Downtown Los Angeles - South Group; Elleven, Luma, Evo and Future Projects

[funhaus]

Thanks, Ed. My loft is on the 5th floor, and you're going to be 9th? Nice views, I'm sure. The space is 945 sf. I can't say how wide it is as I didn't think to bring a tape measure to the walkthrough (I should have since I need to do some furniture shopping asap!). But 17' sounds about right.

Truth be told, it does not feel narrow. The entry hallway is a healthy width and there's a lot of open floorspace throughout.

When is your walkthrough? You are definitely not going to be disappointed - the South Group did an exceptional job.

[edkao]

I guess I must have too much time on my hands right now.

Looking at katfam's photos, his bathroom located closest to Luma is layed out differently than it was on the blueprints.

I am refering to the blueprints we were handed back in November 2004. On the blueprints, there are 2 doors into that bathroom. Bathtub is located on the other side of the concrete column... etc.

I know things are subject to change, I am just wondering what else changed.

Ed

[4Bviper]

Thanks for the pics katfam and funhaus, but it's killing me! It's a total tease for me waiting for my unit on the 8th floor, but the pics are a good reminder that the day is nearing. I still haven't taken a step into Elleven so it's great to see the actual units.

funhaus- Looks like you were one of the few people to get the flexwall installed in your unit and it looks great although it was too pricey for me through Elleven! Do you have the contact info for the sub-contractor for "future" work?

[logandankr]

The pictures look awesome guys - thanks for posting them. So jealous you're moving in so soon. Once you move in you'll have to stay on those construction workers over at Luma, make sure they're not slacking off so I can come join you over there asap.

[LAMetroGuy]

katfam, how much are the HOA fees at Elleven??? If you don't me asking.

[katfam]

katfam, how much are the HOA fees at Elleven??? If you don't me asking.


They range from $500 to $900. I pay $700, which is about $200 more than they estimated and it will go up about 3% when Luma's terrace side opens up.

[katfam]

OMG EVERYBODY!!!!!!!

MY LOAN CLOSED!!!!!!!

I AM PICKING UP MY KEYS THIS AFTERNOON!!!!!

I'll take lots of pictures of everything and get them up as quickly as I can. Let the move-in's begin.

[PeterJ]

Congrats, Katfam!

Keep us posted.

Incidentally, you may be able to see my future windows from your place. My fiance and I will be moving into the 6th floor of the Eastern Columbia building when it is ready. I hope it looks as nice as your place, which reminds me, looking at the quality and, well, beauty of the finished units pictured here and produced by South (and hearing about their attention to detail) is one of the best arguments for moving to DTLA I have seen or heard.

[edkao]

Thanks, Ed. My loft is on the 5th floor, and you're going to be 9th? Nice views, I'm sure. The space is 945 sf. I can't say how wide it is as I didn't think to bring a tape measure to the walkthrough (I should have since I need to do some furniture shopping asap!). But 17' sounds about right.

Truth be told, it does not feel narrow. The entry hallway is a healthy width and there's a lot of open floorspace throughout.

When is your walkthrough? You are definitely not going to be disappointed - the South Group did an exceptional job.


Hi funhaus,

Yes I will be on the 9th floor, Grand Ave side. I have not been contacted for walkthru nor for closing info yet. I am getting very antsy sitting here waiting...

can't wait.

Ed

[danparker276]

Open house at 1100 wilshire this Sunday
11:00 am – 3:30 pm

You can probably get some good pictures of LA live from the skydeck if you have a zoon lens.

[LAMetroGuy]

OMG EVERYBODY!!!!!!!

MY LOAN CLOSED!!!!!!!

I AM PICKING UP MY KEYS THIS AFTERNOON!!!!!

I'll take lots of pictures of everything and get them up as quickly as I can. Let the move-in's begin.

Congratulations! :cheers:

[funhaus]

Originally Posted by 4Bviper
Looks like you were one of the few people to get the flexwall installed in your unit and it looks great although it was too pricey for me through Elleven! Do you have the contact info for the sub-contractor for "future" work?

The sub-contractor is Constructavision out of Portland. You can see their portfolio of work (http://www.constructavision.com/Portfolio.html) at their website. The flexwalls are actually called 'sliders' and they do a range of other built-ins as well.

Since they have ongoing commitments in LA with Luma and Evo going up, it should be relatively easy to work with them. Ryan Messick is the guy you want to talk with, and his email link is on all pages of their site.

[citywatch]

Incidentally, you may be able to see my future windows from your place. My fiance and I will be moving into the 6th floor of the Eastern Columbia building when it is ready. I really enjoy seeing this hood & its new occupants coming together. I think the changes to South Pk are even more satisfying because they signify the first time ever that this part of LA really has come to life.

The way things are moving, & even though many ppl will continue to favor the burbs or hoods several miles to the west, I think DT is going to make other hoods in SoCa look increasingly bland & boring.



Or esp. the Clark Hotel, directly across the street. That derelict old building needs to be renovated pronto. It would make such a huge difference to Hill Street.There still are many, many bldgs & sites throughout the hood that are similar to the Clark. Whenever I'm actually in DT & reminded of that need all over again, that's the moment when I realize just how important it is for current trends for new housing & other improvements in the hood to not slack off or falter.

[ksep]

congratulations to both of you. here comes the new l.a.

you know i really dig those rectangular sinks in some of these bathroom shots.

[4Bviper]

The sub-contractor is Constructavision out of Portland. You can see their portfolio of work (http://www.constructavision.com/Portfolio.html) at their website. The flexwalls are actually called 'sliders' and they do a range of other built-ins as well.

Since they have ongoing commitments in LA with Luma and Evo going up, it should be relatively easy to work with them. Ryan Messick is the guy you want to talk with, and his email link is on all pages of their site.

Thanks for the info funhaus! I'll be sure to contact them soon. I wonder if they would work direct or if they would only work through elleven.


Anyway, I've been so antsy about moving in so I decided to take a late night drive downtown the other night to check out the neighborhood. Not really digging the wavy wall designs in Elleven's lobby. I'm into it as much as their decision to change the exterior to that pinkish/salmonish color it is now. Well, we'll see how long it takes to make the lobby presentable and hopefully it will look as nice as the Metloft lobby.

Hope to be bumpnig into you all in the halls soon!

[ksep]

hey katfam

i walked by elleven yesterday and saw all your stuff by your window and on the balcony and i'm like: hey look, that's katfam's place, haha.

so when's the housewarming party? ;)

[funhaus]

Thanks for the info funhaus! I'll be sure to contact them soon. I wonder if they would work direct or if they would only work through elleven.
I can't speak for those slated purchasing in Luma or the forthcoming Evo, but they will work directly with those moving into Elleven (since the time to purchase upgrades through the South Group has passed).

Not really digging the wavy wall designs in Elleven's lobby. I'm into it as much as their decision to change the exterior to that pinkish/salmonish color it is now. Well, we'll see how long it takes to make the lobby presentable and hopefully it will look as nice as the Metloft lobby.Agree about the wavy walls - the material is actually quite interesting http://www.modulararts.com/ but the one they chose is my least favorite pattern. Looks like a poorly frosted cake more than anything else. Oh well.

[4Bviper]

Just got the call for my walkthrough for Wednesday earlier today. Woo hoo!!!

I'll throw up some pics later in the week.

[katfam]

hey katfam

i walked by elleven yesterday and saw all your stuff by your window and on the balcony and i'm like: hey look, that's katfam's place, haha.

so when's the housewarming party? ;)


LOL...That's cool...glad you stopped by....I'm planning a party soon :banana: .

