Originally built in 1909, the renovation and addition to the historic Vine Street School was an opportunity for Gotama Building Engineers to revive a venerable neighborhood fixture and make it viable again for the community.

Work on this two-story campus included updating the HVAC, plumbing and fire sprinklers of the existing facility to current Title 24 code. With the expansion of 10 additional classrooms and an outdoor dining-only area, it was important to provide for plumbing to new toilet rooms, new gas piping to feed the heating system, electric cooling and fire protection through rooftop systems. The architect incorporated into the design a “green wall” covered in foliage to disguise the machinery on the roof and beautify the streetscape. A canopy at the rear of the facility was adapted to shelter an additional outdoor “classroom”. The engineers also established new lighting for the exterior to bring the whole campus to Title 24 requirements.

Client: Los Angeles Unified School District
Architect: Jubany Architecture
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Completion: 2007