KIA DTLA

KIA DTLA transforms a century-old warehouse on Figueroa Street into a flagship urban automotive destination through a highly complex adaptive reuse strategy. Spanning approximately 133,000 square feet across four levels, the project reimagines a historic industrial structure as a full-service dealership while preserving its distinctive Art Deco character and original architectural features. The design carefully balances historic preservation with contemporary functionality, restoring the building’s exterior presence while introducing a modern customer experience aligned with KIA’s evolving brand identity. One of the project’s defining challenges was accommodating vehicle circulation within the existing structure. In response, a custom ramp system was integrated into the building to efficiently connect showroom, service, inventory, and customer spaces across multiple levels without compromising the historic fabric. The interior was comprehensively reconfigured around the existing concrete structural framework, accompanied by extensive upgrades to building systems to support its new use. Contemporary storefronts, refined materials, and integrated technology create a dialogue between old and new, allowing the building’s industrial heritage to remain visible while supporting a modern retail environment. The result is a distinctive urban redevelopment that demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock new life and purpose within a historic landmark.