Residential/Hospitality: Wilshire La Brea
Best Residential/Hospitality Project: Wilshire La Brea, Los Angeles
Since its opening in June, the $105-million Wilshire La Brea has become a key part of the modernization of the Miracle Mile District streetscape in Los Angeles. Spanning a city block, the mixed-use facility consists of five levels of residential units atop a single level of retail space and 2.5 levels of subterranean parking.
The foundation is 17 ft below the water table. A 140,000-sq-ft, 36-in.-thick concrete mat resists hydrostatic pressure on the substructure.
The team developed a logistics plan for casting the mat's 5,400 cu yd of concrete in one day. The strategy reduced the construction schedule to three months from four months.
The team used building information modeling to coordinate structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, which resulted in efficient, error-free production.
The project team also created virtual models of each residential unit, used prefabricated panelized wood framing and implemented just-in-time delivery and installation.
The project is surrounded by smaller residential properties and book-ended by historic structures. To take advantage of this location, the design team widened the sidewalk along Wilshire Boulevard to provide space for sidewalk dining while still accommodating pedestrian traffic.
The development includes swimming pools, a fitness center, mezzanine areas with social lounges and a Wi-Fi grotto.
Key Players
Contractor Bernards Builders
Owner Essex Property Trust
Developer BRE Properties
Architect TCA Architects
Structural Engineer VCA Engineers
Civil Engineer Fuscoe Engineering
MEP Engineer LDI Mechanical