I am moved in and LOVING IT. I've been sleeping at Elleven since last Friday and its just amazing. I am blown away by everything really. The space is huge and the details are perfect. I don't have any pictures to put up yet (don't have cable or internet yet), but I will.

I was the first one to get keys to Elleven and seem to be the only one living on floor 6 as of yet.

[colemonkee]

A couple from my building will be moving in there this week. Very cool people, some of the first people I met when I moved in to the Higgins building. With some Higginites moving in, you should have a very cool atmosphere there.

[edkao]

Katfam,

During the walkthru, was visitor parking mentioned? I am wondering how many visitor parking spaces there are and can they park overnight.

Will the building provide wi-fi at the common spaces? I thought I heard that was a plan.

Thanks, Ed

[bobcat]

A couple from my building will be moving in there this week. Very cool people, some of the first people I met when I moved in to the Higgins building. With some Higginites moving in, you should have a very cool atmosphere there.


I'm curious. Are these people moving from the Higgins to get away from Barry Shy? It makes you wonder when someone has set up a website like http://www.fuckbarryshy.com/.

[colemonkee]

^ Nope, there just trading their loft for a newer one in South Park. Barry Shy has very little to do with the Higgins these days.

On another note, I got this in my email this morning. Has a new (to me) perspective of Evo that's pretty cool...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8660/evo191b7tp.jpg

[danparker276]

I'm curious. Are these people moving from the Higgins to get away from Barry Shy? It makes you wonder when someone has set up a website like http://www.fuckbarryshy.com/.


Are they getting a bad rep? I would think they would try to do their best to please people since they're going to be building so much in the future.

[LongBeachUrbanist]

Are they getting a bad rep? I would think they would try to do their best to please people since they're going to be building so much in the future.

Bobcat was referring to Barry Shy, responsible for several rehab projects in the Historic Core. IOW he is not building anything (yet anyway). He is not to be confused with the South Group, who is building the towers everyone is discussing.

Colemonkee was just saying that he knew a couple moving from the Higgins Building (a Shy rehab) into Elleven (a South development).

[danparker276]

Isn't there 2 barry shy towers that are supposed to be built, and they bought some new land on spring street for development.

Or this someone else?

[deehrler]

Here is what I show on Shy.


1. Shybary Grand Lofts - Barry Lofts 312 W 5th St., 90013 280 units 10 floors http://www.barrylofts.com/index.html

2. Bartlett Bldg 215 W 7th St., 90014 139 units 14 floors http://bartlettlofts.com

3. Higgins Bldg (1910) 108 W 2nd St., 90012 135 units 10 floors www.andrewerie.com/sites/higgins/higgins.html

4. Valuta Bldg (Merchants National Bank) 548 S Spring St. 157 units 13 floors

5. 600 S Spring St. 220 units 17 floors

6. Bank of America 650 S Spring St., 12 floors

7. 111 W. 7th St 140 units 11 floors

8. SB Tower II 600-699 S Main St. 550 units 15 floors

[colemonkee]

ShyBarry Grand Lofts (LOL! - "grand") are open. So are the Bartlett Lofts at the northwest corner of 7th and Spring, but I don't know the address of that building, and 111 W. 7th Street seems to be one street over.

[citywatch]

If Shy did a decent enough job on the Higgins, which I believe was his first, original proj in DT, then why all the bad publicity about him?

I know renters or buyers can be manipulative----in which condo homeowner associations in CA have become notorious for suing builders at the drop of the hat----just as devlprs can be too. So the question who is stretching the truth? Barry Shy or his customers?

[4Bviper]

A few pics from my walkthrough:
http://img143.imagevenue.com/loc276/th_13764_IMG_0964.jpg (http://img143.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc276&image=13764_IMG_0964.jpg) http://img147.imagevenue.com/loc158/th_13771_IMG_0977.jpg (http://img147.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc158&image=13771_IMG_0977.jpg) http://img106.imagevenue.com/loc40/th_13777_IMG_0983.jpg (http://img106.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc40&image=13777_IMG_0983.jpg) http://img46.imagevenue.com/loc275/th_13784_IMG_0984.jpg (http://img46.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc275&image=13784_IMG_0984.jpg) http://img46.imagevenue.com/loc8/th_13790_IMG_0988.jpg (http://img46.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc8&image=13790_IMG_0988.jpg)
A few pics of the lobby:
http://img40.imagevenue.com/loc243/th_13909_IMG_0989.jpg (http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc243&image=13909_IMG_0989.jpg) http://img146.imagevenue.com/loc134/th_13916_IMG_0990.jpg (http://img146.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc134&image=13916_IMG_0990.jpg)

[funhaus]

4Bviper, your place is awesome! Congratulations. Love all the floor to ceiling windows. :tup:

[danparker276]

Nice pictures. Looks like a great place.

[4Bviper]

Hey, a question to you guys- to funhaus or katfam or anyone else who has moved in already.

How long did it take for all your fixes to be completed after your walkthrough? My closing is scheduled for next week, but I had 5 pages of fixes and I'm wondering if they can finish it that fast or if I have to push my closing back. I'm itching to move in, but I just want to make sure that all my fixes are addressed. Any experiences regarding that to share? Thanks!

[Luma07]

[/b]
Comments about & pics of your new home are definitely welcomed by me, esp ongoing updates about how the bldg is doing in attracting tenants.

I think the reactivation of a great old bldg like the Subway Terminal was long overdue & hope the owners find the return on their investment to be good enough to want to do more around the hood, such as developing the parking lots next to metro417.


I've been really busy between work and unpacking....I'll try and get some pics of the building and lots next to metro417.

There is some construction activity going on with the building on the corner of Hill and 5th St--does anyone know anything about that building?

L07

[citywatch]

There is some construction activity going on with the building on the corner of Hill and 5th St--does anyone know anything about that building?

I'm guessing you're referring to this bldg:

http://www.publicartinla.com/Downtown/figueroa/Pershing_Square_History/title_guarantee.jpeg

....which is the old Title Guarantee bldg, now being converted to lofts. Your hood is starting to come alive. If the parking lots between the TG bldg & metro417 can be finally upgraded, & other nearby bldgs like the Clark can be revived too, the hood will really start to kick ass.

[4Bviper]

Katfam,

During the walkthru, was visitor parking mentioned? I am wondering how many visitor parking spaces there are and can they park overnight.

Will the building provide wi-fi at the common spaces? I thought I heard that was a plan.

Thanks, Ed

I just called in the sales office and asked. They said there will be NO VISITOR PARKING at any of the South buildings which sucks.

On a good note, however, wi-fi is included in the building.

[colemonkee]

^ :haha: So your friends can't come over, but you can IM them on your laptop in the lobby.

Great pics of a fantastic place, 4BViper! Congrats on your new home, and the lobby looks great!

[WesTheAngelino]

So where the hell should they park???/ Is there street parking around there??

[LosAngelesBeauty]

Cute lobby at the Elleven! I stopped by today and I saw the pepple stone pathway that lead from the sidewalk outside, meandering its way into the lobby where the elevators are.

The place was still months away from being presentable, but I was happy to see everything up. I saw katfam's balcony filled with green plants; keeping to the theme of a certified LEED building I see! ;)

[RAlossi]

So where the hell should they park???/ Is there street parking around there??

Uh-oh. Looks like people are going to have to start using the Red/Blue lines for visitors. I certainly wouldn't mind doing that, but I don't know about the general LA populace.

[colemonkee]

People can park at the public garage on the next block next to the Palm restaurant. It ain't free, but it is convenient.

