In a departure from Classic Apartments previous projects, the Molino St development presented an opportunity for Alexander Bermudez together with Richard & Eric Arrindell, to revitalize an underutilized industrial space, into new 'Artists in Residence' zoned units.
The original brick structure was previously a manufacturing facility, with a curved timber roof, high ceilings soaring to 25’ in the center, handsome roughly strewn timber arched trusses, with an abundance of windows and skylights and concrete floors, all of which presented a great opportunity for interesting design.
As the re-gentrification of Downtown Los Angeles continues, one trend is becoming increasingly apparent; 'lofts' are becoming more like chic, expensive apartments rather than affordable live/work spaces for artists. In response to this trend Richard Arrindell utilized his experience as a professional photographer to create expansive work areas, designed to function as photographic studios in addition to being living spaces.
The original rudimentary spaces provided an open canvas, to carry out the interior planning and renovations. The rough spaces were transformed into lofts now featuring mezzanines, ergonomic kitchens and bathrooms, yielding a larger open floor plate for the resident photographers, other artists and their trade.
The end result are rental units that, meet all building codes and regulations, however now offer clean well designed twenty first century living, whilst still retaining its rudimentary loft aesthetic.
