first look: great republic lofts
Don’t start second-guessing the name, this one you probably haven’t heard anything about.
Convermat Corporation’s Great Republic Lofts — a small-scale conversion comprised of 72 boutique loft condominiums in a slender, 13-story tower at 8th and Spring — has been maintaining a low-profile since interior work began last year.
The New York-based tissue paper purveyor-turned-developer is working with David Gray Architects of Santa Monica to re-envision the 1920s Beaux Arts structure, which project reps state will be delivered by fall 2008 (realistically, early 2009).
Approximately 80,000 square-feet balanced on small building footprint leaves room for only six units per floor, 40 which of will have corner floor plans with unobstructed city views.
To reach a larger pool of buyers, all floor plans will be single-bedroom configurations under 1,000 square-feet, allowing for affordable prices ranging from mid-$300s to the $500s. Additional half bathrooms in many units suggest the developer may be targeting young couples, perhaps looking to become first time homeowners. (No large penthouses units are included in the project.)
But the fair price point doesn’t mean interior finishes or the list of luxuries is lacking. Original brick walls and large windows characterize the living spaces that will contain wood floors, glass-tiled bathrooms and designer kitchens. A video intercom security system will link upper-level residents to a white marble -walled lobby facing Spring Street.
All residential amenities have been limited to the compact rooftop area, where a landscaped terrace with lounge seating, outdoor spa, and bathroom-sized workout room will be packed closely together.
While the development may not be distinguishable from other adaptive-use projects we’ve seen before, its 8th Street location is worth noting. Along with the National City Tower Lofts across the street (also under construction), the Great Republic Lofts will help co-anchor a slowly evolving pocket of restaurants and boutiques growing around the Main/Spring fork.
Three commercial spaces over 4,500 square-feet will bring in new businesses to a block already home to Angelique Cafe, Candice Held Boutique/Dalessio Gallery and the upcoming vegetarian oasis Infusion Cafe. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is rumored to be sniffing around the area, also close to L’Angelo Cafe, Wood Spoon and Full Moon restaurant.
-Great Republic Lofts Photo Set
Southeast corner view from Main Street
Marble-Walled Lobby, Entrance Facing Spring Street
Lobby Rendering
Elevator Lobby
Ground Floor Retail Space, Notice the Ceiling Architectural Detail
All Units Characterized by Original Brick Interiors
Living Room Rendering
Unit Interior with Glass Tile Backsplash in Kitchen
Finished Unit Interior Rendering
Glass Tiled Bathrooms
Bathroom Rendering
Skyline View from Great Republic Lofts Upper Levels
Rooftop Workout Room to be Glass Enclosed
Sloped Area to be Landscaped
Rooftop Spa
Rooftop Rendering Showing all Resident Amenities
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14 comments
Here’s a link (courtesy “you-are-here” website) to another picture of this 1927 building. Wow, sure looks better in the lead photo! http://www.you-are-here.com/downtown/life_insurance.html
Thanks. I’ve been curious about this building every time I walk by it.
I could be totally wrong here….but isn’t this building by the same guys who did the Chapman?
Does anyone this this will go rental too?
Always a Party:
It’s not the same developer as The Chapman. Convermat is a first time developer - from what I understand, they’re primarily a tissue paper company.
Also, at this point, there are no plans to go rental.
me likey.
I think the developer is being conservative and realistic considering how the economy is currently and for some time to come.
I would seriously consider this building, I like that its very centrally located in downtown.
I like this area way better than any fancy new place in south park ( and maybe because i’m priced out of south park lol)
It is bigger than a hotel room and you really just need it for the 3 -S’s ..shower,sleep and sh*t
the surrounding urban city of los angeles is your oyster and playground to feast upon.
Well at least for me it would and is.
It looks great, especially the rooftop. What sucks is that already some asshole loser taggers have tagged the side of the building. What losers.
What’s up with the parking???? I hear it’s just a rented lot for a few years.
The rooftop spa looks great…
Biggest room is only 980 Sq Ft? They should have made at least one or two larger rooms, as ther is always someone who wants to be a little bit “elite”, and would spend the extra cash. MIght wind up with a family who need space for their kid, or office.
Anyway, the place looks fantastic, and the views look great too. I’m still hoping for a building with a lap “pool” that runs around the perimeter of the building
the thing that seems the most amazing about this building is the views. it looks like units amazing views from at lease three sides because of the corner the building is on. can’t wait to get inside and take a look from the inside out! When can i do that? looks like i may get a flat in the City!
the little skinny building that could! great location, views and I really like that each floor only has 6 units. i can’t wait to see it up close and in-person.
This is some of the best looking living space I have seen in the downtown L.A. loft scene. I have been inside the building and have seen all the units on at least 2 mid level floors. The rooftop view IS the real deal for sure! The parking is a bit of a problem, though. The lot next door is owned by the developer (or so I was told) and has a totat of 60 spaces ONLY. There are 72 units sooo….do the math! It will likely have valet type parking with fees still to be determined. I wish it was a Mills Act building, but it is not. If that tax advantage were in place I would reserve a unit in a heartbeat!
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