CARLSBAD, CA—Atlas at Carlsbad offers a class-A creative-office space with amenity features typically found in a Downtown market—plus proximity to the beach and views of the valley and ocean, Ware Malcomb principal Tiffany English tells GlobeSt.com. The firm recently completed construction on and provided architectural design services for the first phase of the newly redeveloped campus, comprising a trophy steel-and-glass two-story office building and a single-story 135,000-square-foot R&D/creative building at 5909 Sea Otter Place here.

In this unique repositioning project, Ware Malcomb collaborated with another architect to transform the existing 260,000-square-foot building into two separate buildings totaling 235,000 square feet of office and R&D space. The beams of the original building were kept intact to allow the transfer of lateral loads from the new offices to the warehouse building and diaphragm. The office building utilized metal stud framing while the warehouse employed a concrete tilt-up design. Moment frames were also used in the office building to create large openings into a paseo.

English tells us the main goal of the Atlas at Carlsbad project was “to create a unique, functional design solution while drawing inspiration from the local Carlsbad community. The transformation of an existing class-C office and warehouse facility into a contemporary, class-A creative office campus with state-of-the-art amenities is unique to the suburban Carlsbad market.”

She adds that to complement the strong architecture, a neutral palate was combined with dramatic materials to create balance throughout the campus. “One unique design aspect was the porcelain tile panels from Laminam by Crossville. These tiles were selected for the exterior façade to complement the views of the nearby Pacific Ocean. The tile panels were installed over the existing façade, eliminating the need to demolish the previously installed façade.”

The creative campus environment was highlighted by the design of amenity spaces that captures views of the valley and the ocean, English says. “An outdoor paseo area between the once conjoined buildings includes an amphitheater with stadium seating, barbeque area, multiple break-out meeting areas and café and fitness center. The campus also offers a location with close proximity to the Coaster commuter train, the beach and paths for hiking and walking. Local restaurants, breweries, the Carlsbad Flower Fields and golf courses also add to the appeal of Atlas at Carlsbad to draw prospective tenants and employees to the area.”

As GlobeSt.com previously reported, Los Angeles-based Regent Properties had purchased the property for $16 million in 2014 and, according to Aric Starck, at the time managing director for Cassidy Turley, had planned to reposition the property “to serve growing tenant demand in the market, which has a scarce supply of large blocks of contiguous space.”

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Bringing Downtown Amenities to the Suburbs

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