Industrial lofts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and Los Angeles is one of the cities at the forefront of this trend since the passage of the adaptive reuse ordinance in 1999. With its rich history and diverse neighborhoods, LA is home to a variety of industrial loft spaces that offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern luxury. From the historic neighborhoods of Downtown LA to the up-and-coming areas of the Arts District, industrial lofts in Los Angeles have something to offer for everyone. In our November post, 6 different loft style in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs, we outlined the big differences between your plethora of styles for urban living. Now, let’s take a look at the nuance between two of the most popular options.
One of the defining features of industrial lofts in Los Angeles is their open and airy design. With high ceilings and large windows, these spaces offer a sense of spaciousness and light that is hard to find in traditional homes. Many industrial lofts also feature exposed brick, concrete floors, and industrial-style fixtures, such as steel beams and ductwork, that add to the raw, edgy feel of the space. These details can often be combined with modern amenities, like central heating and air conditioning, to create a unique but also livable living experience.
Live/Work Loft in DTLA for Rent
The Arts District in downtown LA is one of the city’s most well-known areas for industrial lofts. This neighborhood, which was once home to factories and warehouses, has undergone a transformation in past 20 years and is now home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. The lofts in the Arts District are some of the most unique in LA, and many feature original details that add to the raw character of the space and shopping and eating have become some of the most vibrant in the city.
Another area of LA that is popular for industrial lofts is the downtown area. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Bradbury Building, which is one of the oldest commercial buildings in LA and a prime example of Victorian-era architecture. Although you can’t actually live in the Bradbury, there are several converted building like the 1895 Pan American Lofts hailed as the 2nd oldest building in Downtown Los Angeles. The lofts in downtown LA offer a mix of vintage charm and modern luxury, with many featuring the spacious floor plans and open environment of the loft’s industrial past, with modern touches.
Another building in Los Angeles that perfectly embodies the industrial loft aesthetic in its own unique way is the Tomahawk Building. Located in the Fashion District, the Tomahawk Building was originally built in 1914 as a factory and has since been converted into a small collection of unique and stylish industrial lofts each occupying its own private floor. The building features large street-to-street windows and a private elevator, and all of the lofts have been updated with modern amenities, like central heating and air conditioning, to create a truly livable living experience. The Tomahawk Building is a prime example of the industrial loft lifestyle but with only seven residential homes in this small high-rise, it’s quite exclusive and rarely has a vacancy.
In addition to the Arts District and downtown, there are many other neighborhoods in LA that offer industrial lofts, including Echo Park, the Historic Core, and the Old Bank District and now, even the beach cities. These neighborhoods are diverse and offer a range of different styles and amenities, making it easy to find the perfect industrial loft to suit your needs.
When comparing industrial lofts to live-work lofts, it is important to consider the different features and lifestyles that each type of space offers. Live-work lofts are designed to accommodate both residential and commercial use, and like industrial lofts; are typically located in commercial buildings, but often are more accessible to the public. These spaces offer the flexibility to live and work in the same place, which can be ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and artists. Live-work lofts also feature a large open floor plan, with a separate work area, such as an office or studio, as well as a bedroom and living area. Live-work communities often strive to include high-speed internet/communications and may have areas to meet and greet clients in and around the common areas.
Industrial lofts are typically residential spaces that are designed to offer a unique and stylish living experience, but also retain many of the raw, and unpolished remnants from their early industrial heritage. This focus on vintage industrial style may be more suited to person willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle projects around the loft themselves, rather than reach out to a manager or landlord for assistance. Industrial lofts are ideal for people who want to live in a unique and contemporary space, and they often offer the freedom to be creative with your design.
In conclusion, industrial lofts in Los Angeles offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern luxury. With a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, it is easy to find the perfect industrial loft to suit your needs. Whether you’re a young professional, an entrepreneur, or an artist, industrial lofts in LA offer a unique and stylish living experience that is perfect for anyone seeking a contemporary and urban lifestyle. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting place to call home, consider an industrial loft in Los Angeles.
