L.A. Loft Book Page 19 / Chapter Page 4: The 1960s – Artists’ Emergence

In the heart of the 1960s, a revolution quietly stirred in the industrial quarters of Los Angeles. It wasn’t just the era of peace and love or the psychedelic melodies wafting through the air; it was the dawn of a new era in urban living. This was when artists, the bold and the bohemian, began flocking to the city’s forgotten industrial buildings, breathing life into the abandoned structures with their colorful dreams and boundless creativity.

These buildings, once bustling with the sounds of machinery and the toil of the working class, had stood silent, like dormant giants in a rapidly changing cityscape. They were the relics of a bygone industrial age, left behind as the city’s economic focus shifted. However, for the artists of the 60s, these empty warehouses and factories were nothing short of treasure troves – vast, raw spaces where not only art could be created but a new way of life could be crafted.

The allure was multifaceted. Firstly, there was the matter of space – and space was something these old buildings offered in abundance. High ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly upward, vast open floors devoid of dividing walls, and large, unadorned windows that allowed daylight to pour in uninhibited. For artists used to cramped studios and cluttered apartments, these spaces were a blank canvas, both literally and figuratively.

Then there was the concept of affordability. In the 60s, the cost of living in Los Angeles was rising, yet these neglected industrial zones remained on the fringes of economic boom. Rent was cheap, almost laughably so, making these areas particularly attractive to artists, who often grappled with the financial instability that came with their creative pursuits.

But perhaps the most significant draw was the sense of community that began to form within these reclaimed spaces. Artists moved in, not just with their canvases and paints, but with their hopes and visions for a different kind of life. They brought with them a countercultural ethos, a desire to live and work outside the conventional boundaries set by society.

The concept of the live/work space was thus born. These lofts became more than just places to create art; they were homes, studios, and social hubs all rolled into one. They were spaces where artists could paint, sculpt, and dream during the day, then lay their heads down at night. The lines between personal and professional life blurred, as did the distinction between art and living space.

This transformation wasn’t just physical; it was cultural. The emergence of artists in these industrial buildings signaled the beginning of a shift in how urban spaces were perceived and utilized. It challenged the traditional notions of what a home or a workplace should be, embodying a newfound freedom in both living and working.

The 1960s, therefore, marked not just the emergence of artists in these lofts but the birth of a movement. It was a time when art was not confined to galleries or studios, but spilled out onto the streets, into the very fabric of the buildings, and the lives of those who inhabited them. This era laid the foundation for the vibrant, dynamic loft culture that we see in Los Angeles today, a culture that continues to evolve and inspire.

The 1960s in Los Angeles were a time of significant change and historic events, marked by both cultural shifts and political movements. The decade saw the Watts Riots of 1965, a major civil unrest that highlighted the racial tensions in the city and had a profound impact on its social and political landscape. In the realm of culture, 1967’s “Summer of Love” echoed through the city, reflecting a nationwide movement of counterculture and youth rebellion, manifesting in music, art, and a growing resistance to traditional societal norms. This era also witnessed the rise of the Chicano Movement, with the 1968 East L.A. walkouts (also known as the Chicano Blowouts) where thousands of Mexican American students protested for educational reform and civil rights, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for equality and justice for the Hispanic community. These events, among others, shaped Los Angeles into a city of diverse voices and perspectives, setting the stage for the transformative years that followed.

The Lincoln Heights Jail, a historic site with a complex past, including housing suspects of the infamous Watts Riots, stands today at the center of a modern debate regarding its future. This debate is emblematic of the evolving narrative of urban development in Los Angeles. The potential conversion of this once-notorious facility into loft apartments represents a significant shift in urban planning and community development. It highlights a trend towards repurposing and revitalizing historic structures, transforming them from symbols of past conflicts and societal issues into vibrant, livable spaces that meet the needs of the contemporary urban populace. This proposed transformation of the Lincoln Heights Jail into lofts is not just about creating new living spaces; it’s a dialogue about preserving history, reimagining the use of space, and addressing the growing demand for housing in Los Angeles, all while respecting and reflecting on the complex tapestry of the city’s history.

