Set a block away from the heart of the Melrose Fashion District, the Luminaire at 928 Croft definitely stands out from the crowd of condo and apartment buildings that line the street. A bit Miami, but very much LA, the Luminaire is another example of the new style of architecture that is slowly taking over West Hollywood. The classic modern design is subtle enough that it won't intimidate those who are just starting to get into architecture, but bold enough that it will appeal to those looking for something different. One of the key elements that makes this a Hot Prop to me is the wide array of pricing and unit sizes available. A one bedroom starts at $595,000 with over 1100 sq ft, which is fairly substantial. What I have found in many of these new development projects is that the lower priced units feel very much like what they are - lower priced. All the units share the same lux features such as: Italian "green" cabinetry in the kitchen, Bosch appliances, built in refridgerator to match cabinetry, lavious master baths with deep soaking tubs, beautiful walnut hardwood flooring, and large balconies or patios. Two bedrooms start at $750,000 and the three bedroom townhomes (which are pretty F&^%$# fabulous) start at $1,395,000. The Luminaire is open Tuesdays from 11am-2pm and Sunday from 2pm-5pm. Check out their website for more info and price sheets. The property literally just hit the market and the listing agents are in the process of photographing the building, so I only have a teaser shot for you!
928 North Croft Ave Unit 302, West Hollywood, CA 90069 - 1br/1.5ba, Roughly 1100 sq ft - $595,000
WALNUT FLOORS THROUGHOUT LIVING SPACES, ITALIAN DESIGNED KITCHEN EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH APPLIANCES AND CAESARSTONE COUNTERTOPS. UNSURPASSED LOCATION IN THE HEART OF THE MELROSE PLACE DESIGN DISTRICT. SECURE ENTRY, GATED SUBTERRANEAN GARAGE WITH GUEST PARKING, ELEVATOR ACCESS TO ALL FLOORS INCLUDING COMMON AREA ROOF DECK WITH EXPANSIVE VIEWS. Listed by Deasy Penner and Partners
I've been following The Gatsby's development over the last year. I always drive past it on Wilcox on the way to various places in Hollywood and I have heard much buzz surrounding the project. Wilcox, which is about five blocks east of Highland and is what I would consider the "fringes of Hollywood", is under going quite a transformation as of late. With the the now sold out Lorcan O' Herlihy architechtural lofts and a few other generic developments lining the street, Wilcox is loosing much of it's seediness and gaining a much more residential feel . It's now what I would consider "hip adjacent" (to quote a very cool developer I know).
What makes The Gatsbyunique is that they do not have a common walls (even though they are town home style) and are zoned with individual lots as single family homes. Since they are not condos, there are no HOA fees which I thought was pretty cool! They are craftsman style and as quoted by Mastercraft (developers), "...LA's first all solar and all green powered urban community". The property shares the same site as the "historic" Orchard Gables Cottage (which is a major eye sore right now) and will ultimately be renovated as an "arts and education community center" as stated in the building literature.
Here's the lowdown. I had the chance to preview a couple of the model units at their very first broker's open this past Tuesday. They units are still in the process of being staged, the site is still under major construction, and the feel is very much one of disarray, so I don't feel like it is fair to make too much of a definitive statement about the project quite yet. From the two floor plans I walked through, you enter into a foyer/flex space (office or den). You then walk up a flight of stairs to the open kitchen/living area and then again up another set of stairs to the third floor bedroom level. With so many cool projects out there, I just didn't fall in love. Of course, this is all just personal taste (I loved the movie "Showgirls", so I am not saying my personal taste is dead on, but I think fairly keen). Right now I am really into sleek architecture, cool fixtures, unique tile work, and materials that I have never seen before. With The Gatsby, I felt like it was just nothing new or exciting for the price. Again, I would like to see it completely finished before I decide if I dig or not.
There are two floor plans available in the first phase of sales. Square footage for Plan A is 1525 and Plan B is 1547, so not much difference in size. Prices start at $749,000-$858,000. Check out their site here.
I have to give a shout out to the on site sales girl. I believe her name is Danielle and she's a real asset to The Gatsby team! I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with her - she knows her stuff!
Rise and shine, rich kids! It's time to down 3 Advil, drink a extra large bottle of Vitamin Water(I personally like the Revive Fruit Punch), and shake that hangover off for Open House Sunday! I have had an extremely busy week and have been a little lax over the last few days with updates. Today, I am composing a list of old and new Hot Props that are open today if you feel like pounding the pavement. I'd like to make this a weekly-ish feature, so please email me if you'd like to receive a list each Sunday of my picks of worthwhile open houses check out. FYI - Open house hours are from 2-5pm.
New Construction Condos
Cool Deals on Hot Props in Great Locations - I previewed these this week, but did not have chances to write reviews. I consider these Hot Props of the Day and worth checking out!
