Architect RDC Appreciates Ruocco’s Work in Design Center

Designed by architect Lloyd Ruocco in 1949, the Design Center building in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego was designated a Historical Resource Site by the city. The architectural design firm RDC recently announced plans to move to the multi-tenant office building at 3611 5th Ave. and occupy a 1,100-square-foot space there.

“We wanted an inspiring artful place in San Diego,” says Sean Slater, principal-in-charge of RDC San Diego. “We are delighted with this Lloyd Ruocco building and the neighborhood.”

The Design Center property was a personal work for Ruocco, an architect who designed the complex as his studio, home and office. High exposed ceilings with extra-large windows wrap the three-story building. The wood-slatted awning’s incremental spacing was designed to emit just enough sunlight during certain hours of the day based on the position of the sun.

The space was listed for lease by Kidder Mathews’ Jeff Gilbert, who also represented the landlord. Gilbert says that RDC’s move to the building shows that Hillcrest remains a popular destination for creative firms that don’t want to be in a downtown high-rise.

“There is a trend of forward-thinking development for the area,” Gilbert says. “RDC and their move to Hillcrest is proof of that ecosystem in action. Thanks to the landlord’s pride-of-ownership mentality, the Design Center has remained well maintained, updated with modern building systems, yet retaining the authentic mid-century modern office experience.”

Now, the only vacancy remaining is a 2,700-square-foot space with polished concrete floors and wrap-around windowline.