Category Archives: Projects

Cornerstone at St. Francis

Cornerstone at St. Francis

Denver, CO

Clients:

St. Francis Center, Rocky Mountain Housing Dev. Corp, Key Bank Community Development Corp.

Area:

51,286 sf

Units:

50 Furnished Apartments

“What makes the Cornerstone Residences at St. Francis unique is its supportive service model in relationship to its design. It’s not just a building; it’s a model for designing affordable housing that serves the homeless while integrating green and sustainable construction solutions.”
-Joyce Alms-Ransford, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Housing Development Corporation, Inc.

Conscious use of sustainable basics from finishes through systems was a priority which included low-emissivity glazing, increased insulation, sun shade devices, operable windows, dual-flush toilets, ENERGY STAR appliances, eco-green elevators, sustainable and recycled materials, composite decking, white roofing and motion sensors on the lighting.

Greenwich Place

Greenwich Place

West Hollywood, CA

Client:

Turnberry/Regent LLC

Lot Area:

3 Acres – 130,000 sf

Area:

250,000 sf

Units:

104 Market Rate Condos
10 Townhomes
35 Affordable Units

Density:

1.96 FAR

Located in West Hollywood, CA, adjacent to the Southern California Design District and the Pacific Design Center, Greenwich Place is comprised of residential condominiums and affordable residences, bringing affordable housing opportunities to an up-scale neighborhood. The design calls for 104 units in the main structure with 6 townhouses at the north end of the site and 4 townhouses on the south side. Previously entitled as a mid-century brownstone walk-up design, Greenwich Place is in the approval process for redesign of the aesthetic of the exterior of the buildings.

Flower Street Lofts

FLOWER STREET LOFTS;

Los Angeles, CA

Client:

The Lee Group

Lot Size:

1 Acre

Area:

155,000 sf

Units:

91 Luxury Condominiums

Unit Size:

1,300 sf – 2,250 sf

Density:

3.5 FAR – 91 du/ac

Contemporizing, while preserving its original 1930’s art deco flavor, was VTBS’ goal in renovating this former UPS freight transfer and truck maintenance depot. Now a modern and up-scale condominium, the building contains 91 luxury lofts in 1 and 2-story configurations. A 30’-wide, naturally-lit central court was created by moving sections of floors between beams and purlins.

The Lee Group, a developer of a variety of for-sale residential projects, led the for-sale loft market in downtown Los Angeles with the FLOWER STREET LOFTS. In 1999, the city adopted an ordinance enabling the conversion of under-utilized office and warehouse buildings in the urban core for residential use. The “Adaptive Reuse Ordinance” has been expanded to include areas outside the urban core, and is seen as a vehicle for urban revitalization in the city.

The existing structure was designed and built by UPC in the mid 1930s for use as a freight transfer and truck maintenance depot. The 3-story cast-in-place concrete structure had its floors interconnected by a vehicular ramp. The facade is characteristic of the art-deco style pervasive at the time in Los Angeles.

The Station at Riverfront Park

The Station at Riverfront Park

Denver, CO

Client:

Archstone Smith Corporation

Lot Area:

2.5 Acres – 109,000 sf

Area:

350,000 sf

Units:

275 units

Density:

110 du/ac

Parking:

100,000 sf

2006 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Mid-Rise Apartment Project

The Master Plan for revitalizing the massive rail yard and warehousing area in the Lower Downtown Denver’s modern high-rises was completed in the 1980s, followed by major investments in new streets, light rail, parks, and public amenities. This project was the first rental property developed as part of the master plan. The project stretches along the entire length of 15th Street from Little Raven to the railroad tracks. In one direction there is access to miles of walking and bike trails, in another direction are the chic new restaurants, and within one more block and you’re at the hockey/basketball stadium and theme park.

Four stories plus mezzanine of wood famed construction over podium slab and subterranean parking garage, the project consists of three buildings arranged around a large interior courtyard with community amenities. First floor units have private access to the public way. Units are designed and arranged to provide premium city and mountain views.

Camino al Oro

CAMINO AL ORO

Los Angeles, CA

Client:

AMCAL Multihousing, Inc.

Area:

1.54 Acres

Units:

102 Affordable Senior Apts.

Unit Size:

560 to 750 sf

Located in the historic Lincoln Heights neighborhood northeast of downtown Los Angeles and just east of Dodger Stadium, Camino Al Oro offers 102 affordable senior units conveniently adjacent to the new Avenue 26 Gold Line Station. Completed and occupied in 2006, this serviceable project was funded by 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity along with developer and investor equity.

Camino Al Oro is part of the Avenue 26 urban mixed income, mixed-use master development that includes senior apartments, workforce apartments, market-rate condominiums, lofts and retail shops. This project replaced a blighted, vacant warehouse and is helping to revitalize a historic neighborhood northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

The new housing is located next to the new Avenue 26 Gold Line Station northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The 5 and 110 freeways close by make the site a convenient location. The retail space includes various amenities for the neighborhood, as well as the Gold Line riders.

