# A Rebirth in Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles is experiencing a renaissance, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than at the historic Broadway Trade Center. This massive undertaking represents more than just another development project—it's a masterclass in adaptive reuse that commercial design professionals should watch closely.
## The Vision Takes Shape
By 2019, the 1.1-million-square-foot structure occupying half a city block at Broadway and Eighth Street will emerge as a vibrant mixed-use complex. The $200 million project by New York-based Waterbridge Capital promises to deliver:
- A private members club reminiscent of Soho House - A Grand Central-style market hall - Restaurants and retail establishments - Creative office spaces - Fully restored white glazed terra cotta facade - Complete seismic retrofitting
This ambitious project stands as California's largest federal Historic Tax Credit project to date, demonstrating the financial viability of preservation-focused development.
## A Story Worth Preserving
The building's history reads like a timeline of American retail evolution. Originally constructed in 1906, this Beaux Arts masterpiece with Classical Renaissance Revival details housed A. Hamburger & Sons—the Pacific Coast's largest department store at the time.
The Hamburger family's retail empire began modestly in 1881 with "The People's Store," a 20-by-75-foot space on Main Street. Within three years, they had outgrown their original location and moved to Spring Street. By the early 1900s, even that five-floor, 520-employee operation couldn't contain their success.
## Innovation in Historic Retail Design
When the grand opening finally occurred in 1908, the store showcased retail innovations that would influence commercial design for decades:
**Cutting-edge amenities included:** - One of the West Coast's first escalators - 13 acres of retail space - Multiple restaurants and food services - On-site barber shop and medical offices - Telegraph and post office services - Private power plant in the basement
The building employed 1,200 people and functioned as a self-contained commercial ecosystem—a concept that feels remarkably contemporary.
## Lessons in Adaptive Reuse
After the May Company's departure in the late 1980s, the building served as the Broadway Trade Center, housing an indoor swap meet and garment manufacturing. This interim use kept the structure occupied while preserving its bones for future transformation.
Waterbridge Capital's $130 million acquisition in 2014 recognized the building's potential to anchor Downtown LA's revival. Their approach offers valuable insights for commercial design professionals:
**Preservation meets innovation:** The project maintains the building's architectural integrity while introducing modern programming that serves today's urban professionals.
**Mixed-use flexibility:** Rather than forcing a single use onto the massive structure, the design embraces diverse programming that creates multiple revenue streams and activity throughout the day.
**Historic tax credits as financing tool:** The project demonstrates how preservation incentives can make ambitious adaptive reuse projects financially viable.
## The Broader Impact
This transformation reflects Downtown LA's emergence as a destination for creative professionals and urban dwellers. The building's rebirth will likely catalyze additional investment in the surrounding area, creating opportunities for complementary commercial design projects.
For interior designers working on commercial projects, this development illustrates the growing demand for authentic, historically-grounded spaces that offer modern amenities and flexible programming. The success of such projects often hinges on respecting the original architecture while creating environments that serve contemporary needs.
## Looking Forward
As construction progresses toward the 2019 completion date, the Broadway Trade Center project stands as a testament to thoughtful adaptive reuse. It proves that preserving architectural heritage and creating economically viable commercial spaces aren't mutually exclusive goals.
The project's scale and ambition make it a significant case study for anyone involved in commercial interior design. Its success will likely influence how developers and designers approach similar historic structures throughout urban America.
*Ready to discuss your next commercial interior project? Contact Tangram Interiors to explore how we can help transform your space while honoring its unique character and history.*
