Quick and Dirty Rundown of Downtown Retail & Restaurants

Lots of stuff going on in DTLA--but that's pretty much the same story since, what, 2006? Before the crash, there was activity. After the crash, the activity slowed down, but it never stopped. DTLA believers like Adam Fleischman (Umami and Choco Chicken), Cedd Moses (Coles, Golden Gopher, Clifton's), the late Alex Calderwood (Rudy's Barbershop, Ace Hotel), and Tyler Wells (soon to be "merged" Handsome Coffee) forged on. The big difference between the pre-crash era and now? In addition to places to live, more businesses have been opening in the area than ever before, and businesses are the key to attracting jobs, visitors, and residents. DTLA is finally in a healthy place. Just in the past few months we've welcomed Eighty Two Barcade, Oak, Aesop, Stumptown Coffee, Tanner Goods, H&M, Zara, Sea Salt, Warby Parker, Alma, and Blacktop Coffee. Watch out for: Whole Foods.

SOLD - Higgins Building Loft for under $400k - Higgins #705

Rare opportunity to buy in a character-filled Mills Act building in the historic core for under $400k. This quiet, courtyard-facing unit in the Higgins building is on the 7th floor, and features polished concrete floors, stainless steel appliances, and original double hung windows. Coveted L-shaped floorplan and just blocks from Grand Central Market, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park, the old Bank District. The famed Edison Bar is located in the same building as well as Groundwork Coffee, PitFire Pizza, Badmaash and more. This unit has 1 bath and is 610sf and is offered at $388k.

SOLD - Immaculate Arts District Loft with Patio for Sale - Barker Block #138

True live/work loft for lease located in the coveted original phase of Barker Block--not the new Molino side! Designed by the KOR Group, the building boasts a lovely rooftop pool and gym--both with views for miles, courtyard areas and an art exhibition tunnel. Plus it's directly across the street from Urth Cafe, perfect for that morning coffee run. The open-plan loft features luxe finishes and hardware throughout and faces east. Also features a lovely private patio, one of the few in the entire building to have this special feature. Listed at $699kfor 1320sf of livable, workable space. Includes 1 assigned parking space. Walkable establishments include Stumptown Coffee, Handsome Coffee, Zinc Cafe, Urban Radish, Church & State, Little Tokyo, Villains, Little Bear, Daily Dose, Pour Haus, EightyTwo Barcade, Wurstkuche and more.

SOLD ABOVE ASKING - Beautiful West-Facing Mills Act Loft - Biscuit Company Lofts #413

The jewel of the Arts District is Biscuit Company Lofts. This unique loft features 1070 square feet of open plan space. Stainless, modern kitchen, original windows and brick details are just some of the features in this historic loft. Once the famed Nabisco building, it also has the coveted Mills Act distinction and amenities include a fitness center, lap pool with outdoor deck area, 24-hour concierge and security. Walkable businesses include Urban Radish local grocer, Church and State bistro, Pour Haus wine bar, Daily Dose coffee, Handsome Coffee, Little Bear, Urth Cafe, Bread Lounge and more. 1 bed, 1 bath, 1070sf. No parking included. Offered at $649k.

SOLD - Industrial Loft with Unobstructed City Views - Barker Block #431

True live/work loft for lease located in the coveted earlier phase of Barker Block building--not the new Molino side! Designed by the KOR Group, the building boasts a lovely rooftop pool and gym--both with views for miles, courtyard areas and an art exhibition tunnel. Plus it's directly across the street from Urth Cafe, perfect for that morning coffee run. The open-plan loft features luxe finishes and hardware throughout and faces east for lots of morning light. Also features a 160sf private patio, one of the few in the entire building to have this special feature. Listed at $750k for 1120sf of livable, workable space. Includes 1 assigned parking space.

SOLD - Beautiful Brick + Wood Interior for Sale - Douglas 4D

Converted from an 1898 office building, the 50-unit Douglas building is known for its original character details such as exposed brick, original wood floors and tile throughout. Located blocks to The Edison, Little Tokyo, 2nd St. dog park, and steps to Gallery Row, this pristine loft features 1 bed, 1 bath, 1 parking space, and 740sf of space. Asking $485k.

SOLD - Lovely Historic Loft for Sale - Rowan #1013

Beautiful, spacious restored loft in the heart of the historic core and Spring Street bustle. This 10th floor loft in the historic Rowan building boasts lovely westward city views through its original oversized windows, hard wood floors, original brick walls, and separated bedroom area. There are two bathrooms in the unit. The loft is 860sf and the asking price is $499k. Two parking spaces are available in the adjacent building for a fee. The Rowan is a Mills Act designated building.

LEASED - 2-Story Live/Work Space in the Arts District - Toy Warehouse #5

More than 2500sf of usable space in this beautiful, historic, character live/work loft in a former Toy Warehouse in the heart of the Arts District, with a stone's throw from Little Tokyo. The unique two-story loft features exposed wood beams, brick, gorgeous hardwood floors throughout, oversized bathrooms, huge open spaces that is a dream for those with a vision for the blank canvas. Walking distance to Urth Cafe, Handsome Coffee, Wurstkuche, Piehole, Umami, Villians Tavern, and more. Offered at $5499/mo.

SOLD - Art Deco Stunner with Balcony for Sale - Eastern Columbia #809

This is spacious west-facing unit in the Art Deco Eastern Columbia building, developed by The Kor Group. The unit features soaring ceilings with tall banks of windows, polished concrete floors and city views. Boasts one of the few balconies in the entire building. Comes with 1 parking space, and building amenities include a 24-hour concierge, gym and fabulous rooftop pool. Walkable to Spring Street, Ace Hotel, Umami, Figaro, Alma, Pellicola, Sparkle Factory, Grand Central Market, and more. Listed for $628k with 1100sf of space. This building is also Mills Act approved.

SOLD ABOVE ASKING - Industrial Loft with Unobstructed City Views - Barker Block #317

True live/work loft for lease located in the coveted earlier phase of Barker Block building. Developed by The KOR Group, the building boasts a lovely rooftop pool and gym--both with views for miles, courtyard areas and an art exhibition tunnel. Plus it's directly across the street from Urth Cafe, perfect for that morning coffee run. The open-plan loft features luxe finishes and hardware throughout and unobstructed views westward of the downtown skyline. There is a park being developed just below. Listed at $549k for 950sf of livable, workable space. Includes 1 assigned parking space.