The former Metropolitan Water District (MWD) 8-story office tower, designed by acclaimed architect William Pereira and completed in 1973, has been vacant for almost 20 years after MWD departure in 1993.  The tower has been restored and converted to 96 residential units, 13 of which are new 2-story penthouses added to the top of the building. The original mid-century office design was adapted and enhanced to create comfortable contemporary loft-like apartments. Stripping the building of some of its dated materials, it has been upgraded with contemporary features while maintaining the original modern architecture. 

Set amidst a neighborhood of low-rise buildings, the Elysian affords its residents unobstructed 360-degree views of the entire city from the mountains and downtown Los Angeles to the ocean. The new units are simple clean and modern, each with an open plan allowing and 12' ceilings with 10' of windows and their own private balcony.  A new restaurant and outdoor seating area were integrated to the pedestrian level together with the new landscaping and restored fountains, helping to revive an under-served stretch of Sunset Blvd and the neighborhood as a whole.