We are proud to have contributed to the stunning transformation of 1305 2nd Street, the new Santa Monica office for A16Z – Andreessen Horowitz housed in a historic 100-year-old landmark building. This project marks the first office use in the building’s rich history and serves as a testament to the innovative spirit of both the design and construction teams.

 

A16Z, founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, is a venture capital firm that empowers bold entrepreneurs and backs the future of technology. Their new Santa Monica office was crafted to reflect their cutting-edge vision while paying homage to the building’s storied past.

 

Located steps from the iconic Third Street Promenade and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the office occupies the entire 30,000 square-foot, award-winning structure, which was originally built in 1914 as The Hotel Hart and Apartments. This adaptive reuse project, a collaboration between KFA Architects, the City of Santa Monica, and the landlord team, involved a meticulous restoration that seamlessly integrates modern workspaces with historical charm.

 

Sharpe was tasked with executing a design that maximized the potential of the building’s narrow U-shaped floor plates and low ceiling heights. Through close coordination with the design team, we helped optimize these spaces, allowing for a vibrant social hub and unique work environments that encourage collaboration and creativity. The design incorporates exposed ceilings, operable windows, and ocean views on every floor, as well as a private roof deck for informal gatherings and panoramic vistas.

 

Our team was particularly involved in creating smooth transitions between historic and modern elements, ensuring that the drywall and finishes not only met structural and functional requirements but also aligned with the architectural vision. The project features bespoke spaces, including a podcast studio, collaboration areas, pitch rooms, and a dynamic catering kitchen. We are especially proud of our contribution to the conversion of a dilapidated greenhouse into a penthouse bar, a pivotal feature of the design, which involved restoring the existing structure while keeping the historic integrity intact.

 

The result is an inspiring, modern workplace that serves as a dynamic base for A16Z’s team, where connections and innovation flourish. This project also embodies the balance of respecting history while paving the way for the future, exactly what A16Z stands for.

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