IBM Information Center

The historic IBM Building was designed by Vladimir Ossipoff and completed in 1962. The building’s iconic precast concrete brise-soleil referenced the IBM computer punch cards of the time and help shade the building interiors from sun. A recent master plan by the property’s prior owners called for the building to be demolished for redevelopment. Upon acquiring the property, The Howard Hughes Corporation revised the master plan and abandoned the demolition scheme in favor of a new purpose for the IBM Building as an information center and sales gallery for the Ward Village as well as their Honolulu headquarters. The rehabilitation consists of the 1st floor information center with interactive displays to educate the public about the past, present, and future of Ward Village; and extensive upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems. Care was taken to preserve major character-defining features, including the bris soleil, the overall form and massing, the ground-level fenestration, and the iconic IBM sign. Adaptations included changes to the setting by modifying a parking lot to provide handicapped accessibility and serve as a courtyard.