This property has an eye-catching presence and frontage along Sepulveda Boulevard. From its pleasing dimensions and pop of color, to the crisp blending of structural materials, it is difficult to imagine that this building was once a drab bank office, and later, a sports recreation facility. The building’s impressive exterior features and signage are clearly visible from both the San Diego Freeway (I-405) and the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10).

The building’s turnaround was initiated in a literal sense, by re-imagining what originally was the back of the structure, as the front entrance, and having the front of the structure function more as a secondary employee entrance. Despite Sepulveda’s size of over 18,000 square feet, a connection to the world outside is palpable throughout; floor to ceiling glass walls are found on the lower portion, and two long strips of windows run the length of the façade on top. For a coup of natural light, or to view the night sky, Sepulveda offers a retractable roof on the top floor.

Inside, there is a unique balance between playful and grounded elements. The entrance features 15 foot sliding Fleetwood doors, made of teak wood. The wooden floor of what was previously a basketball court now supports the creative working space framed by black beams of matte steel and pristine white walls. Turn the corner and one is greeted by a cheery shock of colored concrete. There is also an elevator to shuttle occupants between levels. Each element creates a differentiated compartment but still manages to maintain a cohesive flow of space.

The compartmentalized theme extends to the back of the building, where a ladder, terrace, and walls punctuated with color bring to mind a Mondrian classic. No matter how you approach it, Sepulveda is a visual delight owing to a very unique composition and inspiration.