The old Union Oil headquarters complex was built in 1928 and stands at 617 W. Seventh Street. Several years after the oil company moved out, New York-based developer Hiro Real Estate purchased the 12-story building and began an ambitious conversion project aimed at attracting more technology and creative companies to the Central Business District.

The 218,000-sf building still has its classic brass elevator cabs and retro checkered floors. But Hiro has exposed the structure's interior brick walls, added modern fiber optic and other systems, and created a "club floor" that includes a pool table, basketball area and other amenities. A formal re-opening ceremony will be held next Thursday evening.

Separately, a public-private partnership this week finished the conversion of the 81-year-old Hoover Hotel in Uptown Whittier into a 50-unit apartment complex for low-income seniors. The development team included Irvine-based Vista Communities Inc., Santa Monica-based Killefer Flammang Purtill Architects, Southland-based general contractor Dreyfuss Construction and the Whittier Redevelopment and Housing Department.