UCLA SW Campus Housing

UCLA Southwest Campus Housing Masterplan

Westwood Village, Los Angeles, CA

GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING MASTERPLAN

Client:

UCLA Capital Programs

Lot Size:

11.4 Acres

Density:

1.25 FAR – 74 du/ac

No. Beds:

1,380

No. Units:

840 Apartments

Unit Sizes:

385 sf to 770 sf

Parking:

1,380 Cars

Status:

Multi-Phased-Occupancy 07/ 2004

2009 Residential Architecture Merit Award
Best Campus Housing
2007 Builder’s Choice Design & Planning Grand Award
Best Neighborhood Site Plan
2007 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Neighborhood Site Plan
2007 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best In-Fill, Re-Development or Rehab. Site Plan

The new Southwest Campus of the University of California Los Angeles provides much needed housing for 1,380 graduate students. Courtyard housing and street-level, walk-up townhomes concealing partial subterranean parking garages are influenced by traditional southern California residential prototypes. An arched breezeway leads to the central courtyard of each building. The project’s Spanish Colonial style responds to the original design guidelines of historic Westwood Village. Classical styling and a quad with lawns and palm plaza mark the center of the project, contrasting with the vernacular style and informal landscape elsewhere. Wood and wrought-iron balconies, tile and plaster detailing add visual interest throughout.

UCLA Southwest Campus Housing Phasing Plan

The project had a budget of 130 million dollars. To increase the bid pool, the project was broken into smaller scopes of work. Also to expedite the schedule, the project was phased into Phase I for Site grading and Infrastructure, Phase II comprised of building construction and rough site work, and Phase III allowing for finish grading and landscaping.

Latitude 33: Sky Tower

LATITUDE 33 – SKY TOWER

Marina Del Rey, CA

Client:

Lennar & Sunbrook Partners

Lot Area:

.58 Acres

Building Area:

102,000 sf

Units:

45 Tower Condos

Unit Sizes:

1,278 to 3,140 sf

Parking:

302 Stalls

Density:

77.6 du/ac

2012 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Adaptive Re-Use Project

This adaptive re-use project included the demolition of all structures occupying the site, with the exception of the nine-story office tower located at the northeast corner of the site. Work included structural upgrades as well as replacement of the exterior curtain wall and window system.

The tower’s ground floor now accommodates a porte cochere entry and guest parking, lobby with concierge services, gym and luxury amenities, as well as retail space lining Washington Boulevard, one block from Venice Beach. Parking capacity was increased with a new adjacent structure whose roof became the podium for a stacked townhouse project.

Forty-five flats occupy levels 2 through 9 of the tower: four penthouses at each of the top levels, six units per floor in the middle stories, and nine including designated affordable units on the second floor. Over 70% are corner units with spectacular ocean and city views.

Renaissance La Jolla

Renaissance La Jolla Masterplan

La Jolla, CA

Client:

McKellar Development / Roger Joseph Development

Site Area:

5 Acres

Commercial:

50,000 sf

This 50,000 sf neighborhood commercial center is situated on five acres of a 115-acre masterplanned community for which a northern Italian village theme had been selected to establish an overall community identity. With its lively outdoor cafes, this center seeks to recreate the vital sense of community which found its expression in the village marketplace and public square of Renaissance Italy.

Design guidelines call for architectural images composed of unifying elements such as tile roofs, pale washed walls, simple and uncluttered detailing and arches and columns, as well as people-oriented spaces and open space linkages.

In fact, the center can be reached by foot from the surrounding community across the picturesque pedestrian bridge, one of the focal elements of the design. Situated in a large piazza, the landmark 90’-high clock tower identifies the development, and arcades contribute significantly to the elaboration of the community theme.

A major design objective for this development was to widen pedestrian traffic areas, creating a number of pleasant outdoor seating areas. Upgraded finishes such as stamped concrete for the walkways and colorful outdoor umbrellas enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the center.

Compass Montessori

COMPASS MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Wheatridge, CO

Client:

Compass Montessori

Project Type:

K-6 Charter School

Area:

21,000 sf

The original structure of Compass Montessori was home to a produce market before it was transformed into a school. Maintaining the form of this farmhouse-style building was important to all members of the ownership group. It was necessary for the design of the addition to be consistent with the existing building, yet create a superior learning environment.

This 21,000sf facility includes an 11,000sf addition that successfully creates a space where the primary grades are separated from the higher grades, while still allowing for interaction amongst the various grade levels. The design incorporated extended learning space for small groups to promote specialized learning capabilities and activities.