[katfam]

The place was still months away from being presentable, but I was happy to see everything up. I saw katfam's balcony filled with green plants; keeping to the theme of a certified LEED building I see! ;)


LOL...I love everybody can pick out my balcony. It's been a great first week. They still have a few fixes to work on and I can't hook my dryer up yet and no internet or cable either, but I can't complain as they have been working hard to get it all done.

I had a great photoshoot in my loft the other day with 944 Magazine. It will be in next month's issue.

I am trying to get pictures of my place up for everyone but just haven't been able to get online to do it.

[LAMetroGuy]

LOL...I love everybody can pick out my balcony. It's been a great first week. They still have a few fixes to work on and I can't hook my dryer up yet and no internet or cable either, but I can't complain as they have been working hard to get it all done.

I had a great photoshoot in my loft the other day with 944 Magazine. It will be in next month's issue.

I am trying to get pictures of my place up for everyone but just haven't been able to get online to do it.


I hope you are getting a credit of your HOA dues, as you are without cable, your dryer, and internet! While you're at it, tell them you refuse to pay anymore HOA dues until they open up the Starbucks.

[katfam]

I hope you are getting a credit of your HOA dues, as you are without cable, your dryer, and internet! While you're at it, tell them you refuse to pay anymore HOA dues until they open up the Starbucks.


U know ur right...gonna have to look into that. Also have a problem with Ticor Escrow as I was to be getting interest on the 5% down I gave them over a year ago to which they say they don't have that record even though I paid for that service.

In terms of parking for guest. There are lots of street parking and you could always have them park in the pay lots around Elleven. I did bring this up with to Tom Cody during a dinner with him and a few other people from downtown and he seemed to take it more to heart after we went thru the whole car culture thing. At least its now on his mind.

[katfam]

4BViper congrats!!!!! Welcome to the building.

When do you move in?

[4Bviper]

4BViper congrats!!!!! Welcome to the building.
When do you move in?

Thanks katfam! I'm dying to get into the building, but I haven't been contacted to schedule a move-in date yet.

We're supposedly on track for my scheduled close for this Friday, but I can't see them finishing all the items on my fix-it list by then. How long did it take for them to address your items?

Also, what problems are you having with your dryer? On my walkthough, one thing I noticed was that the dryer exhaust hookup seemed really poorly placed and I wonder if we'll all be having the same problems getting it hooked up.

[katfam]

Thanks katfam! I'm dying to get into the building, but I haven't been contacted to schedule a move-in date yet.

We're supposedly on track for my scheduled close for this Friday, but I can't see them finishing all the items on my fix-it list by then. How long did it take for them to address your items?

Also, what problems are you having with your dryer? On my walkthough, one thing I noticed was that the dryer exhaust hookup seemed really poorly placed and I wonder if we'll all be having the same problems getting it hooked up.

Well they didn't get all my fixes in before I moved in 2 weeks ago and they still aren't finished, but they are getting there. The dryer is a HUGE ORDEAL. They installed the wrong outlets for the dryer in every unit and have spent a week trying to "figure out" what to do about it. I have to say that I am truely upset at South Group for taking this long to deal with the problem. Nobody can wash there clothes until they fix them.

The exhaust does look poorly placed but I haven't gotten to installing it yet as the dryer won't work anyway, but I'll keep you posted.

Overall though this place rocks and I am so happy to be here, even if I am the guinee pig of finding all the problems out in the building, lol.

[funhaus]

How long did it take for all your fixes to be completed after your walkthrough? My closing is scheduled for next week, but I had 5 pages of fixes and I'm wondering if they can finish it that fast or if I have to push my closing back. I'm itching to move in, but I just want to make sure that all my fixes are addressed. Any experiences regarding that to share? Thanks!

I didn't have anything close to five pages of changes - more like 1 page. Most were addressed prior to move-in, but there are a couple I'm still waiting on. The rolling cart I purchased had the wrong wheels specified for it so it was leaving unneccesary indentations in the bamboo floor. (Kudos to the South Group for replacing the very slightly marred floors, however.)

But there are still a couple items aside from the cart that need to be fixed.

[edkao]

Can someone post a photo of the funky dryer hookup area that details the problem?

[danparker276]

Saw on South Group's news letter they'll give residents free membership to flexcar (Probably flexcar waves the $40 membership). They got a drop off point close to 11th and grand it looks like.
There's one on 7th and flower too, has anyone used this service before?
flexcar.com

[katfam]

The dryer outlet problem has been fixed. They installed the new outlets this week.

---
I can't believe I've been here 3 weeks already. It's been amazing and Elleven is really a great building. I felt that I should try to write out all the things that I feel are problems and errors in their design as well as those things that I are great or unexpected. So here it goes... (I'm still adding to this list and please feel free to add your own concerns)

BAD!!!!!
The bathrooms don't have very good lighting and in many master bathrooms don't have lights in the shower area (they have them in the 2nd bathroom's tub area) making it for a dark shower experience. The master shower only has one light switch as well making it way to bright in the middle of the night when you just want a softer light on. They also did a poor job in laying the upgraded tile, even used broken pieces of tile.

The placement of the towel racks and the toilet tissue holder seems very overlooked as the tissue holder overlaps the towel rack so when you place your towels on the rack they hide or least touch the tissue which I find sort of gross as you don't want waste area's mixing with cleaning areas.

The 2/2 bedroom kitchen design has a flaw. when you open the dishwasher and the undersink cabinet door you can take a chunck of the door off as they overlap (I learned that the hard way)

Their placements of electrical outlets and cable/internet outlets are generally good, but there are some poorly designed areas that leave you wondering as you wouldn't put a TV in front of a bedroom window so why put the cable outlet there?


GOOD THINGS!!!

Floor outlets are spread out around the living areas which make it great in the floor to ceiling window areas. They have underfloor tubing in the living/media rooms that allow you to run speaker wires, etc. thru them, helping to easily hide unwanted wires.

Internet/cable outlet in the kitchen

Can barely hear nosie or vibration from nextdoor neighboors (banging and screaming were almost undetectable)

[citywatch]

Can barely hear nosie or vibration from nextdoor neighboors (banging and screaming were almost undetectable)
That's a major advantage of having a lot of concrete used in the design of your bldg. I wonder how wood framed condo or apt projs in DT, esp the new Savoy, or the unfinished 2nd/Central proj, or Palmer's bldgs, compare in this regard?

[citywatch]

This doesn't deal with the South Gr condo proj directly, but because it's about a nearby bldg, it's worth noting & posting about here. The former Transam bldg, which til now has dominated South Pk & the hood around Elleven, & stood all by itself since the 1960s, apparently is going to get a big makeover, based on this pic & comments from a DT blogger, which is news that hasn't been publicized in the media:

http://static.flickr.com/53/138399655_51a5500b8a.jpg?v=0

[katfam]

Seems Ticor Escrow has made some errors in their paperwork for Elleven and even let go a number of people because of it. Their Beverly Hills office is also closing, further showing you the sticky situation they are in. The main Ticor office is taking over escrow for Elleven now.

[ksep]

outch!

[Luma07]

Seems Ticor Escrow has made some big errors. Jeanna Padilla, the lady who has been dealing with the escrow for Elleven was fired (along with her associate) for filling all our escrow papers out incorrectly. Their Beverly Hills office is also closing, further showing you the sticky situation they are in).

The main Ticor office is taking over escrow for Elleven now. As I get more info I will let you all know.

Oh-oh...they are handling Luma too. I just checked some of my initial paperwork and it was signed by Gina Padilla.

Glad we found out now...although not soon enough for people at Elleven.