As we close this page on the 1960s, we do so with a recognition of the indelible mark left by those pioneering artists. They were not just residents; they were visionaries who reshaped the urban landscape, turning neglected warehouses into bustling centers of creativity and community. In doing so, they paved the way for the diverse, eclectic loft living experience that has become synonymous with the modern identity of Los Angeles.

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L.A. Loft Book Page 18: Post-World War II – The Shift Begins

Impact of the War on Los Angeles’s Industrial Landscape

As the echoes of World War II faded, the city of Los Angeles began a period of transformation that would forever alter its industrial landscape. The war had thrust the city into a frenzy of manufacturing activity, positioning it as a crucial hub for the production of war machinery and supplies. Factories and industrial complexes mushroomed across the cityscape, bolstering the economy and creating a new workforce demographic.

However, the end of the war marked the beginning of a shift. The cessation of hostilities led to a drastic reduction in the demand for war materials. War-time shortages turned into a post-war glut. Large-scale factories, which had been the lifeblood of the war effort, now stood as idle giants in the heart of the city. The rapid decline in industrial activity left a significant imprint on the city’s economic and social fabric.

Initial Abandonment of Industrial Buildings

This post-war era witnessed the initial abandonment of industrial buildings in Los Angeles. These structures, once teeming with the energy of production lines and the bustle of workers, became silent monoliths of brick and steel. The shift was not just physical but also symbolic of the changing times.

The large, open spaces of these industrial buildings, with their high ceilings and vast windows, were no longer scenes of manufacturing prowess. Instead, they stood as vacated relics of a bygone era, often neglected and overlooked in the city’s rush towards modernization and suburban expansion.

This abandonment also reflected a broader societal shift. The focus was now on consumer goods and domestic comforts, in stark contrast to the wartime emphasis on production and austerity. As Los Angeles pivoted towards a new future, these industrial buildings, once the heart of the city’s war effort, were left behind, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history.

In the coming decades, these abandoned spaces would find new life, repurposed and reinvented in ways that no one could have anticipated in those immediate post-war years. But in the shadow of World War II, they stood as silent witnesses to a city in transition, their empty halls echoing with the memories of a pivotal moment in history.

One building was built just as Hitler was using the Berlin Olympics for propaganda. The building was still in use about 25 years after the war. Flower Street Lofts building in Los Angeles has a rich history that dates back to its original construction in 1936. Originally, this building served as the United Parcel Service (UPS) building, playing a crucial role in the distribution and logistics network of the city. For over forty years, it was the main hub for all packages coming into Los Angeles, housing the executive offices for the West Coast division of UPS and their main accounting department. The building’s design included features like a three-story structure (later supplemented with a fourth-floor penthouse), expansive windows, and facilities for package sorting and distribution​​.

After its tenure as a UPS facility, the building underwent a significant transformation. In the fall of 2003, it reopened as the Flower Street Lofts, featuring 91 lofts with over 12 distinct floor plans. These ranged in size from 1,188 sq-ft to 2,600 sq-ft. The redevelopment of the building preserved many of its original architectural elements, such as the tall ceiling heights (ranging from 14′ to 24′), exposed piping and ductwork, and expansive windows, which are reflective of its industrial past​​​​.

The lofts are designed with modern amenities, including gourmet kitchens, well-appointed bathrooms, and state-of-the-art wiring for high-speed internet and cable. The building’s structure is a combination of concrete and steel, ensuring robust construction. Residents of the Flower Street Lofts also enjoy features like a landscaped interior courtyard and covered and secured parking, adding to the comfort and convenience of living in this historic building​​.

This transformation from an industrial hub to a residential building is a testament to the adaptive reuse of historic structures, blending the past’s architectural heritage with modern living requirements. It’s just a block away from the Convention Center. The Flower Street Lofts building is not just a residence but a piece of Los Angeles’ history, representing the city’s evolving landscape and its ability to repurpose and reinvent its spaces.

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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.