The Eastern Columbia Building in Downtown Los Angeles is not only a Los Angeles Art Deco landmark, it’s known the world over for its transcendent architectural beauty, the teal terra cotta and gold leaf tile, and the four-sided clock tower that tops the structure. And now’s your chance to live here. Eastern Columbia has not one loft available, but four, including three penthouse units owned by actor Johnny Depp.
849 S Broadway #2PH
LP: $2,750,000
2 bd / 3 ba
849 S Broadway #1PH
LP: $2,649,000
2 bd / 3 ba
849 S Broadway #4PH
LP: $1,999,000
1 bd / 2 ba
849 S Broadway #804
LP: $1,200,000
1 bd / 2 ba
There are only a handful of moments in my life where my breath was taken away by a piece of architecture. The Colosseum in Rome was one such time. Being on the pool deck of the Eastern Columbia building is another. A longtime favorite, in 2017 it’s now become a sort of epicenter to all the action happening in Downtown. It’s next to The Ace Hotel, between the Arts District and L.A. Live, and a short walk to Old Bank.
Eastern Columbia was built in 1930 at a cost of $1.25 million as the new headquarters for the Eastern Outfitting Company and the Columbia Outfitting Company, furniture and clothing stores. At the time of construction, Los Angeles had a height limit of 150 feet. Architect Claude Beelman somehow got around that rule with the decorative clock tower raising the total height to 264 feet, or roughly thirteen stories.
But even at thirteen stories, the Eastern Columbia is anything but unlucky. The building has been called, “one of the great grand dames of Art Deco Streamline Moderne in Los Angeles.” Historian Robert Winter called the building “a shining example of Southern California’s golden age of architecture.” Los Angeles Times critic Christopher Hawthorne declared it “one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the city…”
In 1985, it was listed as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 294. In 2007 the building experienced a big budget renovation turning the property into 147 condominiums, with interior redesign completed by the firm Kelly Wearstler Interior Design. The live/work lofts showcase the timeless details of the early 20th century along with modern upgrades. The adaptive reuse project won many architectural and design awards and is sometimes credited as a key facet in downtown LA’s rebirth and current boom.
But back to Johnny Depp. Right after the renovation, Depp purchased five of the eight total penthouse lofts.
Over the years he kept the adjacent units largely separate living in them like “rooms in a home,” according to the Wall Street Journal.
Late last year two of the five units sold, and three are still currently on the market. The units can be purchased in the remaining block or individually.
Two are two bedrooms three baths each and provide direct access to the building’s gorgeous sky deck, which includes the pool and spa. The third penthouse unit is a one bedroom and two bath and, while priced at just less than 2 million dollars, it’s not lacking in space at 1780 square feet of interiors.
The two other penthouse units clock in at 2,260 sq ft listed for $2,750,000 and $2,649,000 for 2,490 st ft.
In all of the units soaring ceilings, steel paned windows, stunning views, ad living areas and lofted spaces decorated in a colorful, bohemian style are everywhere.
The private outdoor areas (in downtown no less!) are what might make you really fall in love with the lofts. To own your own private slice of the amazing Eastern Columbia rooftop is almost like owning a piece of the downtown skyline.
But, if you’d like to leave your own personal touch on a blank canvas, the Eastern Columbia Lofts have another unit available, and for nearly half the price. Unit #804 is a gorgeous, big 1,610 sf one bedroom and two bathroom with remarkable views and an open layout. It’s listed for $1.2.
The art deco masterpiece also features 24 hour front desk, security, full service gym, rooftop pool and spa, fireplace, and bungalows. Imagine entertaining your friends over dinner in your loft, then heading up to the rooftop for a late night swim. Plus, you can walk to Staples Center, Whole Foods, or go next door It’s the greatest high-rise opportunity to own in the most beautiful building in Los Angeles.
If you would like to tour any or all of the units at the stunning Eastern Columbia building, call me today at (937) 243-2349 or email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com.
Photos by James Lang / Berlyn Photography.
Listing provided by Kevin Dees and Nick Segal of Partners Trust.