El Centro Gardens:
The Gardens at El Centro Hollywood span several courtyards and thoroughfares each with their own microclimatic challenges created by the unique conditions of the six-story 500+ unit apartment complex. We worked with our friends at DLJRECP and other designers to realize this maximal gardenscape to its fullest potential.
Two years and more than 30,000 plants later, the El Centro gardens project opened as an unlikely oasis in the heart of one of the busiest cities on Earth. From overgrown South American and African xeric gardens, to splashes of cycads and bamboo, to densely planted tropical zones of large climbing Monsteras, giant elephant ears with leaves the size of Volkswagens, and a canopy of massive 40-year-old Javanese fishtail palms, as well as several lush semi-tropical zones. Such a transformation that one forgets they are just steps-away from the iconic walk-of-fame on Hollywood Blvd.
We also brought in LA artist Sofia Londono to make three large ceramic murals, custom ceramic pots for a lathhouse of rare hanging Bromeliads, and an architectural model currently on display in El Centro’s lobby.
(Photos by Anna Beeke)
