Originally known as the Hotel Stowell, and later the El Dorado Hotel, this 12-story downtown building was designed by Frederick Noonan with a highly stylized and brightly-colored facade of enameled brick, terra cotta, and arched windows. One of its first residents after opening in 1913 was the young actor Charlie Chaplin. In recent years, the once elegant hotel deteriorated into a rundown, dilapidated structure. With the restoration of the historic Old Bank District into a vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, theaters, art galleries and shops, a $25 million renovation and conversion of the El Dorado into live/work lofts was begun. Today, the El Dorado is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

MLA worked with Rockefeller Architects and Downtown Properties to bring the building back to life. Acoustical challenges included a high level of street generated noise, unit to unit sound transmission, and mechanical equipment located in tight spaces. All units featured hardwood floors which were designed to an IIC 65 rating.