Marina Beach
Neighborhood Retail Center
Marina Beach Retail Center is an ocean-adjacent renovation located at the junction of Marina Del Rey, Venice Beach, and Abbott Kinney. Embodying the beach life, the redevelopment mixes art, retail and enhancing public spaces to become an extension of the urban fabric.
Role: Senior Design Lead
Activating forgotten spaces.
When assigned the project, we were tasked to bring life to a strip mall development that lacked foot traffic and was easily forgettable despite it’s close proximity to an LA staple: The Marina.
We created a variety of playful facades unified through use of materials & graphics, celebrating the rich history of adjacent Abbot Kinney, Venice Boardwalk, and Marina. The center transformed into an appealing community destination with memorable spaces & arts-infused amenities, making it from a pit stop to a community destination.
By activating alleys and forgotten public spaces, this Marina Del Rey retail center is transformed into a home away from home. With an intimate mixture of abstract art and landscape constructions, the re-imagined community spaces feel like private living rooms and backyard nooks.
In support of local arts, a piece by an LA-based abstract artist will adorn one of ‘dining’ alleys. The project also features an art walk lining the back of the seven buildings with an uplifting saying thus creating interactive pedestrian experiences and instagrammable moments.
From an errand pitstop to community hub
-
![]()
Antiquated strip mall
An existing strip mall that houses community needs like laundry mat, pet spa, and pizza parlor, was in need of a refresh that spoke more to the community and location.
-
![]()
A modern refresh
Utilizing the existing structure, we re-did the shell with materials like Corten Steel and airy perforated metals that weather according to the beach climate. Making this mall a neighborhood destination.
-
![]()
Community Spaces
Nestled within each building, we approached each alleyway as an opportunity for connection in a home away from home. Each space became an anchor and had art that represented different aspects of a house like, the front porch, backyard, an living room. Creating cozy pockets for the community.
-
![]()
The Art Walk
The back alleyway, re-imagine s a space for connection and contemplation, as each building has a unique mural. Similarly to adjacent Abbot Kinney, the length of the alley ceates a new space for community activities like farmer markets and self guided art tours.
-
![]()
Under Construction
After construction delays due to COVID19, the project resumed construction in late 2024
