In this post-pandemic, economy many people are looking for greater flexibility to work from home. And if you work from home that could mean one could work from anywhere. That could mean moving to a new building, or a new city. Welcome to LA if this describes you. People looking to move to DTAL have a hard time figuring out the confusing array of choices when it comes to Downtown Los Angeles Live/Work Lofts, Studios, Apartments, Industrial Lofts, Commercial Buildings, and Residential Buildings.
This L.A. Loft Blog post will attempt to help clear it up so that those who want to live, work or live and work in the same place can find the right loft, condo, or apartment space for them. Then we will list the buildings with lofts for sale and for lease.
Apartments vs Condos
Because Southern California has very few co-ops, most units are only called “apartments” if it is a single owner of the entire building, and the units are all rentals. New York, an apartment is any condominium, co-op, or building with several residential units. In Los Angeles, the word “apartment” usually refers to managed rental buildings and their units that have one owner per building. The building and its units are called condos if they are individually owned.
Studio vs Loft
Size matters. When it comes to a place where we live or work all day, or sometimes work all night, we need to find the right fit for our use and budget. In most residential units in Southern California, when someone says “studio,” it usually refers to a studio apartment, a tiny rental apartment, or condo unit without a separate bedroom. If you go with a small studio in a building that offers multifunction rooms or even dedicated shared office space you may bet the best of both worlds. The architecture is minimal and open, with the bedroom and living room one and the same. In Downtown, small lofts are not usually called a “studio” because Downtown is home to many photographers and other artists using their live-work loft as a professional photography studio or art studio and because most lofts are open lofts. Most lofts do not have separate bedrooms. Small lofts are usually referred to as “small lofts.” For lofts in Downtown Los Angeles, small is usually around 500 to 700 sq ft, the medium is around 700 to 900 sq ft, large is around 900 to 1,100, and very large would be around 1,200 or more. These are all subject to interpretation, of course, but these are the common numbers for many renters and buyers of Downtown L.A. lofts. #LALlofts
Residential vs Live/Work
Live-work lofts are all the rage because of their popular open architecture, industrial style, and character. They are considered hip and modern when the kitchen and bathrooms are updated with stainless appliances and granite countertops. Many renters and buyers of lofts use live-work lofts almost exclusively for residential purposes. Many others use lofts for creative work such as photography, painting, graphic arts, or music. Musicians need to know that live music cannot be played loudly in any residential or live-work buildings in Downtown Los Angeles. Heavy industrial construction not acceptable in any Downtown Los Angeles live/work building. These are industrial buildings by heritage and residential by use. | COMMENT
In Downtown Los Angeles, there are exceptions to many of the rules. All buildings will vary on what type of work they will allow, how many customers may visit etc. None of the live/work lofts will let you have a cash register in your unit with a line coming out of the door. But even the residential properties will let you have a business client or two come every day for consultations etc. The best way to figure out which building to choose is to get a tour that will cover just the types of properties that suit your needs with someone who knows the properties first hand. #WFH
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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog and LAcondoInfo.com with information provided by Corey Chambers, Realty Source Inc, BRE#01889449 We are not associated with the homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact (213) 880-9910 or visit LAcondoInfo.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.