Orchid Paradisaea Restaurant, Dodo Bird Donuts, and Tropical Punch lifestyle store, comprise a transformed former 1940s Mid-Century building originally designed by William Kesling. The sweeping compound roofline, unique building geometry, and expansive glass storefront that anchors the bustling corner of La Jolla Blvd and Bird Rock Ave has been an iconic presence in the neighborhood since its construction.
Underutilized for several years and in much need of new life within the Bird Rock community, the successful collaboration between owner and team brings vibrancy to the neighborhood and enables new patrons to embrace the building and its architecture for another life cycle. Updates included a complete overhaul of the buildings’ mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, plus exhaustive seismic and accessibility upgrades. Additionally, preserving the building’s unique exterior, restoring some of its wooden storefronts to their original configuration, and renovating the entire street corner with new sidewalks, landscape and seating area was paramount in achieving the balance of history and modernity in the overall project design.
Paradisaea stands as a shining example of preservation and adaptation: the retention and restoration of historic character defining features coupled with the modernization of the building for contemporary community use.