200 W Ocean - Long Beach, CA

Developer: Milan Capital Management
Architect: Studio 111
11 stories

To preserve and better utilize its vibrant architecture, the City of Long Beach has incentivized developers to adaptively reuse its older buildings, granting allowances for seismic, parking and other typical development requirements since 2008. Among the city’s historic structures is 200 W Ocean, which previously served as headquarters for the General Telephone Company of California. Comprised of structural steel and concrete, the 10-story, 1960s-era office tower retained a strong framework and, at 121,000 SF, provided a unique opportunity for housing.

Milan Capital Management enlisted the help of Studio One Eleven (111) and LFA to transform the former office into a modern, 106-unit apartment complex, which would help alleviate the city’s limited housing. To create additional units, previous commercial spaces were reconfigured into ground floor lofts directly connected to the street, while upper units kept a more residential feel. The building was seismically strengthened and, following the removal of the heavy, outdated mechanical equipment on the roof, the project was able to add two-story penthouses at the top level without negatively impacting the structure. New amenities, including a community room, gym, planting, pool, and spa were also incorporated and built above the adjacent parking structure.

Throughout the entire project, LFA frequently met with the Long Beach Building Department regarding the historic building's conversation to residential, as well as the structural analysis and upgrade requirements that would ensure safety and efficiency of the building.

2023 - AIA OC Citation Award