Landmark to Law School: STIR Architecture’s conversion of the historic 1929 Bullock’s Wilshire department store building into a state-of-the-art library for Southwestern Law School 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.

 

2005 24th Annual President’s Award, Los Angeles Conservancy

2000 Preservation Award, National Trust for Historic Preservation

2000 Historic Preservation Honor Award, AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter

1999 Restoration and Adaptive Re-Use, Windsor Square – Hancock Park Historical Society

1998 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award, State of California Office of Historic Preservation

1998 Cultural Award, Historic Restoration/Renovation, Los Angeles Headquarters Association

1997 Historic Preservation Award of Excellence, Cultural Heritage Commission of Los Angeles

1997 Urban Beautification Architectural Award, Institutional Use, Los Angeles Business Council

1997 Design Award, Renovation & Historic Preservation, Downtown Breakfast Club of Los Angeles