Rise: Red-Tagged to Reimagined Housing

At WHA, we believe in the power of adaptive reuse to bring new life and purpose to buildings that hold a piece of local history. Our recent project, Rise, located at 8615 Whittier Blvd in Pico Rivera, CA, exemplifies this vision. Originally built in 1964 as a motel, the property was converted to apartments in 1971 until receiving a red tag in 2015 due to extensive water damage. With a collaborative team that included Patel Burica & Associates as the structural engineer, Arcxis as the MEP consultant, Bob Garcia as the landscape architect, and Blue Mountain Development, Inc. as the owner’s representative, WHA worked closely with the city to bring this site back to life and fulfill a vital housing need.

Our approach to Rise was to preserve as much of the original structural intent as possible, adhering to a “replace and repair, like for like” strategy. The three buildings on site, constructed under the 1961 uniform building code, presented unique challenges. Instead of redesigning or upgrading elements, we focused on replacing damaged components and making repairs to meet current standards while retaining the building’s original layout and structure. This required us to navigate the constraints of an older building code while ensuring the apartments would provide functional, comfortable spaces for future residents.

In our design, we were inspired by the architectural spirit of the original 1964 motel. By replacing colored lattice panels with durable corrugated metals, we created a facade that acknowledges the mid-century origins while fitting seamlessly into today’s architectural landscape. This approach ensures that Rise not only serves as functional housing but also preserves and celebrates the legacy of the site.

As a result, a set of three-story multifamily apartments was brought back to life with affordable, market-rate units. Rise comprises 80 units, featuring a mix of studio apartments at 355 square feet and a one-bedroom manager’s unit at 716 square feet. With a total of 88 parking spaces—both covered and uncovered, the site addresses the high demand for affordable market rate housing in a popular area of Pico Rivera.

The revitalization of Rise is a testament to what can be achieved through thoughtful adaptive reuse. By restoring and upgrading the building to meet modern occupancy standards, WHA and the dedicated project team successfully transformed the property into a community asset.