9920-9922 Jefferson

9920-9922 JEFFERSON

Culver City, CA

Client:

Abraxis Bioscience, LLC

Area:

55,509 sf – Building 1 / Existing
17,000 sf – Building 2 / New Construction

Total Lease Space:

72,509 sf

Storage/Warehouse:

8,250 sf

Total Project Area:

80,759 sf

Parking:

213 Stalls

9920 Jefferson has provided Culver City, CA with much-needed ‘creative office space.’ Dating from 1962, this steel-framed, reinforced masonry manufacturing building has been renovated and designed for re-use as professional offices. VTBS provided Architectural Services to include the design for upgrades, alterations and improvements to the existing building, one element of which, involved removing areas of the second floor framing to allow a natural light atrium at the first floor level.

Taking advantage of the balance of the existing lot, VTBS has conceived a radiant new office building, designed to complement the existing structure yet vitalize the project with a modern image. The new building is four stories in height with a usable roof terrace and constructed with a cast-in-place concrete first floor with three steel frame floors above.

UCLA Medical Offices

UCLA Medical Offices

Los Angeles, CA

Owner/Client:

UCLA Real Estate Asset Management

The assignment has included the tenant improvement and renovation of 20+ medical offices in buildings owned and operated by University of California Los Angeles Real Estate Asset Management. The offices are occupied by medical and administrative personnel chiefly related to UCLA and the neighboring Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, CA.

The Scope of Work has involved the expansion, reconfiguration and upgrades to existing office spaces with finishes, fixtures and amenities tailored to the needs of the individual tenants.

VTBS continues to enjoy an on-going professional relationship with UCLA Real Estate Asset Management in designing and developing improvements to their properties.

The Crescent

The Crescent

Beverly Hills, CA

Client:

J.H. Snyder Company

Lot Size:

1.75 Acres – 76,230 sf

Residential:

88 Luxury Units

Density:

2.25 FAR – 51 du/ac

Status:

Completed, 2006

This mixed-use project at the edge of downtown Beverly Hills includes the first new apartment building in the district in two decades. The luxury project consists of 12 townhouses and 76 apartments, as well as a 40,000 square foot office building.

The two-story townhouses have a “brownstone” expression, with individual street-front entries and gardens, responding to the residential street.

The apartments above are set back from the townhouses, and are arranged in an “E” plan configuration, optimizing orientation to richly landscaped podium gardens and to the residential street below. Building massing steps down towards the lower-scaled residential street.

A ground level motor court entry serves the project. The street-front townhouses line two parking levels. Additional parking is provided underground.

Kohanaiki Masterplan

KOHANAIKI MASTERPLAN

Kailua Kona, HI

Client:

Rutter/KW Kohanaiki LLC

Lot area:

450 acres

Density:

1.1 units/AC

Status:

Construction

A 450-acre site with two miles of ocean frontage along the scenic Kona Coast of Hawaii is being developed as a prestige private resort community with 500 one-acre and half-acre homesites positioned throughout a magnificent 18-hole golf course.

Along the seafront, the land planning treads lightly to preserve the coastal environment. Elsewhere in places, the largely flat existing topography is modified for the golf course, and to create two tiers for the clustered homesites, to optimize coastal and golf course views. Larger one-acre estates and half-acre sites are placed closer to the coast; denser clusters will be further inland. The clustered residential enclaves allow for large areas of the site to remain open for fairways and open space, while enhancing the appeal of each residential setting.

Designed by preeminent designer Rees Jones, the 7,200 yard championship golf course includes six spectacular holes running parallel to the ocean. A golf clubhouse provides ancillary amenities such as resident dining, tennis courts, and workout facilities. Separate Men’s and Women’s Locker Room structures provide optimum privacy for the golfing residents and guests.

Broadway Villas

Broadway Villas

Los Angeles, CA

Client:

AMCAL Multi-housing, Inc.

Site Area:

1.1 Acres

Residential Area:

42,093 sf

Commercial Area:

7,000 sf

Units:

49 Apartments

LEED Gold Certified

This infill development utilizes a vacant site in South Los Angeles by contributing a fresh affordable senior living complex into the context of the neighborhood with a Craftsman-inspired design that blends the project with residences to the east and offers accessibility to a MTA Rapid bus route on Broadway. The project achieved LEED Gold certification by implementing sustainable features including the installation of natural linoleum, natural rubber, or ceramic tile for all kitchens and bathrooms, where no VOC adhesives or backing was used, installing CRI Green Label Plus Carpet or no carpet in all bedrooms, use of no-VOC interior paint, use of bathroom fans that exhaust to the outdoors and are equipped with a humidistat sensor or timer, and exceeding Title 24 standards by at least 25%.