L07

[franman23]

I just closed today and I pick up my keys tomorrow. I was disappointed in TICOR as well. They had some very inexperienced people handling the closing and interfacing with the borrowers. Danielle in their OC office took over on Friday and I was able to get everything closed today without a lot of problems. I think they should be able to do a better job in the future.

Looking forward to moving in over the next couple weeks. Hopefullly most of the items addressed in my walk through have been completed.

[Luma07]

Danielle in their OC office took over on Friday and I was able to get everything closed today without a lot of problems. I think they should be able to do a better job in the future.

Looking forward to moving in over the next couple weeks. Hopefullly most of the items addressed in my walk through have been completed.


It's good to hear that things are being worked out quickly and smoothly.

Congrats on your new place franman!

[blogdowntown]

This doesn't deal with the South Gr condo proj directly, but because it's about a nearby bldg, it's worth noting & posting about here. The former Transam bldg, which til now has dominated South Pk & the hood around Elleven, & stood all by itself since the 1960s, apparently is going to get a big makeover, based on this pic & comments from a DT blogger, which is news that hasn't been publicized in the media:


If you're going to grab the info and the pic, the least you could do is drop a link in return. That was from http://blogdowntown.com/blog/2206

[citywatch]

^ Oops, sorry. Good to know another person who lives in DT is posting to this forum!

[edkao]

So I finally got the call for my walkthru last week, while I was out of the country.

I scheduled my walkthru tomorrow.

Question, what should I keep an eye out for? What are the things have people noticed during their walkthru?

Thanks, Ed

[katfam]

Question, what should I keep an eye out for? What are the things have people noticed during their walkthru?

Thanks, Ed


Look at the flooring as well as you can along with the tile and counter tops. They all seem to get cut up and they are sometimes hard to see if your aren't looking for them. I have also noticed on everybody's walkthru lists (they put them on the outside of each door) that their floors seemed to be the reccuring problem.

[katfam]

Check out the 944 Magazine article I am in regarding Elleven and living downtown.

http://www.944.com/losangeles/more.php?article=2602

COOL TO THE CORE
URBAN PIONEERS STAKE THEIR CLAIM IN DOWNTOWN LA

By ROBERT ARENDS
May 1, 2006
For the first time in decades, Angelenos have good reasons to live, work and play in Downtown LA. The arts are flourishing (especially since the opening of Disney’s magnificent Concert Hall), dining and entertainment options abound and demand for sophisticated, upscale spaces to call home is being heard loud and clear by developers and citizens alike.

A new report by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District proclaims the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles is well underway with 154 projects in the works, creating almost 27,000 new residential units by 2015. The residential gold rush has begun and a steady stream of keen urbanites are flocking to the southernmost subregion, South Park, creating a booming downtown neighborhood and slowly but surely transforming. Lush new parks, a variety of great art galleries, boutique shops, bistros, coffeehouses and downtown’s first major grocery store (yes, this is a very big deal for the new urbanites) are just some of the exciting things in store for this area.

Oh, and lest we forget LA Live, the massive new entertainment district where ESPN Studios will call the play-by-play, and the state-of-the-art 7,000-seat Nokia Theatre will dominate. Can you say future home to major awards shows like the Emmys?

Also within walking distance lies a slew of SoCal offerings you won’t find anywhere else. There’s the STAPLES Center for Lakers, Clippers and Kings games and all those blockbuster concerts; Los Angeles Convention Center, home to cool annual consumer events like this June’s Home Remodeling & Decorating Show; the fabulous Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; the historic Mayan Theater, home to many late-night dance parties; and the beautifully ornate Hotel Figueroa where we’re pretty sure Aladdin’s magic carpet is parked.

Could LA become cool to the core like Manhattan with towering new buildings, hip places to hang, wholesale flower shops, bakeries
and all the accoutrements of urban living? Certainly. Expectations are as lofty as residents’ dreams of finally owning that “deluxe apartment in the sky.”

The truth is, hundreds of hip, young singles and couples are staking their claim in this most desirable Southland ZIP code. They’re today’s “urban pioneers” — first-time settlers in a noticeably new and improved metro LA which has gone from gritty to pretty. Wide-eyed and energized, they’re witnessing firsthand the rebirth of the West Coast’s biggest city.

These prospectors of panache are buying luxe new digs and quickly discovering the fun and funky side of centre city that few of LA’s locals knew about or dared venture to off the 110 Freeway.

944 met up with some of these urban pioneers who shared their stories and reasons for living la vida urbana. They also gave us the lowdown on their favorite restaurants and bars, sure to be the site of many happy hours to come.

They’re residents of “South,” a neighborhood-within-a-neighborhood consisting of a trio of sleek, brand-new towers called Elleven (move-in began in April); Luma, which sold out in an astonishing seven hours; and Evo, which just broke ground. Other neighbors include the Metro417 building and Metlofts. These downtown dwellers are the residents of the first new residential buildings to grace the LA skyline in more 20 years.

They’re Hollywood movers and shakers, teachers, artists and designers. About half are single and half are couples — like LA Kings player Luc Robitaille and his wife and two children who will be just a slap shot away from the STAPLES Center when they move into their modern three-bedroom loft in Luma. Almost half of the residents are under the age of 40 and together they all reflect the rich diversity of the region.

Meet Amy Arroyo, an interior architect who, along with her fiancé Jim Atkins, bought a spacious two-bedroom loft-style home in Elleven. Atkins is a principal developer of the very building he and Arroyo will soon call home, and Arroyo was the interior designer (talk about bringing your work home with you). They’re going for a “comfortable contemporary” design with upgraded penthouse finishes, custom-made furniture from LA’s Cisco Brothers (check out their design center on Western), walnut floors and flex walls of opaque glass to enclose both bedrooms, one of which will be a gym.

“We plan to keep it for a very long time,” Arroyo says. “This will be our little New York-style condo home.” Naturally, she can’t wait to open their doors to the neighbors; they plan to have a housewarming shin-dig in late June. “The fact that the neighborhood is going to change and we’re going to be a part of that is incredible,” Arroyo says. “The more time you spend here and meet the locals, you see that everybody is really excited about what’s going on.” She also likes the fact that people moving into the neighborhood are hip, outgoing and young.

Case in point: Jordan Katnik, the 25-year-old co-owner of Banyan Tree Productions. He’s stoked to finally live in a “real home” with his partner Bryan Raber after renting places in Hollywood and Downtown LA. “Everyone’s tired of the same ol’ LA thing … it’s kind of refreshing living downtown,” he says. Katnik sees vast potential for the area and looks to build a vibrant community that brings together the downtown art scene with Hollywood industry types.

Through his work with TV and film, it’s no surprise Katnik has a good eye for photography. He even created a blog-forum showcasing his talent at www.skyscraperpage.com to document the rapid development of South Park from its once derelict condition to multifaceted gem.

Katnik claims he never used to see people on the street except the homeless. But slowly but surely, the neighborhood is cleaning up and today he sees people driving with their windows down, walking their dogs at night and jogging the once seedy streets.

Tom Cody, a principal of The South Group, is proud to be a part of the transformation and points to the people who will make this a neighborhood. “When all is said and done this will be a bustling borough of gardens, pathways, places to gather and shops for folks to run their daily errands. We want to bring people out of their homes and cars; encourage them to mingle with their neighbors and explore downtown.”

Robitaille, the NHL’s highest-scoring left wing who recently retired, says he enjoys the convenience of being able to walk to the STAPLES Center and other attractions, as well as the diverse downtown dining scene. He gives Cody and his team a “green thumbs up” for being urban innovators and creating an environmentally sustainable community for him and his family to call home.

