Eastern Columbia Lofts

I’ve had friends who have both rented and owned units here, my boss/​mentor wanted to buy a place here, or at least rent, but it’s far too expensive (believe me, I myself wanted to live here at one point).
They have a receptionists here who seem freindly. They always greeted us with a smile and a hello, and I reciprocated in kind. There is a parking lot behind the building for tenants and owners, but that parking lot is LEASED by the home owners association, not owned so the parking spaces rent is part of the rather steep HOA dues. However, this place is Mills Act protected, so as to reduce your property tax by 30%-70%. It is a lovely, historic building after all.
The common areas, the units, are VERY lovely. But they are very dark, and some of them are a bit «raw» for such a fancy building, but that just gives you more freedom of creativity to design your space as you like it. They’re still nicer than what Mary Tyler Moore’s character had, and you don’t have some dickhead neighbor pounding on the common wall or ceiling/​floor and yelling «Be quiet in there! Some of us are trying to sell drugs!». *tosses my hat into the air*
The rooftop pool area is not for those who fear heights, like my poor brother… just try not to look down. There’s an awesome gym area, a lap pool, a hot tub, a barbecue and fireplace area, and the iconic clock tower.
I remember when this was office space, and on the 11^th floor there was the Jantzen swimsuit company, with a model runway there and everything. I myself was a [swimsuit] model there, albeit briefly.
This is in the Beau Arts District, surrounded by lovely Art Deco Buildings of yesteryear. I truly find the place to be breathtaking and beautiful. The Cicada Club is just a stone’s throw from this place, I like it there. Thwre is also the Broadway Bar, amd the Orpheum theater across the street.
I really love the penthouse unit. A friend of mine who leased there once, took me on an «unscheduled tour» of the place. We decided to be a little naughty, and explore the «at the time vacant» unit, and we sneaked in and looked around. Two bedroom, two bathrooms, an actual outside courtyard of its own, facing east… and a soundproof recording studio or other use soundproof room with its own hallway entrance, and they both open to the private courtyard of the penthouse, you could probably rent out the soundproof studio for extra money. Nice.
But the biggest caveat, besides limited parking, is that the neighborhood can get a bit sketchy after dark, so watch it. It sucks they want so much to own or to rent, when the building is in such a dangerous neighborhood, but other than that, I still like this elegant, delightful loft development.

OK, so I don’t live here, but I’ve been to the building numerous times, and I have toured 3 of the penthouses. As a downtown loft dweller, I can at least speak about the building, finishes, and wow factor.
This is a five star building simply because of its history. This building used to be a major department store back in the heyday of downtown. The original turquoise terra cotta shell is still intact, and the old clock gracing the top is in working order. The interiors are largely done by interior designer Kelly Wearstler, of KWID, and upon initial walk through, they look stately and grand and impart a certain sense of history. There have been recent LA times articles about residents in the building and word on the street is that Johnny Depp, various hollywood industry peeps, and possibly Dave Navarro may have purchased condos here. We shall see.
The penthouse lofts that I toured were all unique and spacious. The finish of the units was high end. I especially liked the steel lined cabinets in the kitchens, high end appliances (sub zero friges), and dark wood floors. Some of the units had exposed brick which was also super cool. Another added perk is the fact that many of the upper floor units and penthouses are multi — leveled which adds a cool dimensional element to these chic living environments. My only gripe is that some of them seemed a little dark, but perhaps that was because I was walking through them at dusk. Also, the «darkness» may be secondary to the style that KWID is going for in these historical spaces… don’t know. There is also a sweet workout room, rooftop pool, and outdoor rooftop lounge that add to the ‘Damn!’ appeal. Adding to all this, the trendy Broadway Bar is across the street, and I am hereby predicting right here and right now that Broadway will be revived to its former theatre glory by 2012. That’s only 5 years to wait before living steps away from possibly the most happenin’ and historic street in Los Angelees. At any rate, putting it all together, these are one of a kind lofts that are livable and über cool, albeit expensive based on $$$ per sq. ft, but hey, you might just see Mr. Depp hangin’ by the pool.