Transforming old buildings in DTLA using adaptive reuse was a hot topic at Bisnow's Downtown LA Renaissance event.

SB Properties founder Barry Shy, EPG CEO Elizabeth Peterson-Gower, Sydell Group VP John Gullixson, and Cushman & Wakefield executive managing director Mike Condon all discussed their own downtown projects on a panel moderated by Lockton Insurance team leader, China for US business Claudia Margolis at the WeWork Gas Tower.

Claudia asked the panelists to talk about their adaptive reuse projects, and how their developments are changing DTLA.

While Elizabeth said she enjoys all the projects she works on, the Broadway Trade Center is very different.

She described it as creative office and mixed-use with a public park on its rooftop and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

“Just the size and scope and magnitude of the building has been really different to work on,” she said of the 1.2M SF property.

John said he is amazed at the transformation that’s taken place in DTLA since he moved back to town last year.

NoMad LA is his most exciting project, which he said is "kind of the missing tooth in the Seventh Street smile.”

John said he is fortunate he gets to pick and choose many of his clients.

"If you want to do inspirational, motivational type projects" head to DTLA, John told the crowd.

Known for his numerous adaptive reuse projects, Barry talked about his work in the historic core and was referred to by Mike as "probably the original king."