Lobby Remodel Brings Warmth to Downtown
Design & Associates with offices located in Studio City, Ca, and Orange County, Ca.

When 1666 N. Main Street's new owner, a commercial real estate developer, purchased the building in 2005, he recognized the value of updating the public spaces, including the lobby, elevators, corridors and restrooms to attract new upscale tenants, along the burgeoning Main Street corridor. He hired Full Circle Design, a high-end residential design specialist and Fluri Design Associates known for their modern commercial interiors expertise .

"The lobby and public areas of an office building give a first impression of the company they are meeting with," says co-designer Caroline Fluri, principal of Fluri Design Associates. "The old lobby can only be described as a dark, narrow and cold passage with outdated finishes. The challenge was to bring life into this undistinguished space. Another concern were the entrances. The primary entrance from Main St. was uninviting, while the entrance from the parking lot was virtually hidden behind large columns. There was the need to for a more spacious lobby allowing for a more dynamic interaction between the tenants and their clients."

Co-designer Charise Buckley, principal of Full Circle Design Group, says, "We wanted the lobby space to relate better to human sensibilities as well as increasing the value of the commercial building. Our intention was to create a warm, attractive and livelier space that people would notice in a positive way."

Far from being a hands-off client, the building owner worked very closely with the design team. The building remodel began with a commitment to modernize the front and back entry appearances of the building, and to improve the flow and function of the building main lobby , elevators, restrooms and public corridors.

A financial theme arose out of the fact that the building has always housed a bank on the ground level. Compelling decorative touches included the original bank vault which was restored, then designed into the main lobby for all to enjoy, as well as sepia-toned prints of former bank buildings in the City of Santa Ana, located through historical societies.

Says Buckley, "We received very positive feedback from all of the tenants and the community at large. And speaking of community, we are proud to be part of the City of Santa Ana's commitment to revitalizing the Downtown area-by providing the business community with a fresh office approach in a central location."

The final remodel, completed in 18 months in 2007 and 2008, encompassed a large scaled lobby space, custom-designed clear glass storefronts, limestone floors and Murano glass pendant lights hung from cherry wood soffits.

Tenant floors and restrooms were also modernized with an inviting warm and friendly design giving the tenants an incentive to move and stay in this striking modern office building!

For Leasing information regarding
1666 N. Main Street please call:
Mike Buckley 949.748.6500

http://www.fluridesign.com
http://www.fullcircledesign.biz