Project Location: Los Angeles, California Client: Optimist Youth Homes Completion Date: April 2005 Square Footage: 26,000 Construction Cost: $5,000,000 Optimist Youth Homes is a privately funded non-profit school for troubled teens nestled in a primarily residential community in Los Angeles. The initial challenge of the project was to bring together the often opposing interest groups of the area including the local residents, the City, business interests and the school staff toward the common goal of providing improved facilities for the students. An extensive Conditional Use Permit process culminated in approval and support for a diverse building that accommodates student classrooms, student and social services, therapy,