Recycle, Reuse, Re-create

People in L.A. aren’t the only ones getting make-overs. Buildings are too. A church, power substation, firehouse dormitory, water tower, train car, movie theater and neighborhood market are all enjoying second lives as private homes. It’s part of a trend known in preservation parlance as adaptive reuse. Born again, these buildings give rise to unique dwellings with a lot of soul. They also make sound conservation sense, preserving resources and helping to put the brakes on regional sprawl. Evocative of other eras, these reincarnations are poised for 21st century sights, sounds and experiences. As one resident explained his passion for such buildings: “I like putting my mark on an old space and becoming part of its history.