Location: Pacoima, CA

Client: Valley Economic Development Center

Budget: $4.5 Million

Completion Date:  June 2015

The Pacoima Entrepreneur & Training Center is located in an economic development zone within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.  The project is intended to revitalize the community by providing training for small business owners and adding jobs to the local economy.   

The commercial office building is 14,000 square feet on 3 levels, with large open space offices on each floor.  Floor-to-ceiling-glass on the first level adds visibility at the pedestrian/street level.  The third floor is stepped back from the street to reduce the massing and to provide exterior space on the upper level. 

The architectural character of the building is inspired by the buildings of Luis Barragan.  Using simple massing and materials, brightly hued plaster forms and influenced by Spanish and Moroccan elements.  A significant water feature at the rear garden area is incorporated into the architectural design. 

Abundant landscaping around the building and adjacent parking provides a buffer to the adjacent residential area and is compatible with the Mediterranean architecture with low water usage. Low energy and water use, along with additional green building materials and equipment commissioning will bring the project to a LEED Certified equivalent.