barker block briefs: lofty dog, urth caffe, 01 gallery
Originally set for a May opening, Lofty Dog duo Cabrini Schnyder and Karen Martin just recently introduced Downtown pet owners and their furry ones to the new 5,000 square-foot Bark-er Dog Park.
The indoor play area, described as a “country club for dogs and their parents,” was completed in late July inside the Barker Block warehouse, where painted backdrops depicting grassy knolls and forest scenes help create an outdoor feel for the industrial space.
Agility courses, turf patches and training toys are set up in stations for pups to roam freely, while their parents lounge in a resort-style palapa over coffee, tea, beer or wine. Schnyder says more touches of luxury are on the way — a surround sound system carrying in soft jazz tunes will soon be installed, in addition to two flat screen televisions and free WiFi service.
Overnight boarding can be arranged, and membership rates are offered on a daily, monthly and annual basis. Sign ups are now being take for a 7-week group training course to begin August 26.
Urth Caffe Unearthed
UPDATE: Urth Caffe is now open.
Popular Westside coffee house Urth Caffe could have its new Barker Block location ready for business as early as next month, according sources familiar with the project.
Interior work is mostly complete and major kitchen equipment is already in place. Brick finishes, wood beams, southwestern tiles and a corner fireplace will recreate the rustic charm the chain is known for, but still unique to its reconstructed 1920s home.
Facade work continues outside to add an outdoor terrace and clock tower to the building.
Urth Caffe serves organic coffees, teas and a wide selection of health-conscious plates in three locations around the 310 area code.
-All interior photos of Urth Caffe
Keeping Up With 01 Gallery
The nomadic 01 Gallery arrived in Barker Block’s Hewitt Street Lofts July 26 after a brief stay most recently on Olive Street near Pershing Square.
An opening reception was held Saturday for Undisputed Champions featuring the work of Sam Fuchs and Adam Gray — the gallery’s first solo exhibit in the new location following the soft opening.
According to Rachel Gomez of 01 Gallery, the venue plans to stay put for the next six months.
3 comments
I would love to take my dogs to the Lofty Dog. Looks way better than where I take them.
I love taking my dog Wonton to the Lofty Dog’s new Barker Park. They have a separate area for the small dogs to romp, but Wonton likes to play with the big dogs on the agility course. Once Urth Caffe opens, this will definitely be a regular Saturday morning destination. Until then, I wish they’d schedule an Open House so that other dog owners can try it one weekend – Wonton would definitely be there so he can meet more downtown dogs to play with.
Does anyone have any info on when Urth is expected to open? I live across the street, and it looks as if they are very close to being finished.