Katnik recalls when he first reserved his place: “Friends thought I was crazy. Nobody knew of anything downtown.” But he was driven by a vision and knew more and more people would be drawn to the area, too. He would say, “Let’s all come together and see what we can start doing to create a whole new vibe for downtown.”

944 received a glimpse of Katnik’s “oasis in the city.” A place where his love for the Hawaiian islands is fused into his “tropical modern” dream home, complete with carved tikis and saltwater fish tanks surrounded by sweeping views of the ocean and the illustrious LA skyline.

Andy Bishop, a single, 36-year-old VP of mobile entertainment for Sony Pictures Television International also found the digs at South very appealing because of the panoramic views, as well as the towering architectural design and concept of living in an entirely new development of luxury lofts. “It’s very attractive and I like the idea of high-rise living,” Bishop says. He also loves the emerging downtown scene, comparing it to San Francisco. “I have a lot of friends in SOMA in San Francisco and I saw [a] parallel to Downtown LA,” he explains. “There’s a Bay Area vibe … people are more interesting, have an intellectual sensibility and are creative.”

You heard right. Downtown LA, once a typical 9-to-5 town that drove everyone back to the suburbs or the Westside after work, is now a hip and happening playground for artists, musicians and the literati. It’s a bit too early to call it SOMA or SOHO, but Bishop describes it as very up-and-coming. He likes being one of the trendsetters. To him, downtown is “exciting, mysterious and adventurous.”

Teresa Wang, 24, and her partner Melissa Lopez have relocated together downtown after living in Silverlake and Los Alamitos. Wang works as a sports information director at Cypress College, while Lopez is a teacher for LA Unified School District. The ambitious duo view their 10th floor loft in Elleven as a wise real estate venture and one reason for making the big move to the heart of the city. They also want to be a part of the downtown boom. Teresa admires the South Group developers for making the most of their hard-earned investment and turning the surrounding neighborhood into a pedestrian-friendly place to call home. As she says, “We’re all in this together.

“We’re young and downtown is pretty lively with nightlife,” she continues. “There’s this undercurrent. You can feel things stirring up a little with all the construction.”

South Park and its surrounding areas are a tantalizing tremor that is sure to make waves of Angelenos keen on the future of Downtown Los Angeles. Starting with these young urban dwellers staking claim at the epicenter of it all, our once-dilapidated downtown is now a blooming beacon that will shine for countless years to come.



scene to be seen
Broadway Bar, 830 S. Broadway
Golden Gopher, 417 W. Eighth St.
Groundwork Coffee Company, 811 Traction Ave.
Veranda Bar, 939 S. Figueroa St. (Figueroa Hotel)
Hanks Cocktail Lounge, 838 S. Grand Ave. (Stillwell Hotel)
Casey’s Irish Bar & Grill, 613 S. Grand Ave.
Bonaventure Brewing Company, 404 S. Figueroa St. (Westin Bonaventure Hotel)
Rooftop Bar at The Standard, 550 S. Flower St.

the dish on dining
Best bites before a show: Kendall’s Brasserie and Bar, 135 N. Grand Ave. at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Best celebrity sightings: The Palm, 1100 S. Flower St.
Best Comfort Food: The Daily Grill, 612 S. Flower St.
(Pegasus Building)
Best Cuban: Cuba Central, 333 S. Spring St.
Best Indian: Gill’s Cuisine, 838 S. Grand Ave. (Stillwell Hotel)
Best Italian: Zucca Ristorante, 801 S. Figueroa St.
Best Latin Nuevo: Ciudad, 445 S. Figueroa St.
Best New York-style deli: Yorkshire Grill, 610 W. Sixth St.
Best pizza: Pit Fire Pizza, 108 W. Second St.
Best seafood: Roy’s, 800 S. Figueroa St.
Best steaks: Arnie Morton’s Steakhouse, 735 S. Figueroa St.
Best sushi: R23 Japanese Restaurant, 923 E. Second St.

downtown clicks
www.downtownla.com
www.exploresouthgroup.com
www.downtownnews.com
www.metlofts.com
www.evo-south.com

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

Luc is moving to Luma!?!?! awesome! now i really want to move to Luma.

[citywatch]

Katnik recalls when he first reserved his place: “Friends thought I was crazy. Nobody knew of anything downtown.” I wonder if they'd have been as skeptical if you or anyone else had instead said something about moving to a dull or bland burb, like Lomita, Buena Pk or Burbank?

[LAMetroGuy]

Katfam, that is very cool that you were profiled in a magazine! How did they find out about you?

[4Bviper]

Looking forward to moving in over the next couple weeks. Hopefullly most of the items addressed in my walk through have been completed.

Franman- Congrats on getting your keys! How has the progress been on getting your fix-it items addressed?



I scheduled my walkthru tomorrow.

Question, what should I keep an eye out for? What are the things have people noticed during their walkthru?

Ed- Sorry for not getting a chance to respond before your walkthrough. How did it go?


During my walkthough, I tried to be as super anal about things as I could. With my last condo, I was so excited and eager to move in, I overlooked many things believing that they weren't that big of a deal, but later regretted not making an issue of those seemingly minor problems. Plus with my last condo, the developer was super friendly and helpful prior to my closing, but once the papers were signed and they got my money, it was near to impossible to get a hold of them to address all those issues they promised to take care of so I'm making sure all my concerns are addressed prior to closing.

Although the delays are killing me, we're all spending a ton for our lofts so there's no reason why things shouldn't be as perfect as they can be. I hope things are going smoothly for everyone else and for us to all be moving in soon.

[franman23]

When I picked up my keys, I went up to the unit to verify that the items that needed to be fixed were indeed fixed. They signed off on all but one item but after my inspection I noticed that some of the items that they checked off as fixed were not completed, so I am doing a walk through again with the warranty people today to go through it again. I'm having painters come in next week so I wanted to identify everything that was not fixed yet (especially marks on the wood floors) so they couldn't blame the damage on my contractors. I would say the floors are the biggest thing to watch out for. Overall the unit was in good shape, but be sure to document all your fixes before you move in, especially as it relates to floors, countertops, paint, cabinets, tile, and mirirors as those fall under the "wear and tear" category.

[edkao]

Ed- Sorry for not getting a chance to respond before your walkthrough. How did it go?


Overall I think the walkthru went OK.

I did not like the guy I had my walkthru with. I understand that is all he does, and it must get a little boring for him. At one point he tells me that some scratches and damage to the floor is expected. After that I stopped listening to him. I had him mark everything I find.

I was VERY disappointed to find there is no gas hookup for the Dryer. At the Figueroa Hotel, I was told by Patricia that there is both gas and electric hookup for the dryer. I went out and purchased a new set of washer and gas dryer, and now I can't use the dryer. Not happy.

Other than that I got the typical scratches on the floor, glue mark on the floor. little scrapes on the wall that need to be touched up. Appliances not completely installed. Kitchen backsplash needs to be cauked. Master bath's mirror was not installed. The balcony door handle won't close/lock all the way.

I know I can not expect everything to be immaculate, but for the price we paid, there should be a certain level of quality expected.

But overall, I am still excited about the condo.

Ed

[LosAngelesBeauty]

Very cool to read about Katfam's experience moving into Elleven! Keep up the posts! And don't forget to have an SSP meet up there sometime! :)

[katfam]

And don't forget to have an SSP meet up there sometime! :)


I plan on it :cheers:

[LosAngelesBeauty]

^ I live at the Pegasus, so we're pretty much neighbors. Kinda. :)

[katfam]

I was interviewed by the Associated Press today regarding Elleven and being a "urban pioneer". They took a tone of photos of the place as well. I seem i'm becoming the PR for South Group as I have been in interviewed 3 times already by 944 Magazine, Variety and AP

[danparker276]

Kat, How soon was your move-in after escrow closed?
1100 Wilshire says escrows will start closing july 17th.

