first look: the judson
Broadway’s comeback is now in full swing with another showcase residential redevelopment ready to make a splash in Downtown’s rental market. The Judson C. Rives Building, rebranded as The Judson, is a new 60-unit adaptive reuse project at 4th and Broadway.
Developers David Gray, Philip Miller and Jeremy Miller, who began looking at Downtown opportunities four to five years ago, have overseen the transformation of the ten-story building during the past 18 months. Danielli Cosgrove, who is heading up the management team, is shooting for an early March opening.
We’ve got to say, this David Gray-designed conversion is one of our favorite adaptive-reuse projects in Downtown. Why is that?
It’s quietly shaping up to be one of the most standout re-purposed digs Downtown has yet to see. From a magnificent central lightwell to glass-ceiling living spaces to serendipitous historic character, The Judson is awash in unexpected charm… even though it recently suffered the loss of Broadway’s beloved Heineken-touting Mariachis billboard.
An Unexpected Discovery
Most adaptive reuse developers stumble upon small long-hidden details in their buildings when they chip away decades of grime. But a whole room? In renovating the Judson’s ornate lobby, construction crews uncovered the mezzanine level of the former Teatro Broadway, which was masked from the sidewalk by walls of plaster.
What to do with an entirely unplanned level of the building?
Hey, this is the Historic Core! When in doubt, go with an eye-catching art installation. Right now, talks favor a street-fronting display featuring pieces by local artists — a first for Broadway’s evolving streetscape.
Old and New
Inside the units, divided loft spaces are tied together by the requisite modern-Italian kitchens: CaesarStone countertops, electric ranges, stainless steel appliances and contemporary European cabinetry in one of two color palettes.
Polished and restored concrete flooring lends itself well to the unfinished feel that is in such demand Downtown. While living spaces may look more utilitarian, bathrooms are well-equipped with huge soaking tubs and elaborate mosaic tile finishes.
Some peripheral units feature original wrought-iron fire escapes (that can only be accessed by stepping over the windowsill), while those off the building’s interior lightwell have new grate-metal balconies that are an acrophobe’s worst nightmare. Needless to say, the picture at left was taken from the safety of the unit’s solid floor!
One- and two-bedrooms come with stacked washers and dryers. Studios are stuck with a community laundry facility in the basement.
Character Counts
One of the most impressive features distinguishing The Judson from other historic properties is the century-old advertisements adorning select units’ interior brick walls. How did that happen? In 1907, the Judson Rives Building was constructed immediately adjoining the neighboring Bumiller Building to the south. What was once prime ad space is now the interior wall of a few lucky loft dwellers’ living spaces!
Of course, these ads are protected by law as historic fixtures and may not be painted over or altered by residents. Though with character like that, who would be so foolish?
Amenities, Prices and of course… the Rooftop
A standard unit in the Judson will set you back an average of $2.50 per square foot, which may vary depending on the level. Floor plans range from 625 square-feet to nearly 1,500 square-feet. Exclusive apartments such as the penthouse, the glass-enclosed “atrium unit,” or those containing historic ads will rent at a premium.
Three renovated ground-floor retail spaces may include two apparel stores and one vitamin shop, though no tenants have been officially announced yet.
Parking is available, with one space per unit guaranteed in a structure across the street.
The rooftop spa, barbecue, lounge seating and landscaped garden frame unique views of the Bunker Hill and Financial District skyline. The Judson’s location on a block of low-rise buildings permits unobstructed views from most levels facing Broadway. Other resident amenities are in the works and will be revealed closer to completion.
If one of you readers is lucky enough to nab the coveted “Atrium Unit” (pictured below), please invite us over when it rains.
The Judson
Contact: Danielli Cosgrove (danielli5@ca.rr.com)
213-379-6009
424 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
thejudson.com
-the judson’s complete photo tour set
-downtown old vs. new: the judson rives building
-other first look coverage
-broadway photo tour 2007
Whoever gets the second-floor “Atrium Unit” pictured above may very well have the most enviable loft in all Los Angeles.
27 comments
It is SO great to see this building restored! It’s a great location, except for the NOISE blaring from nearby stores.
This is great to see. It seems like every block along Broadway now has a building either restored or under restoration. When the “Bringing Back Broadway” press conference takes place on January 28th, the City can point out the many projects already changing the street. Now it will be interesting to see how the whole street can be redefined. I would love to see a project list of just Broadway.
