Reconstruction of L.A.’s Dunbar Hotel underway

Construction is underway on the much-anticipated renovation of the Dunbar Hotel, originally known as the Hotel Somerville, it was the focal point of the Central Avenue African-American community in Los Angeles during the 1930s and 1940s.

Withee Malcolm Architects’ designs for the project include the complete renovation of the Dunbar Hotel and the Somerville Apartments I and II.

All three properties will be joined to create an 83-unit mixed-use project.

Preserving Dunbar Hotel’s historic brick facade, the new design provides 41 residential units of affordable senior housing with amenities that include a community room, communal kitchen, media lounge, billiard table, library and reading area and fitness room.

Plans for the residential floors convert the space from double loaded corridors into a single hallway lined with windows that look onto the atrium. All units now face out enjoying light from the exterior windows as well as extra light through the glass fronted hall doors. Apartments aredesigned to maximize efficiency with out sacrificing comfort and convenience.

The Somerville Apartments will be rehabilitated into 42 units of affordable housing--2,3,and 4 bedroom units--for families of all ages. The common areas will be reconfigured and upgraded to include a new tot lot, built-in barbecue area, basketball half-court and laundry room. 8,000 square feet of retail will be built on the ground floor of the village, along with a new public plaza and restaurant. Museum in Black, a computer center operated by Los Angeles Trade Technical College and a Head Start childcare facility will also be integrated into the project. BD+C

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

For glass openings, how big is too big?

Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.

The Forge in London is deploying industrialized, kit-of-parts construction. Images: Courtesy of Bryden Wood

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American Institute of Steel Construction updates environmental product declarations

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Education Facilities | May 2, 2022

Texas School for the Deaf campus gateway enhances sense of belonging for deaf community

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Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

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Building Team | May 2, 2022

HED and VAI announce merger to bring strategic expertise and drive community impact in Dallas

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