As designers, we are always on the lookout for inspiration. Oftentimes it is found in unexpected areas and places you wouldn’t think to look. A pack of us here at Land Concern have recently been enjoying field trips out of the office to stir up the creative engines and explore some of the local flavor right here in Orange County.

Our most recent excursion, and what we have coined “Walk and Gawk” led us to Anaheim, where we found ourselves observing the local landscape architecture, architectural details and overall inspiration at the Anaheim Packing House. Built in 1919 at the edge of downtown Anaheim and along the Southern Pacific rail line, the Packing House used to be a hub of commerce for the area. The recently restored building resembles that of a food hall in South America and Europe and offers communal gathering spots inside. With a two-level design surrounded by cafes and eateries of all sizes as well as an alfresco dining area that looks out to the outdoor marketplace, the packing house is quite the destination for eye candy for any designer.

Designed by Ken Smith Studio, the packing house landscape is a mixture of spaces and event areas that serve the food scenes farmer’s market, restaurants, and recreation zones. Amenities include

• Veggie plots
• Dining patios
• Tree groves
• Shaded boardwalk and event lawn with a playfully arranged amphitheater

While the experiential spaces at large are enjoyable to experience it’s the detailing and finishes that complete the composition. The packing house has created a sense of place for the local community to use, while it hasn’t necessarily put Anaheim on the map the packing house has brought a “cool” factor to this urban area.

All the tasty bits are represented and tie to the ethos of the packing house

• Board formed concrete
• Iron straps and exposed hardware
• Wood fences in multiple applications
• Wood boardwalk
• Wood overheads
• Pavers and decomposed granite.

All the makings of a refurbished landmark from the agricultural era and truly an integrated experience from design, landscape, interiors and finishes used throughout.

There are also other areas to enjoy in the three-block radius around the Packing House, including the maker collective across the street and the Muzeo complex on the opposite corner. Check out the spaces and details that caught our eye. Located right here in our backyard, visiting the Anaheim packing house truly is a destination and experience in itself.

P.S. – The cornhole court at Muzeo was an unexpected treat!