Metro @ Hollywood

The robust massing of the building serves as a counterpoint to the speedy movement of cars.

PROJECT SUMMARY
Client:             Meta Housing Corporation
Location:        5555 W. Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA
Units:              120 Senior Affordable Housing Units
Size:                186,290 GSF (94,530 NSF) (6,000 Retail NSF)
Density:          121 du/ac
Cost:               $22,500,000 ($120 per GSF)
Funding:         4% Tax-Exempt Bond, CRA/LA,
                        State of CA - TOD, State of CA IIG, LAHD
Awards:           2015 NAHB, Silver Achievement
                        2014 Gold Nugget, Best Senior Housing Community
                        2011 SAGE, "On the Boards" Project of the Year
Sustainability: LEED Platinum Certified
Status:             Completed 2012

Located along a busy stretch of Hollywood Blvd. near a Metro Red Line stop, the 100% senior affordable project aims to enhance the vitality of the neighborhood by increasing the stock of affordable apartments and vitalize a prominent commercial corridor by augmenting retail shopping opportunities. The project’s challenge was to engage the lively, urban context while creating a tranquil interior world that evokes a sense of security and respite.  The robust massing of the building serves as a counterpoint to the speedy movement of cars along the boulevard.  The façade presents a linear composition of alternating solid and void forms, with the volume of stacked apartment balconies adding depth.  A colorfully-tiled tower with faceted glazing anchors the building at the street corner, while the glazing continues along the retail space fronting Hollywood Blvd.  In contrast, the lushly-planted interior courtyard provides a serene and secluded environment featuring a figure-8 path with integrated seating that encourages walking and conversing.  Tucked into the interior of the project, the double-height community room opens onto the courtyard.   The program also includes two-story lobby, social service offices, and fitness room, all of which front onto Garfield Place, the side-street.  The lobby and a semi-public street-level terrace offer residents the opportunity to sit and chat with neighbors and passersby.  A library, billiard room, and art studio complete the program. A roof deck provides views of the courtyard, while the fifth-floor roof deck provides a spectacular view of the nearby Griffith Observatory.