Commercial Office Interior Modernization

In the vibrant core of downtown Santa Rosa, a familiar landmark has been transformed for the future of work. Designed in 1989 by several of TLCD’s founding architects—and once the home of our own offices, the building at 111 Santa Rosa Avenue is part of our history. Working in partnership with the building’s ownership, TLCD Architecture re-envisioned the common areas in the four-story office building.

A Vision for Renewal

To strengthen the building’s competitive position and respond to post-COVID occupancy challenges, the owners engaged our team to re-imagine the interior experience and elevate the professional character of its common spaces. The scope of work encompassed enhancements to the entry sequence, main lobby, four-story atrium, tenant suite fronts, and restroom cores. Improvements to lighting, material palettes, and visual transparency were carefully coordinated to create a cohesive, high-performance environment that supports both tenant recruitment and long-term retention.

The redesign replaces dated finishes and visually heavy elements with a streamlined, contemporary palette of materials and detailing. Painted tube-steel guardrails and opaque barriers along the atrium edge were removed and replaced with glass and brushed aluminum assemblies, improving sightlines and expanding the perceived volume of the space. Outdated tile surfaces were upgraded to a bright, modern composition of gray and white materials. Together, these enhancements elevate natural illumination, strengthen wayfinding, and position the building as a modern, market-ready workplace asset.

Illuminating the Workplace

The most striking improvement is the transformation of the building’s lighting. Once dim, the central atrium now sparkles with light cascading from 34-foot and 38-foot chandeliers, featuring a total of 105 frosted-glass LED cylinders. Reflections on the glass railings and full-height glass-front tenant suites amplify the effect, creating a bright, welcoming, and inspiring atmosphere. Large circular disc fixtures in the entry and elevator lobbies activate previously overlooked transitional spaces, turning them into inviting, vibrant areas where occupants feel welcome.

Full-height glass tenant suites now line the central atrium, replacing solid walls to extend daylight deeper into interior spaces and visually connect occupants to the building’s shared core. This contemporary intervention enhances spatial awareness and comfort while elevating the building’s aesthetic appeal.

The removal of a nonstructural column that once interrupted views across the atrium floor further strengthens visual connectivity from the elevator lobbies. These improvements create a brighter, more expansive interior that balances elegance with functionality, fostering an engaging environment and positioning the building as a contemporary, market-ready workplace.

A Strategic Investment in Quality

The renovation at 111 Santa Rosa Avenue meets the market’s demand for quality, attracting tenants seeking modern design, functionality, and a prime downtown location. Our approach creates a contemporary workplace for both established and emerging companies, supporting Santa Rosa’s urban renewal.

Working closely with ownership and Meylan Construction, we used phased construction around multi-level scaffolding within the atrium to keep the building occupied. Existing tenants remained patient and cooperative, knowing they would benefit from a beautified common area. The upgrades were visually striking, cost-effective, and will provide lasting value.

By transforming existing spaces into bright, contemporary interiors, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can drive economic and community revitalization, reinforcing the role of architecture in shaping vibrant, resilient downtowns.