Desmond at Wilshire is a 187,742 sq. ft., 175-unit apartment building in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles. Its name pays tribute to the legacy of Desmond’s, the L.A. department store which stood nearby for many decades. The development includes four levels of underground parking and six levels of Type III-A wood-framed residential units above a concrete podium. The parking garage provides controlled access for 472 vehicles.
De-watering and filtration was required for the 45’ of excavation and was maintained throughout construction of the foundation. The foundation consists of soldier beams with timber lagging, a 5’ mat slab, concrete columns, shotcrete walls and post-tensioned concrete decks. The entire foundation received methane/water horizontal and vertical barriers. The first floor is lofted Type I-A construction consisting of live-work units, leasing space, and parking. The common space atop the podium includes a fitness room, clubhouse, projection movie wall, BBQ area, fire pits, cabanas, swimming pool, water feature and hot tub.
The units are upscale rentals with quartz counters, full-height tile backsplashes, Level 4 drywall finish, stainless steel appliances, frameless euro-style cabinets, roller shades, ceiling fans, back-lit mirrors and LED light fixtures throughout. Many units include private balconies. The common area includes NanaWalls, glass guardrails, pavers, specialty wall finishes, three lifts, two elevators and a dog-washing area. The exterior enclosure is a combination of stucco, wood siding, metal panel siding, brick veneer, vinyl windows, storefront, curtainwall and green screen living walls.