[katfam]

Kat, How soon was your move-in after escrow closed?
1100 Wilshire says escrows will start closing july 17th.

I moved in 2 days after I closed escrow. It takes 48 to finalize escrow and I made sure I got my keys the second it was done, lol.

You must be so excited as July is coming up fast.

[4Bviper]

Just got an invite for this event in the mail today. Going to be held in the lobby of Elleven. Interesting.

What is it?
Jeans for Justice Auction & Reception

Where is it?
South Group's Elleven building

When is it?
Date: 5/24/2006
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

YWCA of Greater Los Angeles will auction jeans signed by celebrities in honor of "Jeans for Justice." Jeans symbolize fight against Sexual Assault. Why Jeans? Across the world, Jeans have become a symbol of protest against harmful attitudes regarding rape and sexual assault. On February 10, 1999, Italy's highest court of appeals overturned the conviction of a driving instructor who had allegedly raped his 18 year old student. The Corte di Cassazione reasoned that the young woman was wearing tight blue jeans at the time, so the sexual intercourse must have been consensual. The court proclaimed, "It is impossible to take off jeans...without the active cooperation of the person wearing them." The decision set off waves of protests across the political spectrum in Italy and around the world. Jeans are worn in order to protest the harmful attitudes regarding sexual assault that still prevail today AND in order to raise awareness of this serious issue within our society... and it is certainly an issue. The statistics are staggering. One in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Celebrities who have designed and signed...Tyra Banks...Kirsten Dunst...Angela Bassett...Jillian Barberie...Eliza Dushku...The Wayan Brothers...Nicole Richie. Invitation only - space is limited - must RSVP. For more event info contact Shae Elam at shae.elam@ywcagla.org. ...We honor survivors who have broken their silence and support victims who have yet to find their voice...

[colemonkee]

On February 10, 1999, Italy's highest court of appeals overturned the conviction of a driving instructor who had allegedly raped his 18 year old student. The Corte di Cassazione reasoned that the young woman was wearing tight blue jeans at the time, so the sexual intercourse must have been consensual. The court proclaimed, "It is impossible to take off jeans...without the active cooperation of the person wearing them." The decision set off waves of protests across the political spectrum in Italy and around the world. Jeans are worn in order to protest the harmful attitudes regarding sexual assault that still prevail today AND in order to raise awareness of this serious issue within our society... and it is certainly an issue.
I had to read this a few times to absorb the full spectrum of it's ridiculousness. Soooo, it's impossible to remove someone's jeans if they don't cooperate? And if jeans are what helped this guy escape his rape charges, why are they a symbol of protest against attitudes that lead to rape?

Sorry for the tangent, but I couldn't help pointing out the ludicrous nature of the event. Not to mention 'celebrities' like Eliza Dushku. What, they couldn't get David Faustino?

[ksep]

so does that mean, in italy, one could rape anyone he wants, as long as they were jeans, and get away with it? how insane is that? that judge should get strung up by his balls.

[colemonkee]

^ Unless he's wearing jeans under his robe. Then you can't touch him. :lmao:

[teresa and melissa]

just found this discussion board yesterday. we're first time buyers and we'll be on the 10th floor in a 1 bedroom cubby hole. (we were in the 944 article and the upcoming ap one) it's great to see a forum of south people. we're moving in... well sometime... and our walk through is tuesday. it was very helpful to see all the lists of stuff to look out for on the walk through. since this is our first time buying we're pretty anxious and have a ton of questions.

A few questions if anyone has the patience to answer them:

1. What the hell do we do next? we went through the preferred lender and everything's OK with them and they say they're waiting on Ticor for paperwork. When we call Ticor, they say they're waiting for loan docs from Chase. Somehow I believe Ticor's the one who dropped the ball. We want to get our keys as soon as possible, anyone know how to do this the fastest way possible after our walk through's done?

2. So only electric dryers?

3. Will they have unrestricted wi-fi in the lobby, if so how much more would it be to just wire the entire building and include that in the HOA, we'd probably save money as individuals.

4. what is included in the HOA? do they still have that stupid refrigerated storage? are we paying for the flexcar through our HOA? Our dues went up like 40%, what the hell happened?

5. what is wrong with these prohomes people? we had an appointment for last wednesday at 8 am for our walk through. then we get a cryptic message about it being cancelled at 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. by the time we get the message, no one is around for us to call back. Turns out Prohomes knew it was cancelled monday morning but no one bothered to call us.

6. will the pool area be done after luma's done?

7. does anyone know if the 10th floor looks over grand lofts? grand is taller than we anticipated and we went to the 10th so we would be able to look over it.

8. how does this flexcar thing work? as far as i can tell you pay $40 for the annual membership with elleven takes care of.. and then you have to pay an additional $10 per hour when you have the car? is that right? are these flexcars taking up valuable guest parking spots?

9. anyone else here have a 1 bedroom? does it feel big or small for 2 people to live in.

10. do they have a restriction on the amount of people allowed on the walk through?

that's all for now, i'm pretty sure we'll come up with more questions later as we are completely clueless..

[colemonkee]

teresa and melissa, welcome to the forum and congrats on your new home! and way to come correct with a sweet avatar.

the forum isn't just south residents, but there are several who have joined. it'll be nice for more of you to join in as you move in. it's always nice to hear the perspective of people living in the new buildings, especially in south park.

[4Bviper]

1. What the hell do we do next? we went through the preferred lender and everything's OK with them and they say they're waiting on Ticor for paperwork. When we call Ticor, they say they're waiting for loan docs from Chase. Somehow I believe Ticor's the one who dropped the ball. We want to get our keys as soon as possible, anyone know how to do this the fastest way possible after our walk through's done?

I'm surprised that you are waiting for them as I'm getting politely rushed into getting escrow closed which I'm not willing to do until all my major fix-it issues are resolved. But I advise you not to be in a rush to close. We're all really excited having waited for such a long time, and I know even more so for you two especially as first time buyers, but make sure all major items are absolutely taken care of prior to closing. As I mentioned in my previous post, in my first condo there were many items that my developer promised to take care of but once I closed, they pretty much disappeared. Not to say Elleven will do that, but already on two occasions they called me asking me to close saying that my issues were fixed, but I insisted on having another walkthrough and found out that those issues hadn't been addressed at all. We're all probably going to be living in our lofts for a while so you don't want to have to live with flaws in our lofts for the sake of rushing moving in by a week or two.



2. So only electric dryers?

Yup.



3. Will they have unrestricted wi-fi in the lobby, if so how much more would it be to just wire the entire building and include that in the HOA, we'd probably save money as individuals..

I heard wi-fi was only going to be available on the terrace and not the lobby, but I'm not 100% sure about that. Wi-fi for the entire building would be cool, but I'm not sure that would really economically feasable, but you can suggest it to the HOA when that gets going.




4. what is included in the HOA? do they still have that stupid refrigerated storage? are we paying for the flexcar through our HOA? Our dues went up like 40%, what the hell happened?

You should have received a letter a little while back that had a breakdown of costs and it also explained the reason for the increase in dues. I'm more than positive that we aren't paying for the flexcar membership- it's probably some promotional deal that they have. Also, I do agree that refrigerated storage seems a little unnecessary, but we can address those items in our HOA meeting.



