In Los Angeles, where Culver City and West Adams meet, a new large-scale, mixed-use development titled VOX at Cumulus brings 910 residential units, 100,000 square feet of retail, and a 1-acre park to an area with fast-growing tech, media, and entertainment.
The development team, including developer Carmel Partners and architect TCA Architects, say the project’s “greatest opportunity was the site itself.” At 11 acres, the site’s generous size allowed for placemaking features that would not normally be feasible. Plus, its location, situated directly across from the La Cienega/Jefferson Metro station, make it a candidate for a true transit-oriented development.
The needs of the surrounding community helped shape the massive project. In the initial planning stages, several outreach meetings with community stakeholders led to the creation of the Zocalo, the public park at the heart of the project. Open to the neighborhood, the park features community events, such as movie nights, live music, and outdoor dining.
The neighborhood also had a desire for a large retail component, which resulted in a Whole Foods grocery store occupying 50,000 square feet of VOX’s ground floor. The other half of the ground-floor retail, positioned on visible corners, offers shopping and restaurants for residents and visitors.
For the residential component, TCA explains “VOX’s architecture is inspired by the adjacent rail line, and the notions of progress, change, and motion.” As a result, the La Cienega frontage undulates back and forth to create a dynamic façade and help break up the mass.
Offering a wide range of unit types, from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes, the development houses young professionals and families alike. The units were designed with flexible layouts, creating space for living, work/study, and dining. Floor-to-ceiling windows with roll-down shades flood units with natural light, while recessed lighting and neutral luxury vinyl plank flooring keep the rooms feeling bright and open.
Due to the project’s sheer size, VOX is abundant with amenities. Two separate pools and clubhouses provide plenty of outdoor space for residents, in addition to the park. Other highlights include a recording studio, a private dining room and bar, a screening room, a yoga and spin studio, and a lobby inspired by a 1920s music club.
Interior designer House of Honey outfitted the project’s common areas with a sophisticated palette of neutral textures, subtle green accents, warm natural woods, leathers, and geometric furniture, “creating a streamlined, high-end, futuristic vibe to this upscale property.”