Streetcar, dammit!
Good work, guys.
New Broadway neighbors…….NIce!! Now the Chapman is next.
RC:
Last month I put together an aerial mashup of all projects on Broadway. Check out our Broadway Photo Tour 2007 to see it:
http://www.angelenic.com/broadway-photo-tour-2007/
that is very puurrty. i want a unit with the wall advert on it…
Wow..totally didn’t see this coming. This is AWESOME. I want to live there. Seriously..why am I stuck in goat ass Riverside? Imagine if all of Broadway was like this. A mixture of everything.
Brava! Thanks for posting the aerial Broadway map and the before-after photos! Awesome!
What’s happening with the project due south of it? Have not heard anything on it for some time. And with the north corner of the block owned by a developer (parking garge with shops now) and the south corner of the block at 5th about to be lofted – there will eventually be at least four residential buildings on that block. And all four corners at 5th and Broadway will soon be converted.
The project to the south I haven’t heard anything about. I was meaning to ask the developers if they knew of anything. I’ll look into it and see what I can find.
My first visit to your website and what a treat. This is one terrific project. Thanks for your efforts. I’ll be back!
Anyone know if they have any affordable housing units in this building? I’d love to live here, but not at those prices!
Daniel, all units are market-rate. I know the feeling…
Its unfortunate that Downtown, while its fun and promising now, is going to turn into the west side. Encouraging rent prices like this is horribly discouraging to young people part. I love downtown, but I don’t like that all of the new lofts/apts are catering to yuppies.
Are you all doing the street crack down there? Or do you just work for the developers ? Well either way , I work and live Downtown, it’s horrible filthy and LOUD. If you enjoy the smell of urine then that might be something for you to enjoy. Why would ANYONE pay the prices to live there, Unless you ever doing the street crack which is readily available to you downstairs 24/7.. I didn’t see that mentioned in the amenities. oh perhaps I over looked it..LOL
It’s amazing how overpriced this building is. It’s smack in the middle of the loudest street in all of Downtown.
The only affordable units are the ones facing Broadway. You literally are opposite all the street vendors and their blasting ethnic music. I would go insane staying here one night let alone renting a unit here.
It may be on the one street left waiting to expunge whats left. It is non-sense to believe that inside everything is forgotten. Granted the lofts in the front will definitely have to deal with the annoying music during the day till this is taken care of.
Parking is not gurenteed and is not part of the package, but they are working on getting a 24 hour secured lot immediately next door. SO, you do not have to walk not even a block from parking your car.
Danielle is amazingly difficult to get ahold of, but does call back if you leave a message.
The prices are fair and are set to what the city has been working on. HINT!
Never knew of this site till the intrest came about in lofts. Without the help of this site, a decision might not have been made.
Job well done…
Daniel, check out the Grand Central Apartments at Broadway & Third. Their prices are more reasonable. The units, while small, are extremely well designed. I lived there a few years back.
Red, you don’t seem to be familiar with Broadway. I’ve lived here for ten years and your description is not accurate vis-a-vis urine and drug sales. Yes, during the day, the street is loud.
Overpriced, street noise is an issue during the daytime. However, it is quiet at night. Frankly, I’m puzzled that developers wouldn’t put in windows to dampen the noise. It is a legitimate concern.
you yuppies should try living in nyc.
I’m in my early 20′s and a metalhead. Yuppies is out of the question.
Move to Montebello or something… Quit stealing my air.
How about instead of guaranteed parking spots (required within your HOA or monthly rent), you just pay additional for a nearby parking garage? This is common in New York, Chicago, SF, etc… Instead of making developers pay $$$$$ for a required garage, give them the option to build or no-build, and give the tenants an option to have a spot. It should be up to the tenant to pay the extra $100 + a month for a parking garage spot. Yes, that requires actual WALKING to your car.
There is an art and a science to living without pain in LA!
Rule #1 is don’t fight with ANY one. If you are kind to the People of LA, they will return the kindness with interest. I lived in Toluka Lake in the 90′s, and in downtown LA this last April. I’m in Texas right now but going back to LA later this month. I read the horror stories on the net concerning downtown and did NOT think I would last a day.
