Downtown LA Living & The Roosevelt

New Arrivals at The Roosevelt Residences

2009-04-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt Residences has a new look as Famima, Marie’s Coffee and Octopus Japanese Restaurant are open for business!

Famima has arrived! The popular Downtown convenience store offering everything from hot dogs to munchies and Krispy Kreme donuts to batteries.

Store Hours
Mon-Sat 5am-12am
Sunday 6am-10pm

Marie’s Coffee, an old staple of The Roosevelt, serving delicious soups, sandwiches and desserts.

Hours

Mon-Fri 6am-6pm

Introducing
Octopus Japanese Restaurant

Adding to the luxury restaurant line-up of Restaurant Row, specializing in fresh sashimi, sushi with a wonderful selection of hand rolls, sake and much more.

Hours
Sun-Thurs. 10:30am-11pm
Fri. and Sat. 10:30am-12am

Happy Hour!
3pm – 7pm

Monday and Tuesday
Sake Night
50% off Premium Cold Sake

Amazing View

2008-11-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

The view of the city is absolutely amazing from the Roof Top Pool. The Roosevelt welcomes the completed roof top and has already hosted a series of events.

The Roosevelt Lofts Welcomes The Downtown Film Festival

2008-08-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt is proud to be a sponsor of The First ever Downtown Film Festival. We will host the centerpiece gala party which is a private VIP reception for 300 people for filmmakers and their VIP guest which includes high profile industry professionals such as actors, writers, directors, producers and sponsors.

The Roosevelt wishes the First Annual Downtown Film Festival a huge success!

Lifestyle of a Loft - What a Success

2008-07-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt would like to thank everyone for attending the Showcase on Saturday, June 28. The turnout was amazing. The designers did a wonderful job of incorporating their personal style, taste and flair into comfortable living quarters. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Grand Opening.

Thank You

2008-06-15T22:58:00.001-07:00

The Roosevelt would like to thank every potential buyer for stopping by during the Downtown Open House. The event was a huge success and we garnered the interest of several buyers interested in Downtown Living.

The Roosevelt is near completion and will be ready for first phase residents to move in at the end of July. Attached are lovely pictures of the building.

Lifestyle of a Loft- Update

2008-05-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

The date has been changed to June 28th! We look forward to seeing you there.

Lifestyle of a Loft Showcase

2008-05-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

Please join The Roosevelt Lofts as it unveils the "Lifestyle of a Loft" Showcase. The developers of The Roosevelt have given two students from Fashion Institute of Design& Merchandising (FIDM) an opportunity of a lifetime. Jessica Comingore and Jennifer Duarte are bringing two lofts to life! They, along with world - renowned interior designer Chasye Dacoda will transform three amazing floor plans into affordable, urban living quarters.

Please join us, as NBC tapes its new show Open House LA - the day of the event. It’s is going to be a showcase you won’t want to miss!

Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

2:00pm – 6:00pm

The Roosevelt Lofts

Courtyard

2008-04-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt is steadfast making moves! Pictures of the beautiful, tranquil courtyard are revealed. Residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the mural and peaceful waterfalls with out leaving the comfort of their home.

Broker Special

2008-04-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

6% Co-Op Limited Special. 4/15-6/15. Restrictions Apply. Call for Details.
The Roosevelt - 213-623-3100.

Waterfall

2008-01-16T23:29:00.000-08:00

Those of you keeping track of the ongoing construction at The Roosevelt should be noticing the frenzy of activity taking place as we near completion. What you can’t see is that the interior of the building is a 9 story tall 30 foot wide mural of a cascading waterfall surrounded by a tropical green landscape. The mural covers the northern wall of the building's light well, where four walls meet to create a courtyard under an open roof. A rock wall will be built at the base of the mural, where water will fall into a pond, giving the impression that it is coming from the mural itself. Grass will be added to the courtyard to further complement the mural and complete its effect - all the work is coming into place.

Another Construction Photo

2007-11-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Interior unit "curtain wall"

Plans to Revive the Broadway Corridor....Again?

2007-11-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Downtown LA is on its way to becoming another great cultural center of LA. Live/work lofts are in construction, art galleries are moving in, bars and nightlife are emerging as a viable night-on-the-town option for those as far as Santa Monica. But what about the Broadway corridor? You may know it as the street you drive through on your way to MOCA, Chinatown, or the Walt Disney Concert Hall, dotted with swapmeets and and inexpensive shopping.

