Port of Los Angeles Seeks Redevelopment for Historic Warehouse No. 1

Warehouse No. 1, now an iconic manifestation of a city's maritime and commercial heritage, is housed within the Port of Los Angeles. Built in 1917, this six-story structure has long been a central building to the port's operations as its only bonded warehouse. As with Port Phillip Bay's ports, it has always used its strategic position at Berth 60 at the Outer Harbor to provide a marine gateway to international trade by passing ships through Angel's Gate.

The Port of Los Angeles is exploring new options for this historic landmark today. In response, the port kicked off its Request for Interest (RFI) initiative to find innovative ideas to reuse the building to preserve its rich history while allowing it to fulfill its modern commercial potential. Set to join Catalina Island as a centerpiece of revitalization efforts, the warehouse, located near the center of the port’s revitalization efforts, is situated with panoramic views of the LA Waterfront and Catalina Island so the waterfront can be transformed into a vibrant business and leisure destination.

Warehouse No. 1 is a key part of the Port of Los Angeles story and the overall rise of international trade in Southern California. It is a steel-reinforced concrete structure built in 1917, designed by harbor engineer Peter Ficker, who gave it timeless architectural elements. Ambitions to turn Los Angeles into a global trade hub fired up in 1914 with the completion of the Panama Canal. Efforts to build a mammoth, bonded warehouse to hold a growing electronics industry at the Port soon came quickly despite wartime delays. It was California's first bonded warehouse, which was important in helping move goods through the port. This was vital to the creation of Los Angeles as the primary seaport for unloading all cargo and receiving deep-sea ships.

The warehouse was built at the same time as a major period in world trade that opened when the Panama Canal was opened in 1914 connecting Los Angeles to European markets. The warehouse complemented the trade flows efficiently by storing imported goods that were waiting to be cleared by customs to make the city a decisive element of the international commerce. Until the mid 1900’s, shipping logistics functioned in this manner, but with the great amounts of containerized shipping, shipping logistics changed.

It is also in the National Register of Historic Places, and is a California Historic Landmark for its historical and architectural significance. Its presence keeps reminding us that the port has evolved and done its bit for global trade, though its presence is palpable.

Warehouse No. 1 is a prime early 20th century industrial design, functional as well as beautiful. The six story building, 500,000 square feet, is one of the largest at the Port of Los Angeles and is located near the Port of Los Angeles. A monumental structure, the warehouse has a length and width of 480 feet and 150 feet, respectively, and is reinforced concrete. Designed for durability through more than a century and built with steel-reinforced, poured-in-place concrete, it was engineered to withstand the demands of heavy cargo and the elements.

Vertical concrete elements of the building include fire escape stairways and steel loading bay doors and create a façade that evokes the building's industrial roots. Concrete gargoyle drain spouts, to name one, give character to the structure while fulfilling a practical role. With its flat roof lined by a short parapet wall, from Catalina Island, to the LA Waterfront, it commands a commanding vantage point and offers panoramic views.

The warehouse is strategically located at Berth 60 in the Outer Harbor, looking east over the Los Angeles Main Channel and to the south over outer harbor. In addition to the prime location, which gives it great appeal as a redevelopment opportunity, it is adjacent to revitalization projects in the near vicinity, including the West Harbor entertainment district. Warehouse No. 1 is a key asset for future commercial use due to its combination of robust construction, distinctive design and picturesque setting.

The Port of Los Angeles is taking The Warehouse No. 1 into the future with an exciting journey to come up with innovative ideas through a formal Request for Interest (RFI) launched. Adaptive reuse of this historic landmark is the primary objective of this initiative, created by the Harbor Departments Waterfront & Commercial Real Estate Division, to preserve this site's cultural significance.

The RFI is targeted to developers, architects and visionaries to stimulate alternative concepts for the redevelopment of the warehouse maximizing commercial and visitor serving uses. Possible uses suggested include creative office spaces, hospitality venues, and dining establishments. Others have also suggested it's use as entertainment facilities, educational institutions, and other marine related or public facing activities that are consistent with the building's special waterfront location and historical character. The idea is that the warehouse will be integrating into the LA Waterfront’s future as a vibrant destination for locals and visitors.

The kick off to this process started with the release of the RFI that lays out the important milestones and opportunities for interested parties to look into the site and submit proposals. Prospective developers will be given an in-person experience through the architectural grandeur of the property and the strategic location as a guided site visit is scheduled for December 12, 2024. Questions about the scope need to be submitted by January 15, 2025; the port will respond by February 2, 2025. The RFI closed on March 10, 2025, and final responses are due on March 10, 2025.

It reviews all submissions to determine what concept will best leverage the warehouse's capacity while maintaining its historic integrity. The Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement (RAMP) and the POLA Fusion ERP system will be available to interested parties to access RFI documents, submit proposals, and perform the application process. This redevelopment effort is a major step towards achieving the port's dream of blending history, commerce, and community engagement at the LA Waterfront.

As an adaptive reuse opportunity, Warehouse No. 1 has a tremendous opportunity to remain historical, and situate oneself about the waterfront projects transforming the city. Its strategic value is further improved by its closeness to West Harbor development. It is a 42-acre entertainment, dining, and shopping district on the way to becoming a major visitor hub. With the anticipated opening of West Harbor, the warehouse is a prime candidate for uses that complement the vibrant setting.

Warehouse No. 1 has tremendous potential for redevelopment, not only in terms of its historic and architectural features but also due to its historical and architectural features. The same timeless design of the building reveals itself in its concrete gargoyle spouts and industrial stairways, making it a historical and modern design. By combining these features with 500,000 square feet of space and panoramic views of Catalina Island, the Vincent Thomas Bridge, and the LA Waterfront that only Los Angeles can provide, the creativity of these spaces knows no limits.

Central to the redevelopment is the integration with the wider waterfront revitalization plan. Planting the seed for Warehouse No. 1 to become a cornerstone of this economic and cultural renaissance, the port has spent considerable money on both the San Pedro Promenade and Cabrillo Way Marina. This unique chance for developers to marry the building’s storied past with forward-looking visions means it will remain a cornerstone of the revitalized LA Waterfront.

Warehouse No. 1 redevelopment is a major achievement toward the Port of Los Angeles’ mission to transform the LA Waterfront into a world-class destination. All this fits nicely with ongoing efforts to turn the area into a 400-acre plus industrial rejuvenation project with eight miles of prime waterfront property. Repurposing this historic landmark will help bring more vibrancy to the waterfront and bring various businesses and guests' appeal.

The adaptive reuse of the warehouse integrates with adjacent major projects such as West Harbor, the San Pedro Promenade, Cabrillo Way Marina, and the entire waterfront ecosystem to present a cohesive, dynamic array of programs and activities along the waterfront. It is expected to fuel economic growth, boost tourism, and support the community's long-term vision of a dynamic waterfront district.

The redevelopment also enhances the waterfront's unique identity of historical preservation on a modern platform. Should it come off as planned, the project may become a focal point of the area, demonstrating how traditional buildings can be repurposed for contemporary use. Located in one of the city's most strategic locations and having the capacity to serve creative and visitor-oriented uses, Warehouse No. 1 is poised to help define the future of LA Waterfront.

Warehouse No. 1 redevelopment presents an opportunity to mark the past and build for the future with energy and commitment. The project pledges to make this iconic landmark part of a comprehensive revitalization of the LA Waterfront, spurring economic activity and attracting business and leisure on a scale not seen before. Warehouse No. 1 is a monument to the Port of Los Angeles' commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community-based development.