Topson Downs

This Culver City former AT&T call center, located at 3840 Watseka Avenue, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art office space and fashion studio for Topson Downs.  The 1945 building was originally built for AT&T to house 50,000 square feet of switch gear equipment. The building now incorporates energy efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly elements leading to a Gold LEED certification for sustainability.

Energy efficient components include:

• State of the art Cool Roof reflects 83% solar energy to reduce air conditioning cooling loads. 
• Natural light is used for the lighting needs of the top floor.  Global Positioning Solar Tracking Skylights that cover the ceiling/roof reduce artificial lighting and energy use through automatic light sensitive dimming controls.
• The LED lighting system reduces energy consumption by increasing the lifespan of compact fluorescents without the introduction of mercury as a possible toxic contaminant.
• Solar Panels are part of the entryway, serving a dual purpose of capturing energy as well as providing an aesthetic appeal. The roof also houses photovoltaic solar panels to provide renewable sunlight energy year round.
• Lighting energy reduced by 30% versus Title 24 California State Energy Standard.

Water efficiency

• All plumbing fixtures use automatic sensors to eliminate excessive water consumption. The building consumes 44% less water than traditional buildings.
• Dual flush water closets provide reduced flush rate. Urinals use 1/8th the water per flush of typical urinals. The lavatories use 1/5th the water of traditional lavatories.

 
Environmental Quality

• Landscape is designed with California native plants for low water consumption.
• Operable windows provide thermal comfort controllability and natural ventilation.
• All wood composite products contain no added Urea-Formaldehyde.
• All paints, adhesives and sealants contain no Volatile Organic Compounds.
• Mechanical HVAC equipment uses environmentally friendly refrigerant R-410a which has zero impact on ozone depletion and global warming.
• Low Mercury Lamps are located throughout the building to reduce the environmental and human health concerns associated with the disposal of standard florescent lamps.

Materials and Resources

• Over 95% of all wood in the building is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
• Over 98% of the building materials contain recycled content.
• Wall insulation consists of rapidly renewable organic materials.

Community

• Topson Downs is located within walking distance to the Expo Light Rail Line as well as various public services and multiple bus lines.
• Bike racks are provided for employees to encourage alternative methods of transportation, thus reducing fossil fuel demand and air pollution.