There's plans again to revitalize the area, including six projects in the works:
Million Dollar Theatre: Screenings, premieres, and theatre performances
Arcade Building: Apartments
Chapman Lofts: Condos
Pan American Lofts: Condos and Retail
Judson C. Rives Building: Apartments and Retail
Metropolitan Building: Apartments and a modernized Fallas Paredes

Currently, the Broadway overhaul has been left in the hands of property owners who have done little to nothing. In order for Broadway Street, and the greater Downtown area, to become the bustling locale for shopping and nightlife that it once was, the city may need to contribute redevelopment funds, re-landscaped streets, and loans. So far, it seems as though a Broadway revitalization is as far off as the "fabled" Metro Aqua Line.

Before the area gets a facelift, you may want to check out the quintessential diamond in the rough of Downtown, The Los Angeles Theatre. The Los Angeles theatre remains open only for parties and special events, but if you wander down there, try to take a peek in.

The theatre, built in 1931 in the French baroque style of Louis XIV, was a virtual Hollywood cathedral. Famous for its huge crystal fountain in the lobby, not an inch of the interior was left undecorated from the elegant stage curtains and ornate balcony to the intricately-carved ceiling of its lobby. When the Los Angeles Theatre was about to go under during the Depression, Charlie Chaplin paid an exorbitant amount of money to keep the posh 1,967-seat theater afloat, so that he could have the grand premiere of his masterpiece "City Lights" there. When downtown LA was abandoned for other new neighborhoods and nightlife, the Los Angeles Theatre closed and had been sitting idle, except for occasional film shoots

More Construction Photos

2007-10-31T11:17:00.001-07:00

Bathroom and tile installation completed in many units.

Close up of tile work...

Kings Game on Halloween

2007-10-30T10:22:00.001-07:00

If you are a Downtown L.A. resident (with proof of address), and are looking for something to do this Halloween, you may want to check out a King's game at the Staples Center. Print out this flyer and receive a free ticket to the Kings vs. Blue Jackets with a donation of $10 to UNICEF.

Lightwell Mural Underway

2007-10-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

The lightwell mural is underway. Here is a photo from one of the interior-facing units. More construction update photos to follow shortly.

Festival de la Gente

2007-10-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

The 8th Annual Festival de la Gente was this past weekend on the 6th St. bridge that connects Downtown LA and Boyle Heights. For two days the bridge was alive with art, music, dancing and celebration of Dia de los Muertos. If you were lucky, you could have even seen Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa dancing in the streets.

Performing amid larger-than-life paper maiche skeletons, Aztec suns and serpents by Tony Dominguez were Quinto Sol, Upground, Redbone, Santos de Los Angeles, Union 13, and Chalo Eduardo and the Samba Pimps. The crowd danced around Dia de los Muertos altars, live painting exhibitions, the Dia de los Muertos vintage car show, and vendors selling a variety of clothing, jewelry, and books. A variety of authentic foods were offered throughout the festival. Saturday night wrapped up with LA's own fiery Phoenix Projekt in an astounding acrobatic performance.

Part of the proceeds will benefit Arte Calidad Cultural Institute, a non-profit academy providing art education and job training in the Hispanic community for employment in the arts and entertainment industries.

New York Times talks Downtown Real Estate

2007-10-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

The NY Times recently featured an article about yet another transformation of an historic downtown building, the former Broadway Department store in the Broadway-Spring Street historic district. Another example of the ongoing revitalization of Downtown L.A. from a major national news outlet.

Downtown Bars at Night

2007-10-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

So as not to leave local downtown residents high and dry, Los Angeles Gridskipper.com has compiled a list of local downtown bars that are happening long after the rush hour traffic has thinned. For those of you wondering where you might want to grab a late night cocktail, now you know.

A View from D.C.

2007-10-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Major national news outlet, The Washington Post, recently wrote about the growth of Downtown Los Angeles: Angeleno's New Refrain: 'I love (Downtown) LA'. Among many of the topics covered in the article is how Downtown L.A. is one of the hottest residential real estate markets in Los Angeles. What was once forbidden territory is now hip, trendy and well, relatively safe.

There are people out on the streets at night. Restaurants, clubs and cafes are buzzing after dark, long after the Suits have left their offices for the day. There are some who decry the increased property values and rents for having yet again, gentrified (yuppified?) an affordable urban live/work environment. However, most downtowners will agree that it is a very welcome evolution with the new Ralph's Fresh Fare supermarket heralding the way.

Many in L.A. are truly interested in an urban, live/work lifestyle where the car is not the center of one's existence, and Downtown L.A. is now that viable option.

LA Live opens at the Nokia Theatre

2007-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

The first phase of the much anticipated grand opening of the LA Live Entertainment Complex begins this Thursday, October 18th. It all starts at the $100 million Nokia Theater, featuring six nights with mega acts The Eagles and The Dixie Chicks. This state-of-the-art venue will providing amazing sound, lights, and 7,100 intimate seats. Theater managers hope to book over 125 top acts per year. Check DowntownLAmix.com to see featured events currently scheduled at the Nokia Theatre.

