1639 Abbot Kinney
Located on the iconic Abbot Kinney Blvd in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, this mixed-use development combines modern design with historic preservation. The three-story building offers ground-floor commercial spaces with two levels of residential apartments above, thoughtfully integrating sustainability and contemporary living.
The project involves a major retrofit and remodel of an existing structure, retaining the north and west walls while incorporating a meticulously designed wood and steel second-floor structure. This structure is exposed as the ceiling for the first floor, adding an industrial aesthetic while maintaining functionality. The upper levels are designed with engineered wood joists, minimizing the need for interior walls and reducing the need for transfer framing, optimizing space and flexibility for future uses.
At the rear of the property, a historic bungalow with a distinctive Asian-style roof has been preserved. The building has been carefully raised to create at-grade parking underneath, supported by a sleek two-way steel moment frame that blends modern engineering with respect for the site’s historical context.
This project exemplifies a harmonious balance between modern urban design, sustainability, and preserving Venice’s architectural heritage.
Project Details
Project Team: David Hertz, Millán Architect / Studio.
Location: Venice, CA
Typology: Mixed-use: Five residential units and two ground-level commercial spaces
Size: 3,535 sf building with five residential units and 1,640 sqft retail space
Contractor: Build Group
Structural Engineer: Workpoint Engineering
Renderings: Photorealistic renderings developed by David Hertz Architects and Millán Architect / Studio. Original project initiated at David Hertz Architect, inc. with Ed Millán, AIA serving as Project Architect for DHA and for MA/S. Images represent an alternative development and may not be indicative of the final constructed project.
Photography: Courtesy of Ella Venice
Construction Photography: Courtesy of Build Group and Laura Doss Photography.