6. will the pool area be done after luma's done?

That's what I was told.



8. how does this flexcar thing work? as far as i can tell you pay $40 for the annual membership with elleven takes care of.. and then you have to pay an additional $10 per hour when you have the car? is that right? are these flexcars taking up valuable guest parking spots?

You can read up about it here: http://www.flexcar.com/HowitWorks/tabid/53/Default.aspx

What valuable guest parking spots? hahaha. The flexcars are not stored at Elleven, but they couldn't be even if they wanted to. There are NO guest parking spots.




10. do they have a restriction on the amount of people allowed on the walk through?

I wouldn't believe there would be. I brought two additional people. Having extra eyes on things definitely helped.


Hope that helps.

[franman23]

Welcome to the building teresa and melissa. I'm scheduled to move-in this week. You can bring as many people as you want to the walk through. I regret doing the walk through on my own and not really taking more time to inspect the unit. I only had one page of fixes which are suppose to be completed by Tuesday. Before you move in, double check that the items you identified are truly fixed as several of my items were signed off and when I walked through again, they were not completed.

As far as closing, you should schedule an appointment with TICOR to sign loan docs, once they are signed, they send them to the Lender and once they are reviewed by the Lender and they have received the balance of the down payment, they will fund the loan and you will generally be able to close the day after they fund your loan and the building will call you to pick up your keys.

Also, if items on your list have been signed off on and they are still not fixed, you can call Kim who works for the developer and she can help you get these items resolved quickly versus going through Pro Homes. She personally met with me to walkthrough the unit again after I complained that things were signed off but still not completed. You can get her number from Patricia or you can call the South Sales office.

I agree with you, I would prefer to have wi-fi in my unit. Not sure how that would work, but count me in if it ever becomes an option.

In regards to the electric dryers, there is actually a special plug that is required to conform with the outlets in the landry room. You can get this information from Patricia before you buy your dryer.

Hope your walk through and move-in go well. See you around the building.

[edkao]

Welcome Teresa and Melissa.


1. What the hell do we do next? we went through the preferred lender and everything's OK with them and they say they're waiting on Ticor for paperwork. When we call Ticor, they say they're waiting for loan docs from Chase. Somehow I believe Ticor's the one who dropped the ball. We want to get our keys as soon as possible, anyone know how to do this the fastest way possible after our walk through's done?

Chase was great to work with. It is Ticor, now Fidelity Title Company, that is messing things up. Their Beverly Hills office is closing because of the snafu, and your paperwork is being transfered to the Irvine office.

Personally, I did not like how the entire process went. No one told me what to expect next during this process, except for Kevin @ Chase.

In my case, I had my walkthru on 5/3. The Notary called for me to sign the paperwork on 5/7, in the docs I found out I was scheduled to close by 5/12. After signing the paperwork, 3 inch thick stack, you then need to wire the funds prior to close of escrow. The transfer takes a couple of days, but as soon as your loan funds, you close escrow. Patricia called me on 5/11 afternoon to pick up my keys.


2. So only electric dryers?

Yes, it uses a standard 4 prong 30AMP 250V plug. Most hardware stores have them. $15.


3. Will they have unrestricted wi-fi in the lobby, if so how much more would it be to just wire the entire building and include that in the HOA, we'd probably save money as individuals.

I also would like to have wi-fi the entire building. But with concrete and steel framing, the range will be limited. It might not be too practical.


5. what is wrong with these prohomes people? we had an appointment for last wednesday at 8 am for our walk through. then we get a cryptic message about it being cancelled at 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. by the time we get the message, no one is around for us to call back. Turns out Prohomes knew it was cancelled monday morning but no one bothered to call us.

This is just a guess on my part. I think your appointment was cancelled because your unit is not completed enough for your walkthru. During my walkthru, there were lots of people working on my floor, I am on the 9th floor. In my unit the master bath was not completed. The mirror was not installed, and the cabinetry needed cauking and handles. Lights did not work in the bathroom.


7. does anyone know if the 10th floor looks over grand lofts? grand is taller than we anticipated and we went to the 10th so we would be able to look over it.

Ha ha, the same thing I wanted. I wanted to overlook Grand Lofts. I am on the 9th floor, at eye level, I see the very top of the roof. I think you will be looking at the air conditioning units on the Grand Lofts roof. Still not too bad though.


9. anyone else here have a 1 bedroom? does it feel big or small for 2 people to live in.

I have a 1 bedroom, 1188 sq ft. Not the "shotgun shell" units, my unit is shaped like the letter P. My units is 16.5 feet wide, and 24 ft of living space before the kitchen cabinets start. I was concerned that the unit would feel narrow, but honestly it does not feel too bad. My bedroom is 12x12, not counting the built in closet. The bedroom is a little smaller that I thought it would be.

I my unit the location of the small bathroom and the utility room is swapped. It is different than the plans I was handed in November 2004. But that actually works out better for me, because now the laundry room is bigger. I ordered a stackable washer/dryer set, hoping to use the space I saved for storage. Now I have more room to put up shelving in the utility room.

On another note, in the parking garage, the speed bumps sucked! I had to drive 3 miles per hour over them so my car would not bottom out. However, they were removed as of today. I hope they get replaced with something that has less of a bump.

Hope this helps.

Ed

[teresa and melissa]

http://www.columbiantalk.com/lifestyles/lifestylesNews/ASAP05122006lifestyles6339.cfm

we're faaamous.. anyone else get the feeling the ratio of the gays in elleven is higher than the average population? if so, there's no doubt this will be a success. :D

[katfam]

http://www.columbiantalk.com/lifestyles/lifestylesNews/ASAP05122006lifestyles6339.cfm

we're faaamous.. anyone else get the feeling the ratio of the gays in elleven is higher than the average population? if so, there's no doubt this will be a success. :D


Here is the article....

LOS ANGELES _ The streets downtown have for decades resembled a ghost town after dark and on weekends as people scattered to their homes across this sprawling city.

A new wave of "urban pioneers," however, are trying to change that. Nearly 20,000 new apartment and condominium units are expected to be built in downtown Los Angeles by 2015, and developers hope it will turn this desolate downtown into a West Coast version of Manhattan.

In a city where the car is king, that might be a tall order, but high gas prices are already encouraging some people to look for alternatives. And lofts in converted warehouses and newly built condominiums are looking more attractive in an overheated housing market.

The first set of new urban dwellers say they don't have a local supermarket or movie theater and don't feel completely safe on the streets at night -- but they're betting nonetheless on the future of downtown.

___

A REAL PIONEER

Jordan Katnik, 25, was the first resident to get keys last month at Elleven, a 13-story high-rise condominium that was the first new residential tower built downtown since the 1980s.

"Three years ago when we signed up to have this place, you could actually see people dealing and doing drugs in the alleyways in front," said Katnik, who with his partner bought a two-bedroom unit for $700,000. "There were rampant homeless people and you never saw people out. It was pretty much a desolate area."

Katnik has seen signs of improvement since then and expects more to come.

He's particularly looking forward to the new Ralph's supermarket that should be built by next year and the $1.7 billion "L.A. Live!" project a few blocks away across from the Staples Center, which will include a hotel, theater, multiplex, museum and restaurants. Until then, Katnik said he has to drive out of downtown for groceries and into Hollywood to watch a flick.

"You already see some little things like people walking their dogs and you don't see people selling drugs around here," Katnik said. "It's still somewhat isolated, but it's also fun. You can take a lot of pride in being involved in something new. I don't mind the construction and working toward the goal that five or 10 years will bring."

___

NO CARS?