1330 North Crescent Heights , West Hollywood- 2br/2ba, Roughly 1077 sq ft - $459,000: I really like this bright, airy unit just south of Sunset on Crescent Heights. I think it is priced well and superbly maintained. You can tell the owner had a lot of pride of ownership. The art deco bathrooms, large windows with pool views, no common walls and open floor plan make this a definite Hot Prop to check out! Listed by Keller Williams Beverly Hills
1125 Hauser, Los Angeles- 3br/2.5ba, Roughly 1986 sq ft - $765,000 - This is a beautiful 3 bedroom house with office that is in move in ready condition. The price is right, the location is central, and the curb appeal is fantastic. This home features hardwood floors, updated kitchen, lots of light and a warm homey feeling. Listed by Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills East
Ultra Swank Pad for the $1,000,000 + Rich Kids


I am definitely a Westside type of boy. I like being close to the bz)each, having a good old fashioned Vons or Pavillions in close proximity (Vons makes the best generic Mac and Cheese ever, btw), and just enjoy overall life west of Crescent Heights. With Hollywood making a huge comeback with the introduction of the new W Residences and neighborhoods like Echo Park gaining increasing popularity amongst the hipster rich kids, more and more of my clients are interested in moving to the east side. It's a whole different world world east of Western Ave, but one that's becoming increasingly more popular and is definitely more affordable. As much as I love the Westside, I have a huge appreciation for all that the East Side has to offer:
Echo Park- Ten years ago, when my friends and I drove through Echo Park, the rule of thumb was lock your doors and look straight ahead at the road. With "richpster" (rich-hipster) favorites such as Silverlake and Los Feliz becoming increasingly more expensive, the east side crowd has started to favor Echo Park (5 minutes from downtown) as a affordable alternative. Drinks at the divey Short Stop, bands at The Echo, and late night munchies at the Brite Spot diner make Echo Park the new trendsetter for hipster chic. With Affordable home prices starting in the $399,000 range (but it's definitely hit or miss), Echo Park is a neighborhood to consider for the richpster on a budget!
Los Feliz - Los Feliz is the mecca for hip rich kids with big bucks who still want to maintain their alternative status. North of Sunset, east of Western and bordered by Griffith Park, Los Feliz has it all for the rock star: cool diners, old school movie theatres, divey-but-pricey bars, and retro music stores. I have an acquaintance who comes from rock and roll royalty who has made Los Feliz her "city home". She says she prefers Los Feliz because she likes "the grime of the city" - $2 million+ of well manicured grime in the hills above Los Feliz Blvd. This post-modern irony pretty much sums up the Los Feliz mentality! $400K will get you a condo while a bungalow can be had at around $800,000.
Silverlake - Silverlake is the middle ground between Los Feliz and Echo Park! What makes the neighborhood so cool is that you can get authentic Italian gelato, fulfill your urge to sip a beer at a gay leather bear bar, and then stroll through the Sunset Junction street fair - all without ever having to get into your car! From fetish, to hipsters, to uber cool parents strolling around toddlers clad in Gymboree - Silverlake caters to all types. Located south of Los Feliz and west of Echo Park, there are still good deals to be had in this neighborhood. A cool mid century 3 br home in the hills with a view could set you back $799,000 - not too shabby!

One of my all time favorite shows is HBO's ‘Entourage' on Sunday nights! Not only is it hillarious, but I really do feel it gives you a glimpse into what living that type of jet set Hollywood lifestyle is like. Those of you familiar with the show know that the two scene stealer's are Jeremy Piven's, Ari Gold and Kevin Dillion's, Johnny Drama. I am literally glued to the TV whenever either of these two guys are in a scene. Whether your a huge 'Entourage' fan like myself or you just want a really cool f***** place to call home, Johnny Drama's condo from the show is now available for sale. Everything is done top of the line swank with hardwood floors, two dramatic master suites, wrap around balcony with views of Runyon Canyon, Century City, and the ocean. The building itself is full service with 24 hour security, pool, valet, and any other amenity a rich kid might need. On a personal note, I know both the owner and the listing agent of this condo and they are wonderful guys who are an absolute pleasure to work with! Give me a callto begin Entourage 2.0 in this uber chic home! Ultimate Johnny Drama quote, "If you play gay or retarded you get an Oscar. I'd take in the ass for an Oscar. "
7250 Franklin Avenue #1203, Los Angeles, CA 90046 - 2br/2.5ba, Roughly1986 sq ft - $1,375,000
JOHNNY DRAMA'S ACTUAL STUNNING AND TASTEFULLY DECORATED PENTHOUSE CONDO AS SEEN IN HBO'S "ENTOURAGE" IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE W/VIEWS OF RUNYON CANYON, THE OCEAN AND CENTURY CITY, ALMOST 2,000 SQUARE FEET, INCREDIBLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM, GINORMOUS BALCONY, OPEN ENTERTAINING SPACE WHICH SEPARATES THE 2 LARGE AND LUXURIOUS MASTER SUITES EACH WITH THEIR OWN SUMPTUOUS BATHS, HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, POWDER ROOM, GOURMET KITCHEN W/ STAINLESS APLNCS, 3 PARK, VALET, POOL, SPA, GYM, 24 HR SEC++Listed by Sotheby's International
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