing building finishes with the more recent showroom façade which has been redesigned in black zinc and frameless translucent glass panels.
Services
Architectural and Interior Design
Program
26,919 square foot creative office space
Site Area
32,396 square foot site
Awards
- 2006 Los Angeles Business Council, Architectural Award
- 2005 Southern California Development Forum, Design Award
News & Ideas
Refurbished 1924 and 1937 automobile showroom into creative office space for architectural firm
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Unlock your Vision
Creative endeavors begin with great friendships. Discover how Johnson Fain can work with your group to translate an idea into an award-winning, community engaging environment.