COMMUNITY ATTRACTION

Much of the development of this project had been impromptu — a collection of ad-hoc buildings painted bright colors, artists murals and crafts-pieces, performance areas and shade structures. The plaza that was created has been successful as a cultural and commercial center in the district. The plaza still lacked an effective performance stage, and there were problems with the vehicle and pedestrian access throughout the site, as well as a lack of identity on the main street Plaza Del Valle is located on — Van Nuys Boulevard. 

ONYX moved an impromptu performance courtyard from the back of the site — where the space was ill-defined and prone to causing noise pollution for a nearby residential neighborhood — to an entertainment courtyard created by a demolished storefront that faced the boulevard. This new activity ‘gate to the street’ features a performance stage and public gathering area, as well as smaller retail and refreshment spaces to serve this new space. This removed a vacant and historically underperforming building and provided a vital public space with ideal venues for small businesses. 

PRINCIPAL | Dale Brown AIA

DESIGN LEAD | Daniel Sanchez