Construction kicked off earlier this month for a $47.5-million renovation of the historic Coca-Cola Building in Downtown Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass recently announced.

Located 1334 S. Central Avenue, the project from Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling calls for restoring the exterior of the 1930s structure - dubbed 'The Ship" - as well as a renovation of its interior. The building will also add a new rooftop deck and see upgrades to an existing patio, which will allow Coca-Cola and Reyes to host events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.

“We are thrilled to mark the start of another chapter in our history in downtown Los Angeles,” said Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling market unit president David Carey in a statement. “As a long-standing beverage manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, we are proud of this great city. Today’s investment demonstrates our commitment to Downtown Los Angeles and our confidence in our continued mutual success.”

View from rooftop deckGensler

Designed by architect Robert Derrah, the building is of the Streamline Moderne style, the building is intended to resemble an ocean liner (hence its nickname). The structure includes porthole windows on its exterior, and elements such as the life preservers emblazoned with "S.S. Coca-Cola," inside.

Gensler is designing the project, according to the presentation. Chattel, Inc. and Ryan Companies round out the project team.

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