CITIZEN PUBLIC MARKET
Culver City, CA
Client: United Properties & RMD Development
Location: Culver City, CA
Scope: 7,500 sf Historic Building & Food Hall Development
Role: Architect for Building and 8 Tenant Units
This adaptive reuse project transforms the historic Citizen Publishing Company building (1929) into a vibrant food hall—a contemporary gathering place that honors Culver City's entertainment heritage while fostering new community connections. NCA Studio's approach centered on placemaking: respecting the building's Art Deco and Beaux Arts legacy while creating spaces where diverse food cultures and people could flourish.
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The design celebrates the building's inherent warmth and craftsmanship, bringing intricate historic details inside through custom carved marble, natural stone floors, and vintage French oak. Original brick walls and exposed wood structure remain visible, telling the story of place. This commitment to honest materials and careful restoration required navigating complex technical challenges—from unreinforced masonry upgrades to historic preservation requirements—all while maintaining design integrity.
As architect for both the building and eight tenant spaces, NCA Studio ensured each unit embodied the same quality and material honesty. Wood grains, hand-selected marbled stone, and hand-crafted tiles create individual character while supporting the cohesive whole. The result is an inviting atmosphere where the varied textures and cuisines invite exploration and lingering.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can honor history while creating vital new places for gathering—spaces that feel rooted, authentic, and alive with possibility.
I truly appreciate all NCA’s work on Citizen Public Market. Their knowledge of codes and technical requirements is second to none in the industry, and I found their judgement on design issues to be crucial to the successful completion of the project.
Rick Moses, RmD Development
Citizen Market Food Hall
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Interior Design (Dining Areas)
Duane Otten InteriorsGraphic and Environmental Designer
Jonathan SampleMechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering
Green MEP (shell and core), and Design for Restaurants Plus (tenant spaces)Landscape Design
Salt Landscape DesignLighting Design
Oculus Lighting DesignKitchen Consultant
Design for Restaurants PlusShell and Core Health Department Consultant
FE ConsultingGeneral Contractor
United PropertiesPhotographer
Frank Wonho & Tanveer Badal -
2020
LIV Hospitality Design Awards
Architectural Design Food Court / Hall
Winner2020
LIV Hospitality Design Awards
Architectural Design Historic & Heritage
Winner2020
LIV Hospitality Design Awards
Jury’s Top Pick
Winner -
2018
LA Eater