Harbor House: The Project Behind the Preservation Award

Originally built in 1926 as a Navy YMCA, Harbor House has long stood above the San Pedro bluff as a quiet but enduring landmark. Nearly a century later, Omgivning reimagined the building as a vibrant, mixed-use destination bringing housing, wellness, hospitality, and gathering spaces back into its historic walls. Our design approach honored the building’s legacy while positioning it to meet the needs of today. The restored grand lobby—with its original ceiling beams and tile floors—will soon house The Majestic, a restaurant and bar opening in September 2025. The former back of house service yard was transformed into a lush, publicly accessible courtyard that now welcomes guests from the restaurant, users of the new Harbor House Athletic Club, and residents alike.

The adaptive reuse strategy focused on restoring original architectural elements while activating underutilized areas to support both public life and long term functionality. The Harbor House Athletic Club reclaims the historic gymnasium and basketball court as a neighborhood facing wellness hub, serving both tenants and the broader San Pedro community. Inside, formerly forgotten spaces—such as the fireplace lounge and double loaded corridors—have been reimagined to enhance natural light, comfort, and livability. The upper floors now house 110 residential units, including several reserved for affordable housing, continuing the building’s legacy as a place of care and refuge. Every design decision reflects our belief in the value of existing buildings—not only as pieces of history, but as active contributors to the social and economic fabric of Los Angeles.

Learn more about Harbor House here.

Image: The Harbor House Team gather for a photo at the 2025 Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award In Photo, Ryan Afari, Russell Kehl, Structural Focus Rep, Karin Liljegren, FAIA, Richard Kassab, Taylor Waters, and Hannah Tran-Trinh.

Omgivning’s got a double win, with Joel Chappo, AIA, contributing to the restoration of another winner, the Art Deco Gramercy Place Temple in Los Angeles, CA. Image: Gramercy Place Temple Team gather for a photo at the 2025 Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award In Photo, Kara Bjornlie, Hardy Wronski, Regina O’Brien, Joel Chappo, AIA, and others

A Night to Celebrate

After the award announcement, our team took a moment to reflect, reconnect, and enjoy the evening together. From meaningful conversations to shared pride in the work, it was a celebration of what thoughtful design and preservation can achieve. Image: Omgivning Team celebrating the win of Harbor House. In Photo, Taylor Waters, Karin Liljegren, Joe Chappo, Jordon Johnson, Richard Kassab. (Missing in the photo, Morgan Sykes Jaybush, who was extremely popular and most likely dancing.)

Image: Taylor Waters Project Lead and Designer with Jordon Johnson Marketing Manager at Omgivning Enjoying the celebration amongst peers and colleagues.

With Gratitude

We’re deeply honored to have our work recognized by the Los Angeles Conservancy, and we extend our thanks to the clients, collaborators, consultants, and team members who made these projects possible. This recognition is not just a celebration of buildings, but of the people and partnerships behind them.

At Omgivning, we remain committed to advancing adaptive reuse and preservation as essential tools for building more connected, equitable, and enduring cities. Harbor House and Gramercy Place Temple are both reminders of what can be achieved when design is rooted in care—for place, history, and community. _

To learn more about our work in adaptive reuse, historic renovation, and urban transformation, visit omgivning.com/projects or contact us at hello@omgivning.com