In a serious pioneering move, residents at Elleven will have access to the car-sharing Flexcar program that will give residents hourly or daily access to a hybrid car without having to own one -- essentially unheard of in car-obsessed Los Angeles.

New residents will get a free one-year membership and $100 in free usage -- about 10 hours worth of driving. Cars can be rented for $10 an hour, or $50 a day.

Amy Arroyo, 39, of Puerto Rico, already has stopped driving because her office is less than two blocks away from her new home. Arroyo was the interior architect of Elleven and its under-construction sister building called Luma. She and her partner just moved into a two-bedroom corner unit at Elleven.

"It's silly to drive, don't you think?" Arroyo said. "We try to never drive anywhere."

The avid cyclist on weekends even takes the Amtrak train to Santa Barbara -- about 90 miles up the coast -- and then pedals all the way back.

___

DARK SIDE OF DEVELOPMENT

Swanky new developments are causing concerns about the other residents of downtown: the poor. The downtown boom has been occurring on the fringes of Skid Row, which has one of the highest concentrations of homeless people in the country.

A January report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority estimated that nearly 2,000 people live in homeless shelters in the 52-block Skid Row area while another 1,674 sleep on the streets. About 10,000 live in flophouses.

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on Wednesday banning the conversion or demolition of about 240 flophouses in Skid Row -- housing of last resort for poor families, drug addicts, disabled people and the mentally ill. The moratorium is designed to give city leaders time to figure out how to encourage gentrification and reduce crime and blight downtown, while preserving affordable housing.

"I have personally seen a hotel close down and illegally evict everyone," said Linda Valverde, a community organizer with the homeless outreach group Los Angeles Community Action Network. "We gathered people who are in wheelchairs and living on the street afterward when this residential hotel closed down."

Valverde said she became addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol after the 1999 murder of her son and has been living in the Harold Hotel, a single-room occupancy hotel.

"It's been a difficult road for me. ... This is why downtown means so much to me," she said. "It has given me back my life."

___

READY TO BECOME PIONEERS

Teresa Wang, 25, and Melissa Lopez, 27, are about to become first-time home buyers with their new place at Elleven.

They had a walkthrough of their unit planned this week, but it was delayed at the last minute and rescheduled for next week.

"We're bummed out," Lopez said.

"We're sick of waiting," Wang said.

Andy Bishop, 36, who lives in the Mount Olympus section in northern Hollywood, guesses that he'll have to endure some hardships -- like going out of his way for daily tasks -- for about two years after he moves into Elleven.

"L.A. Live will be a good resource," Bishop said. "I like the fact that you can walk to places in that area, potentially."

He's also looking forward to the $1.8 billion Grand Avenue redevelopment effort in the northern part of downtown. World-renowned architect Frank Gehry has designed a pair of glass-curtained skyscrapers and clusters of shopping and dining areas that will be cornerstones for the project near the Gehry-designed Disney Concert Hall.

"It will really dramatically alter the landscape and being there to see the growth and be part of it in a way is a pretty exciting proposition," Bishop said.

Wang and Lopez have adjusted to downtown already because they are living in a condo owned by Lopez's cousin.

"We're young, we want to live in a developing area and want to live in the city while we can," Wang said. "We think it's going to be good."

___

Paul Chavez is an asap reporter.

[LAMetroGuy]

Very cool... congrats on the new purchase!

[citywatch]

It's only right that the pics of all of you be posted directly here too:


http://home2.columbianonline.com/ASAPFiles/images/159d52d7-3363-421e-9db7-5e6c63aaece9.jpg
Jordan Katnik, 25, sits in his new condominium in the 13-story Elleven building. Katnik is
among a wave of new "urban pioneers" moving into downtown Los Angeles. (AP Photo)


http://home2.columbianonline.com/ASAPFiles/images/751c3dd5-3e21-4a05-a137-b562cf1e9199.jpg
Melissa Lopez, left, and Teresa Wang, at their downtown apartment across from the con-
struction site of a new supermarket and lofts. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)


The article includes a good shot of the Ralphs/condo proj as viewed from 9th St:

http://home2.columbianonline.com/ASAPFiles/images/0a83e6d2-4c61-4da1-ab73-ab9acf06945f.jpg

[danparker276]

So that middle part in that last picture is where the pool/gym is going to be?

http://loftla.com/loftla/Handler.ashx?PhotoID=241&Size=L

[LAMetroGuy]

I think so, right above aisle 8

[LosAngelesBeauty]

http://home2.columbianonline.com/ASAPFiles/images/751c3dd5-3e21-4a05-a137-b562cf1e9199.jpg

Hey mel and teresa! It's Brigs :) Welcome to SSP! I'm so excited for you guys!

[teresa and melissa]

hey brigham. wow that guy's lens makes me look like a heffer... or maybe.. i'm just a heffer.

they took the picture of the market lofts from our balcony, well TJ's balcony. i'll miss the view.

walk through tomorrow, woot.

[LosAngelesBeauty]

^ See you guys on Wed. too

[BrandonJXN]

Hey Elleven people..I have a question: Is the noise of Luma a problem?

[LAMetroGuy]

When is the Starbucks slated to open? What other retail will be located within Luma, Elleven, and Evo?

[katfam]

Hey Elleven people..I have a question: Is the noise of Luma a problem?

Yes I find it to be a slight problem. I am on the North West corner of Elleven overlooking the construction of Luma. I can't keep the windows open most of the time without it sounding like a construction zone in my place. The dust is a probelm and, well with no blinds I'm becoming very close to the workers...LOL.

[katfam]

When is the Starbucks slated to open? What other retail will be located within Luma, Elleven, and Evo?

Starbucks is set to open at the end of June. In terms of Luma and Evo they are trying to get a NY based restaurant chain to open on the North side of Luma and plan for another restaurant for the South side of Evo

[LAMetroGuy]

Nice... I'm sure it will only draw people from other downtown areas! Plus you will also have a Coffee Bean just down the street too!

[LAMetroGuy]

http://www.columbiantalk.com/lifestyles/lifestylesNews/ASAP05122006lifestyles6339.cfm

we're faaamous.. anyone else get the feeling the ratio of the gays in elleven is higher than the average population? if so, there's no doubt this will be a success. :D

Welcome to SSP! Its great to see all these new downtown residents posting here! I look forward to hearing how you guys like living in dt LA~! Your hood is only going to get better... congrats on the new home! :cheers:

[teresa and melissa]

walk through's over. we brought a ton of people. The guy that helped us with the walk through was good, though you could pretty much tell he'd much rather be doing just about anything else.
Had 1 page of fixes, mostly cosmetic. floor scratches from our island all over the place. We didn't even get to see the island because it's somewhere getting the wheels removed. i guess they won't roll at all, which is a shame.
The laundry room, bathroom, and entry hall are much larger than i expected, and the bedroom and living area are smaller than i expected, especially the "bedroom".
The wiring seemed pretty good, i like the plugs in the floor. The cable wire for the tv in is a very odd place, on the wall next to the window.
The laundry room configuration for the dryer vent is very odd. it's up at the ceiling over a built in shelf. so you'd have to snake it around the shelf or make a hole through it, or just remove the shelf all together, very odd.
here's some pics:
http://www.angry-girl.com/images/elleven01.jpg
http://www.angry-girl.com/images/elleven04.jpg
http://www.angry-girl.com/images/elleven05.jpg
http://www.angry-girl.com/images/elleven06.jpg
http://www.angry-girl.com/images/elleven08.jpg

oh one more question for everyone for elleven owners. What are you going to do for internet, cable or dsl? and how are you going to wire it.