A Commercial Design Citation of Merit is given for the adaptive reuse of the King Liberty Center. Originally designed by Vladimir Ossipoff in 1952, this four-story building was the headquarters of Liberty Bank, a cornerstone institution serving the Chinatown community. Ossipoff’s design reflects its environment, combining Modern and traditional elements, and integrates local materials and cultural motifs, such as the “Fu” symbol on its stainless-steel entry columns. The reuse project focused on transforming the former bank’s grand, double-height banking hall into a multi-purpose event space while preserving significant architectural features. Non-original elements that compromised the original design were removed, and the original terrazzo floors and hardwood millwork were restored. The mezzanine was thoughtfully upgraded to house a contemporary architectural office, repurposing materials from the same era to maintain historical continuity. This project not only revitalizes a historic structure but also honors its cultural significance, offering a renewed space that will continue to serve Honolulu’s urban core.  

King Liberty, LLC

Dean Sakamoto, FAIA (Architect); Don Hibbard, Ph.D. (Historic Preservation Consultant); Andrea Brizzi (Photography)