To be honest I much preffered downtown to any other part of LA – if your just going to rent. I checked this place out the 1st week of April ’08 and was very impressed. So lets get to the facts. A friend of mine was living in a dumpy apt by Hollywood and Burbank paying about $1500 a month, actually it was more of a motel turned apts.
Downtown LA is nothing like it was. Actually after 7:00pm it is quiet as a mouse. Yes during the day it is loud as hell, but if you close the window and draw the VERY heavy curtain over it, you will NOT lose any sleep over it.
More facts – everything I needed was in fact cheaper downtown than ANY where else in LA. There is a 7/11 or convinient corner store right around EVERY corner. Cheapest beer in all LA!
Now the food was AWESOME, and ANY kind of food you could want. But only during the day. Like I said downtown shuts down at 7:00pm! I fell in love with the “Lunch-box” tempura and sushi in little Tokyo. Within one week I mapped out ALL the places I could enjoy a GREAT meal at VERY reasonable prices by the first week.
The street is crazy during the day, and yes the home-less were abundant – but there was an officer or security person every 50 feet. And the street-people are gone out of the area by 7:00pm as well. Now you can find them if you want to walk west for about two miles.
I was NEVER afraid, but it was sad – going west on 6th street after dark.
Parking – as long as you park before 5:00pm it’s going to cost you about $5 a night. There are MANY parking lots downtown, once the attendants know you – they will cut you MASSIVE slack!
You can find parking at 2:00am with no problem. Just make sure you are at the lot by 7:00am the first time. Let the attendant get to know you and your car.
As long as he knows your good, nothing is going to happen to your vehicle. The parking garages in downtown LA are a rip-off. I got lied to on several occasions. Then watch out for the street person who might try to pass off as a parking attendant. He will ask for $20 +. Tell him you are going to call the police and pull out your cell phone to take a picture and he will be gone right quick. ANYONE with a backpack in a parking lot is a street person.
So go back to Rule #1 – when in downtown make sure the right people know who you are! And just be nice to those you are going to live with – so to speak.
Rule #2 in LA – NEVER ever EVER park on street in West LA! At best you will get a parking ticket for $140.00, most likely your car WILL be towed away! I’m talking about Sunset strip, Ventura, Hollywood Blvd, etc….
Seems to me that the landlord and not straigt-forward and very avaisive. Never am able to schedule a meeting face to face to talk about issues and promises from building not being followed through. The place is beautiful, the service isn’t. If you want a retreat, this would fulfill, but trying to get work done or speak to Danelli is ridiculous.
I bought a car, so I deserve the right to effing drive the b!tch after 8PM if I choose. I was told the bldg had parking next door for $100. Was not told the lot closes at 8PM – was almost locked in on my way to getting the car to pull out as I made the decision to live there. I’ve lived there since Wednesday – so two nights. I’m so stressed out over where to park and cramming to get all of my move-in errands (food/groceries) before 8:00 PM – after driving through traffic all night and finally walking through the door with 45 mins left of access to my own vehicle.
After I moved everything in last night, I needed water. Go figure. So I walked up the street since MY CAR WAS LOCKED IN NEXT DOOR only to find that everything was closed. So I drank from the tap (call me yuppie all day if you want – I actually usually am one during the day. I usually can hang in the hood but don’t eff with my ride, food or water – period.) I took the bus out last night since my car was locked in the garage next door. (Redundant, I know. Intentional too) I’ve been towed off of the street downtown before, so I don’t believe in leaving it on the street – especially overnight. I’m not married to my car, but work is 45 miles away and metro doesn’t go to it’s location, THUS my ride is my bread and butter. Without it, I can’t work or play without burning myself out with LA’s so-called transportation. I’ve already walked to several parking garages to hear of wait-lists – WHAT THE F@CK?! I’m almost 30. I don’t have a curfew and I shouldn’t have to be trapped downtown or forced to wait on buses and taxis when I have a car note that I pay. I love Downtown, granted. Wouldn’t have made the move if I didn’t. BUT DAYUM?!! Parking should NEVER be this hard to find.
Seriously – I’m still in boxes. If you really want to live at Judson, you might be taking over my lease immediately if I don’t find a spot to park ASAP.
SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!
(But really, the bldg is AWESOME and I’m loving my sanctuary inside. I think bum piss has culture, so I hapilly step over it, smile at the dirt b/c God made it so it doesn’t hurt, and peer into the windows of galleries as I dream of walking to catch shows at theaters….that I will have no choice but to walk to since my car’s curfew is 8PM) Cheers to enchiladas, “ethnic” music as blogger above called it, and your new favorite shoe color – Sidewalk Piss Gray.