LA Live will not only entertain Los Angeles for many years to come, but will also do wonders for the local economy. Many believe that this could be the biggest lift to Downtown business since the Staples Center opening nearly a decade ago. Read the article at DowntownNews.com for more information.

The Nokia Theatre is the first piece of the historic LA Live project to reach completion. Over the next three years, LA Live will add a Ritz Carlton Hotel, Convention Center Headquarters, 14 screen cinema, shopping mall, bowling alley, several nighclubs, and an open air plaza. For more details click here.

A Night Under the Stars

2007-10-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Celebrate with us this Saturday, as the Roosevelt co-hosts the LA Femme Film Festival's street party in Downtown LA. We will be closing down 7th Street between Flower and Hope from 9 PM to 2 AM, transforming the space into an upscale urban lounge. The festivities will include 3 of LA's hottest all girl bands, 2 DJ's spinning eclectic urban mixes, great food, and an open bar. If you're interested in joining us for this special night, you will need to RSVP. To do so, please visit www.rsvlt.com/rsvp and enter the word "mix" as the referral code. For more information on the LA Femme Film Festival, check out LAFemme.org.

LA Fashion Week Comes Back to Downtown

2007-10-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

As reported in the LA Downtown News, this year's LA Fashion Week, at least in part, will take place in Downtown LA after having been headquartered at the Smashbox Studios in Culver City since 2004. Box Eight is hosting several events from October 11th - 13th, but there are many other events throughout the city from October 8th - October 26th (yes, more than just a "week").

Downtown LA is the center of the fashion industry in Los Angeles as well as the renown Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Don't miss out on the many exciting events associated with LA Fashion Week.

LA Opera in Downtown

2007-09-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

The 2007/2008 Opera Season has begun at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and features some excellent performances this season. For those who are interested in seeing a lesser-performed yet powerful and intense drama, the upcoming Czechoslovakian opera, Jenufa, is a must-see. In particular, the performance features acclaimed, world-renown soprano, Karita Mattila, who the LA Times refers to as "a voice that won't stop." This staging from director Olivier Tambosi premiered at the New York Metropolitan Opera and was lauded as "an evening of gripping drama and compelling music you won't soon forget."

The LA Opera is just one of the many exciting evenings out Downtown Los Angeles has to offer. Enjoy dinner at one of the excellent restaurants located near the Music Center followed by an elegant evening of theatre.

Special Scotch Tasting at Seven Grand

2007-09-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Join The Roosevelt in the Seven Grand VIP Room for an intimate night of scotch tasting and mingling. Sample the finest scotches in an elegant setting with cozy company. Those in attendance will be asked to join The Roosevelt's Interest List, so that they may be kept up to date with all the coming developments associated with the project.

The event will take place Thursday, Sept 27th from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Seven Grand Bar located at 515 W. Seventh Street (2nd Floor). Space will be very limited. Please be sure to RSVP to the Roosevelt Sales Center at (877)887-7858 if you plan to attend. We look forward to having you join us!

The Arrival of Downtown LA Mix

2007-09-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt Lofts has sponsored a new website at www.DowntownLAmix.com, an online events resource spotlighting the best of what's going on Downtown. Both residents and visitors alike can now conveniently find the finest local entertainment, sports, art, dining and nightlife. The site's homepage also offers up many quick links to LA's online media outlets, Downtown blogs, and civic affairs websites.

Wells Fargo Home Ownership Day

2007-09-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

This Friday the 14th, The Wells Fargo bank will be hosting a Homeownership Day featuring the Roosevelt Lofts. Sales Manager Robert Cohan and his staff will be on-hand to field any home ownership questions customers might have. There will also be a discussion, highlighting bank products that can help new home buyers. This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into the home purchasing process, while enjoying complimentary refreshments and giveaways. The event will be held from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Wells Fargo bank branch located at 707 Wilshire Blvd.

LA Convention Center Goes Even Greener

2007-09-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Making your home eco-friendly is one thing, but greening the massive LA Convention Center is an entirely different proposition. The general manager of the Downtown facility, Pouria Abbassi, intends to do just that with $3 million in planned renovations for the structure. Covering over 54 acres of land and providing more than 4 million square feet of space, this project will be an intensive undertaking. Yet, the LA Convention Center is still currently way ahead of the competition of in other metropolitan areas. The Center runs on 20% renewable energy, generates solar power from rooftop panels, aggressively recycles waste, and recently upgraded it's lighting and A/C efficiency. The next milestone Abbassi hopes to achieve is the U.S. Green Building Council's certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a.k.a LEED. These eco-conscious overhauls will go a long way in improving the Convention Center's reputation, which will help to attract more exhibitions and thereby increase revenues for businesses in Los Angeles. For more on this story, check out DowntownNews.com.

