DE Architects were presented with a highly irregular site, 2 distinct parcels, 2 different zones, connected by a 25’-0” wide “hinge”.  The unique triangular parcel was a result of Lankershim Blvd. diagonally bisecting the typical LA grid.

The diagonal bisection offered a distinct design opportunity to shape an iconic corner.  The main 5 story mass was anchored by a 2 story structural concrete frame.  Every alternating floor was inset and clad in interchanging horizontally and vertically striated metal panels allowing the corner to interlock.  The stacked floors generated by the horizontal layering are bisected by projecting balconies and brightly colored frames, and pay homage to the neighborhood history predating the NOHO Arts District, when the area consisted primarily of single story metal clad light industrial buildings.

A significant goal was to create a pedestrian oriented ground floor corner.  Early in the design stage the developer added a 27,000 sf Grocery Market tenant. As Los Angeles Grocery Markets historically try to minimize their exterior glazing, the architects collaborated closely with the tenant’s architects to maintain the visual transparency at the Lankershim Otsego corner.  Additionally, as there was no alley, the architects needed to design the ground floor to accommodate a 55’-0” delivery truck circulating through the parking behind the market, accessing the internal loading zone.  Since the building is located adjacent to a residential neighborhood, a significant number of patrons walk to the market and the internal circulation and street exit needed to be accomplished with minimum disruption to tenants and pedestrians.