A Modern Upgrade in Downtown LA's Historic Fine Arts Building for SWA Group

World-renowned landscape architecture firm SWA Group engaged Casco to refresh their Los Angeles office, and the location alone set the stage for a unique challenge. Situated on the 8th floor of the historic Fine Arts Building, a landmark that has anchored Downtown LA for over a century, the project demanded as much creative problem-solving as it did craftsmanship.

Working Within History

Renovating a building of this age is never straightforward. Integrating new structural

elements required multiple rounds of engineering review, and the building's original elevators posed a logistical puzzle when it came to delivering large materials to the upper floor. These are the kinds of challenges that don't necessarily show up on a set of plans, but they're exactly where the Casco team’s expertise makes all the difference.

A Space Built to Impress

The finished office is a testament to what's possible when attention to detail meets thoughtful design. Custom lighting and acoustic ceiling baffles imported from Canada give the space a refined, gallery-like quality. Millwork benches with integrated storage provide functional organization, while a reimagined kitchen anchors the communal heart of the office. The conference room, outfitted with custom NanaWall bi-folding doors, flexes seamlessly between focused work and firm-wide gatherings.

The Result

The final product is a series of cohesive upgrades that enhance SWA Group’s workplace while complementing the historic framework of the Fine Arts Building, demonstrating how modern workplaces can be thoughtfully layered into a historic structure.

Project team

General Contractor: Casco Contractors

Architect: SAA

About Casco Contractors

Casco Contractors is Southern California's leading commercial general contractor specializing in comprehensive construction services encompassing commercial interiors, building repositions, exterior upgrades, and EV Charging Station installations. A certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) founded in 2000 by Cheryl Osborn, the commercial construction firm has grown into one of the largest contractors in Orange County. Over the last 25+ years, Casco's experienced team has built a strong reputation for quality work, expert value-engineering, and exceptional customer service. Learn more at cascocontractors.com.

Never miss a project recap - sign up for our newsletter