New Use = New Life
“Adapting the Bullock’s Wilshire building for Southwestern University was a chance to serve two important components of LA’s cultural life: an irreplaceable landmark structure and the up and coming law school. New use meant new life as well as a connection to the past.”
Landmark to Law School: Altoon Partners conversion of the historic 1929 Bullock's Wilshire department store building into a state-of-the-art library for the Southwestern University School of Law preserved the famous architectural details of the so-called “Cathedral of Commerce,” as it incorporated new furniture and building systems into an ideal location for contemporary study and research. Library functions were seamlessly inserted amid the beauty of the Art Deco interiors. The layout respected the compartmentalization of the building into small rooms that once served as retail boutiques. Custom-designed furniture reflects the craftsmanship and character of the original store, such as bookcases with warm tones and patterns that recall clothing display racks.
Status: Built
Location: Los Angeles, CA, US
