Hollywood Downtowner

The Hollywood Downtowner provides a vital safety net for transition-aged youth, offering services and support as residents build life skills for independent living. Once a three-story vintage masonry motel from Hollywood’s Golden Age, the building has been transformed into 31 units of interim housing, complete with a service center, communal lounge, and outdoor space.

Drawing on its location along Hollywood Boulevard and the site’s historic character including the iconic vintage sign, the design embraces the existing Googie balconies overlooking the street and repurposes the former pool deck into a central garden gathering space. In close collaboration with the historic preservation society, the original stone façade was carefully preserved, even while addressing the challenge of creating an ADA-accessible entry. A gently sloped walkway was introduced with minimal impact on the historic street presence, anchoring the building to the boulevard while framing views of the neon sign and newly netted courtyard.

To address resident safety concerns, stainless steel cable netting encloses the boulevard-facing balconies while maintaining the historic façade. The netting creates an undulating form that plays geometrically against the curves of the historic roof—visually dynamic when viewed at an angle, yet nearly invisible from the street.

The former manager’s office was converted into a shared communal space without sacrificing residential units. Overlooking Hollywood Boulevard, this café-like lounge allows residents to prepare food, work, relax, and connect with case managers. With a limited budget that couldn’t accommodate a commissioned mural, Kadre’s design team painted the space themselves—a hands-on contribution and gift to the mission.