We ended 2024 with exciting projects across the firm reaching significant milestones. From vibrant community spaces and arts venues to essential healthcare facilities, the momentum continues. Highlights include Pennsylvania’s largest healthcare project, a new headquarters for a leading Latino-owned supermarket chain, and a sustainable mixed-use development creating a pedestrian paseo that connects a city. Explore these updates and more in this month’s Happenings.
Recently Completed
Vallarta Supermarkets’ new headquarters in Santa Clarita, California reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community. Founded in 1985, Vallarta has grown into one of the largest Latino-owned supermarket chains in the state. Outgrowing its Sylmar headquarters, Vallarta enlisted HGA to design a new space that would inspire employees, honor its Latin roots, and foster pride in its brand. The new Santa Clarita-based headquarters features an expansive lobby, 78 offices, 166 workstations, a home kitchen-inspired breakroom, a test kitchen, a mother’s room, and an executive suite and lounge space. Healthy materials and water conservation strategies are used throughout and thoughtful design elements, including soft colors, natural materials, and Latin-inspired details, create a welcoming, resort-like atmosphere. Designed to be highly functional and future-facing, the new headquarters will support the organization as it grows. Learn more about this vibrant, inclusive space, here.
HGA attended a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Northwestern Mutual’s new Twin Cities West office in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Relocated from Edina, the new office expands the firm’s wealth management presence in the West Metro region, with a design aimed at improving client engagement and employee recruitment. The new 21,000 square-foot office adds an additional 7,000 square feet of space and brings a thoughtful blend of collaborative and individual work environments and amenities, including distinct open office neighborhoods and space for individual work, providing autonomy for the wealth management teams. A hospitality-inspired design fosters a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging in-office work and collaboration. Learn more about this innovative, neighborhood-based concept also being considered for future Northwestern Mutual locations across the Twin Cities area, here.
Project Milestones
HGA’s team attended the topping out for UPMC Presbyterian’s new 17-story, inpatient tower in Pittsburgh, the largest healthcare construction project in Pennsylvania. When complete, the tower will house 636 private rooms, leveraging cutting-edge digital technology to simplify treatment and natural spaces in concert with beautiful architecture to boost the healing power of a serene environment. HGA’s design integrates terraced gardens, park views, and a patient-centered care model prioritizing recovery and holistic care. Collaborative research, virtual reality testing, and design workshops informed innovative solutions like the “Lifestyle Village,” a 30,000 square-foot public and family-centric space. The Lifestyle Village will offer translational support for families and patients, fuel community well-being, support staff in work and life, and be a beacon for family-centered care. Learn more about this project aimed at setting a benchmark for healthcare design excellence, here.
Construction is underway for Timeline Theatre’s new home in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. After 25 years in its original space, the theater company is moving into a reimagined warehouse that will double its seating capacity and elevate its mission to explore today’s social and political issues through the lens of the past. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a performance theater, a gallery, and a rehearsal space visible through a glassy, street-facing exterior. Public amenities such as a bar, café, and gathering areas will create a vibrant community hub in the heart of this historic district. Set to open in 2026, Timeline Theatre’s new home will be a cultural cornerstone, bringing art and connection to Uptown’s Broadway corridor. Learn more about this transformative community project here.
Recently Photographed
The new, mix-used development at 1640 14th Street will enhance community well-being, with a resilient and sustainable platform designed to support diverse activities, and a pedestrian connection bridging North and South Santa Monica. A ground-floor restaurant opens seamlessly to the paseo and invites the community in, while outdoor patios and decks on every level and a rooftop garden create a connection to nature. Sustainability is at the core of the design, with elements such as a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, natural ventilation and daylighting, shaded windows, and the use of natural, locally sourced materials to minimize the project’s carbon footprint. Learn more about this exciting new development, designed by HGA, in partnership with Los Angeles-based Redcar Ltd., here.