STRUCTURE LOFTS

San Diego, California
Mixed-Use, Remodel & Change of Use
25 residential units, 1 retail space, 4 stories

The Structure Lofts project transformed the mid-century office building which served as the headquarters for the San Diego Blood Bank into modern loft apartments.  The original architecture had been lost behind a series of drop ceilings, drywall partitions, dated carpet, and old window screens.  Once those elements were removed, the building's original concrete waffle slab construction was revealed.  The new design subdivided the floor plans to create a total of 25 residential units and 1 retail space.  The waffle slab construction was left exposed to provide dramatic coffered ceilings in the open, loft-style units.  The original concrete floors were polished and new kitchens, baths, and HVAC systems were installed.  The original, character-defining, vertical concrete fins at the exterior were maintained, while the existing fixed glass panels were replaced with new tinted, low-E, dual-glazed, energy efficient, operable windows.  Glass folding doors provide access to the newly defined exterior balconies and open up the façade to allow for indoor/outdoor living.  A new steel canopy highlights the building entry and updated lobby.

Awards

• 2014 PCBC Gold Nugget Award of Merit for Best Renovated or Restored Project
• Adaptive Reuse Orchid Award, 2014 Orchids and Onions
• 2014 Builder's Choice Award