Iconic LA building transformed: Montalba's renovation

14 Aug 2023 CW Team

The restoration primarily concentrated on enhancing the building's plaza, lobby, and basement areas, with more subtle improvements made to the rest of the interior spaces. One key aspect of the project involved reimagining the building's plaza, which included the replacement of a central fountain that had previously held a gold-plated sculpture by artist Harry Bertoia. This original fountain had been decommissioned in 2010 due to leaks.

Montalba Architects chose to replace the circular footprint of the fountain with a unique light well that extends down to the building's basement. At the top of the light well, a circular bronze sculpture was installed, characterized by arching bronze prongs that pay homage to the building's distinctive facade as well as the curved water jets of the previous fountain. The sculpture is skillfully illuminated and surrounded by evergreen landscaping, creating a visually captivating centrepiece.

Additionally, a sunken garden was integrated into the bottom of the light well, featuring a variety of grasses and trees. This garden not only provides a serene environment but also aids in passive cooling at street level and facilitates natural light penetration into the basement space. Circular glass panels enclose the garden, complemented by supplementary lighting and a concrete bench.

The basement area received a comprehensive update, resulting in the creation of five interconnected gallery spaces, a restroom, and storage facilities. The basement entrance was also revamped, featuring a frameless glass enclosure and a steel trellis, with steel screens along an adjacent wall encouraging the growth of vines.

The lobby renovation was characterized by a warm palette, encompassing walnut panels and terrazzo flooring accented with bronze elements. At the centre of the lobby, a simplistic oval desk crafted from fluted stone serves as a focal point, with a semi-circular extension enhancing the lobby's spatial dynamics. The design choices aimed to honour the building's mid-century heritage.

The plaza's terrazzo hardscape, marked by a pattern of large white circles, underwent restoration and reinstallation, restoring it to its former glory. To further enrich the plaza's ambience, white concrete benches were thoughtfully added, spanning its entire length.

Originally inaugurated in 1962 as the Perpetual Savings and Loan Bank, the building underwent a change in occupancy due to the bank's closure in 1992 and is now home to Manufacturers Bank. This recent renovation, surpassing the 1992 update, honours the legacy of Edward Durrell Stone while breathing new life into this architectural gem. Stone's notable portfolio includes the US embassy in New Delhi, which is presently undergoing renovation by Weiss Manfredi.

As part of a broader trend of refurbishing significant structures, recent examples include Gensler's renovation of Chicago's Merchandise Mart and the addition of a crystalline structure to the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium in New Orleans.

Montalba Architects, a local studio, has undertaken a comprehensive renovation of the iconic Perpetual Savings and Loan Bank building in Los Angeles, originally designed by renowned American architect Edward Durrell Stone. The building, now named 9720 Wilshire, stands as a significant landmark in the Beverly Hills neighbourhood, featuring a distinctive Romanesque facade characterized by repeated arches.The restoration primarily concentrated on enhancing the building's plaza, lobby, and basement areas, with more subtle improvements made to the rest of the interior spaces. One key aspect of the project involved reimagining the building's plaza, which included the replacement of a central fountain that had previously held a gold-plated sculpture by artist Harry Bertoia. This original fountain had been decommissioned in 2010 due to leaks.Montalba Architects chose to replace the circular footprint of the fountain with a unique light well that extends down to the building's basement. At the top of the light well, a circular bronze sculpture was installed, characterized by arching bronze prongs that pay homage to the building's distinctive facade as well as the curved water jets of the previous fountain. The sculpture is skillfully illuminated and surrounded by evergreen landscaping, creating a visually captivating centrepiece.Additionally, a sunken garden was integrated into the bottom of the light well, featuring a variety of grasses and trees. This garden not only provides a serene environment but also aids in passive cooling at street level and facilitates natural light penetration into the basement space. Circular glass panels enclose the garden, complemented by supplementary lighting and a concrete bench.The basement area received a comprehensive update, resulting in the creation of five interconnected gallery spaces, a restroom, and storage facilities. The basement entrance was also revamped, featuring a frameless glass enclosure and a steel trellis, with steel screens along an adjacent wall encouraging the growth of vines.The lobby renovation was characterized by a warm palette, encompassing walnut panels and terrazzo flooring accented with bronze elements. At the centre of the lobby, a simplistic oval desk crafted from fluted stone serves as a focal point, with a semi-circular extension enhancing the lobby's spatial dynamics. The design choices aimed to honour the building's mid-century heritage.The plaza's terrazzo hardscape, marked by a pattern of large white circles, underwent restoration and reinstallation, restoring it to its former glory. To further enrich the plaza's ambience, white concrete benches were thoughtfully added, spanning its entire length.Originally inaugurated in 1962 as the Perpetual Savings and Loan Bank, the building underwent a change in occupancy due to the bank's closure in 1992 and is now home to Manufacturers Bank. This recent renovation, surpassing the 1992 update, honours the legacy of Edward Durrell Stone while breathing new life into this architectural gem. Stone's notable portfolio includes the US embassy in New Delhi, which is presently undergoing renovation by Weiss Manfredi.As part of a broader trend of refurbishing significant structures, recent examples include Gensler's renovation of Chicago's Merchandise Mart and the addition of a crystalline structure to the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium in New Orleans.