Augustine Bowers

AUGUSTINE BOWERS

Santa Clara, CA

Four, High-Rise Office & Retail Buildings

Client:

Carr America

Lot Area:

31 Acres

Office Space:

1,029,600 sf

Retail:

35,000 sf

Total Building Area:

2,004,600 sf

Density:

1.5 FAR

Sited in the heart of the Silicon Valley of Northern California, Augustine Bowers is designed as an office campus comprised of 4 high-rise office and retail buildings amidst a network of open park and public gathering areas. Designed as the Gateway to Santa Clara, Augustine Bowers includes 35,000 square feet of retail servicing the surrounding neighborhood as well as the commercial occupants.

Latitude 33

Latitude 33

Marina del Rey, CA

Lot Area:

3.5 Acres – 152,428 sf

Building Area:

254,000 sf

Density:

35 du/ac – 1.69 FAR

Parking:

302 Stalls

Sky:

45 Tower Condos

Client:

Sunbrook Partners / Lennar Homes

Status:

Completed 2009

Winner of the 2012 Gold Nugget Award of Merit for Best Adaptive Re-Use Project

Boardwalk:

27 3-Story Lofts

Client:

Sunbrook Partners / Lennar Homes

Status:

Completed 2011

Beach:

50 Townhomes

Client:

Standard Pacific

Status:

Completed 2012

Winner of the 2012 Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Multi-Family Housing Project

This adaptive re-use project includes the demolition of all structures occupying the site, with the exception of the nine-story tower located at the northeast corner of the site. The existing office tower has been renovated for residential use with 45 new luxury condominiums, which include 12 affordable units, a new building lobby, and amenity and retail space on the ground floor. Work included structural upgrades as well as replacement of the exterior curtain wall and window system.

The project also includes the replacement of other structures on the property with the new construction of 27 3-story podium lofts and 50 townhouse-style residences.

630 “I” Street

630 “I” Street

Sacramento, CA

Client:

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency

Gross Commercial Area:

22,000 sf

Gross Residential Area:

74,000 sf

Units:

108 Affordable Units

Status:

Completed & Occupied 2012

Owned and operated by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, 626/630 ‘I’ Street was an existing mixed-use building comprised of office and residential uses. The ‘Tenant Improvement’ of this structure updated the 12-story reinforced-concrete building constructed from 1972-1974 with deferred maintenance, repair and waterproofing of the overall existing building shell and roof, and the maintenance and repair of the building MEP systems, the replacement in kind of all exterior glazing and glazing systems and new exterior ‘skin’ cladding improvements for the existing building pursuant to an updated and freshened project identity. There was no change of use for the project and the ground level, designated ‘630 I Street,’ continues to be devoted to building entry, public and common uses with City Agency offices occupying a portion of the area, as well as the second and third stories.

Designated ‘626 I Street’, the HUD-funded residential living units on floors four through twelve required deferred maintenance (‘repair’), rehabilitation and interior decoration.

MOVIETOWN

Movietown

West Hollywood, CA

Client:

Casden Properties LLC

Lot Size:

3 AC

Density:

4 FAR – 124 du/ac
Pending LEED Certification

This project is a true mixed-use blend of retail, commercial and residential elements with 20,000 sf of retail, 304 condominiums and 76 senior rental units. Parking is subterranean. The project has substantial common open space, community recreational facilities and other various amenities. A public plaza, attractive building facade articualtion, and streetscape imporvement are planned to create a dynamic street-level environment for pedestians.

Capri Courts

Capri Courts

Playa Vista, CA

Client:

Lee Homes

Lot Area:

1.4 Acres

Units:

23 Townhouses

Unit Size:

1,700 sf to 2,700 sf

Density:

16 du/ac

This is a high density cluster housing project in a very upscale market. The homes are planned in three clusters, each organized around an enriched automobile court. Each floor plan in the community is designed with two different entry configurations. When a house is located within the interior of a cluster, its front door is positioned toward the auto court. Homes that are located on the street perimeter have been designed to place the front door adjacent to the public sidewalk. As a result, the small community embraces the neighborhood rather than turning its back.

The home designs are of two and a half and three stories, which help to achieve such a high density for individual houses. Each home is provided with a small private yard, in addition to a series of raised terraces.

The architectural character varies with context of a Mediterranean palette. One will find a mixture of thoughtfully detailed Spanish, Tuscan, and Italianate architecture.

Coal Ridge High School

Coal Ridge High School

Silt, CO

Client:

Coal Ridge High School

Site Area:

40 Acres

Buildings:

115,000 sf
500 Student Classroom Wing

This project is a new Phase I high school was constructed on a 40-acre site along Interstate 70 east of Silt, Colorado.

Taking advantage of 115,000 sf of usable building space, Phase I consisted of a 500-student classroom wing, with a core facility to accommodate a total of 1,000 students. This phase consists of approximately 101,000 square feet of building.

The master plan included provisions for a future 500-student classroom addition, auditorium, natatorium, football stadium and various site and building amenities.

This project was designed in association with Fanning Howey Associates.