In 1915 construction began on what would become known as the “Old Spanish Trail”. Built to serve the burgeoning automobile tourist trade, the roadway spanned the width of the country and linked the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Because of its southerly route, the cities and towns connected by the trail all shared a common Spanish heritage – a fact that was often reflected in the architecture of the buildings that came to line the roadway.

The redesign focused on a voluminous double-height living space located in the center of the building underneath the existing sky lit cupola. This space is entered via an enclosed court on the southeast corner of the building. An office loft is pushed up into the cupola at the far end of this central space and enjoys a commanding view of all activities occurring below. The entry court occupies the south side of this central living space, kitchen and garage while bedrooms occupy the north side. A mezzanine floor is inserted into this zone creating more intimately scaled bedroom spaces. Closets are held toward the interior of the building to allow the bedrooms themselves to take full advantage of exterior windows.