By DAILY PRESS STAFF
Community Corporation’s new building at 26th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard is raising some eyebrows for its innovative design, even being called “a ray of hope” by The American Institute of Architects, which has given the non-profit one of its 13 Honor Awards.
The national award praised the way architects for the project “used the light and breezes, which are free, wonderfully. The building is beautiful in a clean-scrubbed way while creating a safe haven,” the AIA jurors wrote.
The building, which houses 44 low-and moderate-income families, was designed by Kanner Architects, who devised a vibrant pattern for the structure of white walls, colorful panels and Hardie siding, a durable man-made composite that has the appearance of wood.
The site on a very busy street maximizes views of the sunsets, private balconies, and a large courtyard to bring light and space to the residents’ daily lives. The building was honored along with the renovated Griffith Park Observatory, as well as 11 other noted architectural projects outside Los Angeles.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 12, 2008. Read the original PDF.