Sealed airtight (for freshness), 655 Hope will soon make its mark on 7th Street’s residential and “restaurant row” revival.

Construction has kicked into high gear to finish the building’s 80 soft-loft units that will be placed on the market for sale next month. A model unit preview will be available in the soon-to-open sales center next to Qdoba on 7th Street. Move-ins are expected in the early third quarter of this year, according to developer SECK Group.

All residences, which start on the 7th floor, offer unobstructed views of the Financial District and the Broadway theaters. But at 655 Hope, it’s not all about what you can see from your unit, it’s about what you can’t hear. Toilet-time discretion is one of the tauted selling features of the new tower. Way to stand above the competition, guys!

The Units, Black is Better

Yes, we said “soft loft,” so expect completely finished interiors and ceilings. With the crowd of residences slated for completion this year in Downtown, we think the market could use a little variety of product.

Floor plans include one-bedrooms (600 to 750 square-feet), two-bedrooms (1,000 to 1,260 square-feet) and several two-story interior townhouse units (950 square- feet) with prices starting at $433,000 up to the mid-$900s.

Finishes and features are standard for new Downtown luxury developments, but 655 Hope’s dark color palette is particularly sophisticated with ebony hardwood floors, dark-gray granite countertops, black cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Other interior amenities include stacked washer/dryer, tiled showers, walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows.

As you probably guessed from the exterior photo, all windows are inoperable since the building is being adapted from office use. However, a powerful ventilation system will deliver air into each unit individually. Resident germophobes will be able to breathe contently knowing the developer has been so thoughtful.

Resident Amenities, Potty Politeness

As mentioned, thoughtfulness didn’t stop with the ventilation. Extra insulation has been added between walls “so you don’t hear your neighbor pissing in the middle of the night.” Ah, the life of luxury.

A gym, business center and common area will take up the second floor, and the rooftop will become an “entertainment area,” including a wet bar, lounge chairs, fire pit and helipad.

Helipad?! Forget the free MINI Cooper: Free helicopters for the first ten buyers?

If you would rather travel by car, parking is located on levels 3 through 6 (with one non-deeded space per unit), and will be attended by 24-hour concierge service. An unusually large number of guest spaces will be available — 40 in all — especially considering the structure sits atop 7th/Metro Station.

Restaurant Row Lures the Ladies

Qdoba already occupies one of two retail suites, but the developer is seeking a high-end restaurant for the future of the building’s sales center space (previously Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe).

As 7th Street continues to grow into a ’round-the-clock destination with more restaurants and shopping, the district is becoming attractive to new residents who may not consider other, more “transitional” neighborhoods of Downtown. This is evident in 655 Hope’s “interest list” which is largely comprised of single women drawn to the Financial District’s perception of safety and well-lit streets.

The Victoria’s Secret in Macy’s Plaza across the street could also be a reason.

655 Hope Sales Information
213-892-0240
hope655@wilshire-realty.com
655hope.com

-Complete 655 Hope construction photo set
-655 Sales Center to Open