Respectfully Submitted,
Newest Tenant on the 8th floor – Remember, food, water and ride and we’re all good in the hood.
Looks like you’re just having a stressful move, #24. First off, what does the building management say about the parking situation? Can you ask your neighbors?
I know the LA Times parking garage is monthly and has 24-hour access. Check it out.
Next up: Be sure to look at signage on the streets. Be sure to look at signage on the streets. Be sure to look at signage on the streets. I’ve been towed and ticketed more times than I’d like to remember but I’ve learned my lesson. Get into the habit of checking your meters and the times you’re allowed and not allowed to park.
As far as water goes: Get yourself a Brita filter pitcher. Though the city of Los Angeles has some of the cleanest drinking water the world has ever known and is extremely drinkable, the taste gets to some.
Ralphs (9th and Flower) is open until 2:00am, and Old Bank District Market (4th and Main) may have been open depending on the time.
Email us if you have specific questions about where to go, what to do, where to eat/shop/park: http://www.angelenic.com/contact/
Rich,
Thanks for your downtown saavy/help.
You’re absolutely right. Moves are stressful in totality – but after my first weekend living there, things are no longer so dismal. The walk on Gallery Row turned my frown upside down, as did my dinner and drinks at Pete’s Cafe. Three words: blue cheese fries. I love my neighborhood and my building rocks. The parking thing was annoying. WAS, is now thankfully the operative word.
DEBACLE
On the day of signing the lease, management suggested LA Times Parking (I applied last Wednesday and followed-up with a call on Thursday). She also suggested the lot across from LA Times Parking – I visited last Wednesday and they said they were full re: monthly. On Friday and Saturday I visited the big Fancy Schnazzy lot with the food court north of 4th on Spring which is $130/month, but could not catch the bosslady/man to actually get something done. So after feeling defeated, I asked my chipper new building buddy as I took a walk with her and her dog. She took me to the lot where she parks – the one that told me they were full initially. $99 later without proration for the 12 days left of the month, I have monthly parking. Yay. I do not even care that I have to pay now a total of $198 in the course of 12 days to park there. My burden is gone, SO NOW I AM HAPPY.
The tap water was pretty good, actually. Will do on the Brita. Why didn’t I think of that?
I picked up a map of downtown at the Fancy Schnazzy lot’s security desk. Noticed the Ralph’s you mentioned on the map. Not sure if it’s a walkable distance? I called the Old Bank District Market at 9:10 pm on Friday. The adorable lady there said, “Come now sweetie. We’ll stay open for you.” THAT PLACE IS MY NEW “ISH”. As Chris Rock would say, “This sh!t is banannas…B-A-N-NAY-N-AY-NANNAS!” I finally laughed and smiled as the old man asked me who I was voting for (DUH?) and gave me a high-five as I loaded good wine, the freshest strawberries/blueberries and hummus into the cart. They do not have everything there, but they have EVERYTHING that I need, and are literally just a 3 minute walk from home. SUPER sweet, super convenient, super yummy, fantastic selection. I actually walked there yesterday for lunch (Boar’s Head deli sandwich YUM), coffee and read under the awning.
I have to disagree with blogger above re: noise. My windows isolate most of that. What I heard was subtle, barely audible and I got used to it. Broadway IS busy during the day, but luckily I’m only witnessing it on weekends when I do not sit in my apartment because there’s so much to do Downtown and in life. And at night, you can hear a pin drop aside from the occasional car or bus. Noise didn’t bother me at all over the weekend. Thanks for adding to my paranoia with the positivity though, blogger.
Thanks for the quick feedback and good advice. I hope my senseless debacle serves as a reference guide/help for the next clueless tenant. Moving sucks, and yes, it’s not the first time to deem myself clueless.
Your Greatful Neigbor,
Buppie (on weekdays) the Parking Lot Attendant Slayer
I just signed the lease on this place and am now having the same parking problem as Buppie (above). I went to 5-Star Parking on 4th and Spring and they quoted me $170 for overnight. Isn’t that a bit ridiculous? LA Times seems a little too far–where are all the $99 ones that everyone is talking about? Someone, please help. Must be able to park!