Wellnest (formerly Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic) developed the Avis and Mark Ridley-Thomas Life Learning Center for transition-aged youth (ages 16-25).
The center provides access to high-quality mental health and social services to foster emotional well-being, achieve lifelong economic stability, and build strong connections.
The design consists of recreational and group activity spaces surrounded by support staff and counseling rooms.
An existing tall one story building was renovated by inserting a second story and adding a two-story wing with an entrance lobby, elevator access, and support spaces.
The plans included the conversion of the existing B occupancy into A occupancy, seismic renovation, and all new MEP systems.
The design includes a central hallway that is expressed as brightly colored tube that unifies the Vermont street elevation with the 51st Street main entrance.
Saint Anne’s, which has been providing service to women since 1908, recognized and wanted to meet the need of young mothers emancipated from foster care and needing transitional housing and support.
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