Individuality for the Masses

Avenue 34 is transforming a former Lincoln Heights warehouse lot into a mixed-use complex. The transit-oriented development holds 468 apartments with 66 very low-income units bound by the Metro Gold Line. It comprises two four-story buildings, one five-story building, and two levels of underground parking covering half the site. Amenities include 11,000 SF of community-serving retail on the ground floor, as well as a public paseo winding through 1.5 acres. Holmes is providing structural engineering alongside fire and life safety code consulting.

Holmes optimized the exposure of steel braces and trusses, unlocking major savings. Holmes’ structural fire analysis evaluated holistic building behavior under elevated temperatures. The team simulated realistic design fire scenarios to ensure that these elements could withstand temperatures without collapse or extreme deflection. Results justified the omission of costly intumescent paint and fireproofing on ~50% of the steel members—yielding repeatable time and cost benefits.

Structural design integrates open courtyards with apartments bridging the upper floors. Subtle vertical supports stretch up to 105 feet over native landscaping. Light-frame wood layouts allot for sizable windows and vaulted ceilings, while maintaining neighborhood view corridors. Holmes also overcame the challenge of erecting a building over different grade conditions.