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.