Dolphin Marina Apartments

Typology:
Multi-family
Location
Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA
Type
Multi-Family Reposition
Size
3 stories over 1 story podium (204 units)
Status
Completed
Completed
2025
Renderings
Photographer

Emilio Rothfuchs

Team Members
Awards
Dolphin Marina Apartments

Midcentury meets Modern Resilience

Originally built in the late 1960s and remodeled in the 1990s, Dolphin Marina Apartments sought to redesign their space and add additional amenities. Our team has developed quality of life improvements throughout the space while paying respect to the project’s midcentury modern roots. We took design cues from the marina itself, creating a modern boardwalk aesthetic that carries across the complex’s three courtyards.

Arriving at the marina-side cul-de-sac, the Dolphin’s reimagined entry offers a clear path into the lobby. A lowered wall, simplified landscaping, and the removal of a heavy portico all aid in creating an intuitive procession from the street and into the first courtyard. Once inside the former “leasing center”, guests and tenants are led further into the open plan lobby which features a variety of individual and small group seating options, as well as package lockers and other modern amenties.

Through a series of careful design moves, the project re-establishes clarity and procession from entry horseshoe to the various courtyards, creating a more intuitive sense of place. Interiors are opened to natural light and views, while outdoor spaces evolve into distinct destinations, ranging from quiet retreats to active social hubs. Every intervention was guided by a respect for the building’s midcentury character, paired with a commitment to modern comfort and sustainability.

Amenity spaces were brought up to date to match the life of the active community. A two-story indoor gym/recreation room, adjacent to the pool, was overhauled into a modern fitness area with new light, openness, and equipment, giving residents a modern hub for health and wellness. Pool decks, lounges, and gathering spaces were refreshed as well, extending the d energy of the courtyards into everyday living.

Each of Dolphin Marina’s unique outdoor spaces offers amenities that respond to the needs and rhythms of their active community:

Pool Courtyard (Above):

A new grand stair leads directly down to the pool deck, where an expanded spa, shaded lounge, and modern finishes create a destination for relaxation.

Quiet Courtyard (Lower Left):

Redesigned with lush planting and deep, reclined seating, this courtyard provides a peaceful retreat and natural noise buffer, an intentional contrast to the more active zones. The lobby seperating the quiet zone from the social area has been converted into a “reading and lending library” by the residents.

Social Courtyard (Lower Right):

Once underutilized, this space now thrives with amenities: outdoor kitchens, fire pits, hammocks, and a broad lawn. New structural decking reclaimed prime real estate from maintenance use, giving residents additional gathering space with views to the marina. Restored brick walls, boardwalk-inspired tile, and layered planting frame the courtyard with a coastal identity that feels both new and timeless.

The fourth courtyard, overlooking the harbor, delivers the most dramatic transformation. A new structural deck reclaims underutilized space and opens sweeping views to the water. The courtyard now anchors community life, hosting movie nights, casual gatherings, and quiet moments of retreat beneath a pergola that frames the marina beyond.

Sustainable strategies reduce impact while raising quality of life. Solar panels and LED lighting cut energy use, and drought-tolerant landscaping with drip irrigation keeps water demand low. Each of the couryard receives custom lighting solutions that reinforce the established programs while tying into the overall design scheme. Mature trees were preserved to protect migratory bird habitats, while new native plantings and rainwater harvesting bring biodiversity into the courtyards. Upgraded HVAC systems improve indoor comfort year-round, and EV chargers with secure bike storage make sustainable mobility part of daily life, investments that support both residents and long-term operational value.

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Dolphin Marina Apartments