New listing in Los Angeles Art Deco Landmark – Eastern Columbia Lofts
The Eastern Columbia Building, also known as the Eastern Columbia Lofts, is a thirteen-story Claud Beelman designed Art Deco building located at 849 S. Broadway in the Broadway Theater District of Downtown Los Angeles. It opened on September 12, 1930 after just nine months of construction. It was built at a cost of $1.25 million as the new headquarters and 39th store for the Eastern Outfitting Company and the Columbia Outfitting Company, furniture and clothing stores founded by Adolph Sieroty and family. At the time of construction, the City of Los Angeles enforced a height limit of 150 feet, however the decorative clock tower was granted an exemption, allowing the clock a total height of 264 feet.
The edifice is easily spotted from the Interstate 10 – Santa Monica Freeway, as well as many other sections of downtown, due to its bright “melting turquoise” terra cotta tiles and trademark four-sided clock tower, emblazoned with the word “EASTERN” in bright white neon on each face of the clock.
The building is widely considered the greatest surviving example of Art Deco architecture in the city (Jose Huizar) following the 1969 destruction of Richfield Tower. It is one of the city’s most photographed structures and a world-renowned Art Deco landmark. It has been characterized as the “benchmark of deco buildings in LA”.
On June 23, 2005, the long-defunct clock tower was reactivated in a ceremony with city and preservation leaders to celebrate the building’s 75th anniversary. Developer KOR Group, in conjunction with Killefer Flammang Architects, completed a two-year $80-million renovation of the building in 2006, turning the property into 147 condominiums, with interior redesign completed by the firm Kelly Wearstler Interior Design. These live/work lofts showcase the timeless details of the early 20th century along with modern upgrades. The project earned California Construction Magazine’s Best Redevelopment in 2007, McGraw Hill’s Best Redevelopment of ’07 Award, and the 2007 Multi-Housing News Adaptive Reuse Award. The Eastern Columbia Lofts earned a 2008 Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award. The building is a participant in the Mills Act Historic Property Contracts Program.
We are happy to learn that another homeowner heard about our discounted commission rate of 3.5% and decided to save close to $9000 on commission costs by listing their beautiful loft with our company!
Sophisticated loft in one of Downtown’s most exclusive buildings. The Eastern Columbia is a widely recognized Los Angeles landmark with its turquoise exterior and large clock fixture on the historic facade. Situated on the vibrant Broadway corridor, the building features Acne Studios, Il Caffe, is adjacent to Umami Burger, the Orpheum and the trendy Ace Hotel. Building is mere blocks from the brand new Whole Foods, Ralph’s and LA Live/Staples Center. This loft is near the southeast corner of the building and faces Ninth Street. Large original windows let in tons of light amplified by the soaring ceilings. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances and the unit has a state of the art HEPA air filtration system. Shower features nickel subway tile. Rooftop pool, outdoor fireplace, hot tub and exercise room. 1 deeded parking space onsite. Mills Act building which allows for significant property tax savings.
