{"id":252946,"date":"2025-03-27T12:20:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T16:20:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/?post_type=id_project&p=252946"},"modified":"2025-03-27T12:21:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T16:21:40","slug":"omgivning-hotel-refresh-long-beach","status":"publish","type":"id_project","link":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/projects\/omgivning-hotel-refresh-long-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Check Into This Refreshed Mid-century Motel In Long Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A pedestrian-friendly courtyard with new plantings and hardscape replaces the property\u2019s parking lot. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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March 27, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n

Words: <\/span>Edie\u00a0Cohen<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography: <\/span>Stephen Schauer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Check Into This Refreshed Mid-century Motel In Long Beach<\/h1>\n\n\n

Mid-century motel makeovers are certainly having a moment. Next-up on our radar is the 1962 City Center Motel, stretching over an entire block in Long Beach, California. Omgivning<\/a>, with Richard Kassab at the helm, was a natural choice for the job. The DTLA-based firm specializes in urban adaptive reuse while including new construction and all types of mixed-use interiors in its portfolio. Catalyst came when the property\u2019s new owner, developer Paloma Communities and operator, Sonder took over the site, 26,000 square feet of interiors on two floors in typical motel fashion. \u201cIt was vacant, but not dilapidated,\u201d Kassab starts, citing Omgivning\u2019s scope encompassing architecture and public space. The 50-room key count, however, remained constant, and new furnishings throughout came via the Sonder team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Swedish, the word omgivning<\/em> means environment or ambience. In other words, the way a space feels. Kassab\u2019s interpretation starts where hospitality begins, at the entry court. He created a welcoming presence by transforming the dominant parking lot into a central, pedestrian-friendly oasis graced with new landscaping and hardscape revolving around a restored pool. \u201cThe courtyard was the main idea,\u201d says Kassab. \u201cHow to make it experiential itself.\u201d No doubt about success. Now it\u2019s a space folks flock to rather than flee from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step Into This Pedestrian-Friendly Oasis By Omgivning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A pedestrian-friendly courtyard with new plantings and hardscape replaces the property\u2019s parking lot. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As for the building\u2019s exterior, it presents a newly vibrant painted face. Formerly dull beige and brown, the fa\u00e7ade proclaims a cheerful vibe via pink and yellow tones while historic signage glows green at night. Existing fins and CMU panels sport fresh whitewashed coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, accessed via a route of paired driveways, the arrival experience is altered as well. Erstwhile reception is now the restaurant Olive & Rose, presided over by the chef brother and sister team, Philip and Lauren Pretty, also owners of a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby. Omgivning was responsible for core and shell work along with transforming the adjacent carport into a secluded patio. Meanwhile, the altered configuration situates the lobby, with its wood check-in desk and paneled backdrop, at the end of the second driveway. A gym and guest quarters complete the first floor. The upper level is all guest rooms, more or less identical at 290 square feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who goes there? \u201cMostly young couples,\u201d Kassab notes. The draw? \u201cIts mid-century vibe and standout by being something else for Long Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay A Night At The City Center Motel By Transformed By Omgivning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The motel presents a freshly painted face with historic signage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Pool renovation was part of the project\u2019s scope.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Rooms have one bed and encompass 290 square feet. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The restaurant Olive & Rose adjoins a secluded patio.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n