Five-story facility reflects community’s unique interests, suspends two pools above a gymnasium and creates new open space in a dense urban neighborhood.
IRVINE, CALIF.– LPA Design Studios’ design of the newly opened West Hollywood Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) creates the largest contiguous piece of open land in the city of West Hollywood, suspends two pools above a multisport gymnasium and features a five-story sculptural grand staircase that will be a new gathering spot and icon for the city.
The 75,000-square-foot facility anchors West Hollywood Park — a popular event space along San Vicente Boulevard that has served as home base for many large-scale community events and festivals, including celebrity affairs hosted by organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
In many ways, the project reflects the city’s unique interests and aspirations, supporting everything from competitive dodgeball leagues to senior aquatics.
“The design process for the ARC was always about creating a facility that reflected the community’s identity and diversity,” says LPA Design Director Rick D’Amato. “Residents told us they wanted the new center to be a place for everyone, which really struck a chord with us.”