Web Wars?

2007-09-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

Interestingly, LA Downtown News recently ran an article entitled Web War discussing the necessity of having a sophisticated website in order to market and sell properties in Downtown Los Angeles. Of course, this really applies to the reality of doing business in today's totally wired world. The vast majority of consumers, whether buying an iPod or a loft, will do some portion of their research online.

The article mentions this blog as an attempt to add a personal touch, but having been met with mixed results. Bloggers will always have their opinions as is the intrinsic nature of blogging, but to any of those who may say it is inauthentic, we ask, "have you read the blog?" Blogging is a great way to provide news, information and insight to those who are interested. Thanks to all who are interested, and we say, "keep reading."

Up to 3% Developer Incentive Offered

2007-08-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

We have some exciting news from the Sales Center. The Roosevelt is now offering up to a 3% Developer Incentive at the time of close of escrow with the credited amount to pay against closing costs, first for non-recurring costs and then recurring costs. In addition, as one of the final pre-completion phases, The Roosevelt is offering all qualified buyers who enter into escrow during the month of September and close escrow as per their contract, one 50" High Definition Flat Screen TV for their unit. Now more than ever is a great time to buy your dream loft at The Roosevelt.

Robb Report Features The Roosevelt Lofts

2007-08-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Robb Report Collection has spotlighted The Roosevelt Lofts in the City Living section of it's September issue. The article showcases the historical importance of the building and also describes the many luxury amenities that will be offered to residents. Between the 24-hour valet, ultra modern business lounge, private rooftop pool, and climate-controlled wine storage, loft owners really can have it all. Want to know all the details that give The Roosevelt such a unique value? Pick up a copy of the Robb Report's September Real Estate and Home Design Collection today.

Roosevelt Sales Center Extends Hours

2007-08-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt Lofts Sales Center will now be open from 11 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. The Sales Center is located at 727 West 7th Street and can be reached at (877) 887-7858.

1961 Time Capsule Discovered Downtown

2007-08-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

The rubble of the recently demolished State Office building has offered up an interesting relic from Downtown's past. While cleaning up the site, The Cleveland Wrecking Company crew discovered a time capsule marked "1961 A.D." Located in the original building's cornerstone, the capsule contained business cards, four cent postage stamps, rolls of Kodak film, newspapers, and official papers related to the structure's dedication ceremony. The news articles boast intriguing headlines that make reference to Marilyn Monroe leaving rehab and Richard Nixon vowing that he would not run for Governor. For more on this story check out DowntownNews.com.

Purple People Help to Enhance Quality of Life in Downtown

2007-08-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you live Downtown you're probably familiar with the Purple People. Employed by Downtown Center Business Improvement District, these purple-shirted men and women help out with some of the most demanding of urban services. They provide security through a bike patrol force, clean up the city's trash with an efficient maintenance team, and are also a great information source for lost tourists.
Covering 65 square blocks in the Central City area, the accomplishments of the Purple People are impressive. All in all, the group has collected 12,000 tons of trash, removed 3,000 graffiti tags, swept 71,000 miles of street, reached out to 5,500 homeless people, and fielded more than 375,000 calls for service. For more on the wonderful efforts by the BID's Purple People, check out DowntownNews.com.

New Construction Photos

2007-08-08T10:29:00.002-07:00

Here are some construction photos of the Bontempi Cabinets being installed in some of the units.

Crime Rate Plummets in Downtown

2007-08-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

The LAPD's mid-year review provided encouraging statistics for Downtown neighborhoods. Citizens will be pleased to learn that overall crime is down 32% from last year and homicides fell from nine to two, both of which were solved. Central Division Capt. Jodi Wakefield attributed the success to increased police patrolling of the Skid Row area. 50 additional officers have been keeping tabs on Skid Row as part of the Safer City Initiative that began in September 2006. For more information check out the Downtown News.

Private Property by Monique Lai

2007-08-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

The ARCLIGHT Hollywood presents the "Private Property" series, a compilation of the latest works by progressive photographer Monique Lai. Known for her subtle, yet deep imagery, Lai's works evoke a powerfully emotional sense of loss for the natural environment. Her use of high-saturated colors and sensual motifs make this exhibit a "must-see" for photography lovers. The opening reception will be hosted by The Roosevelt at the ARCLIGHT's 2nd Floor Lobby, Saturday August 4th, 6 - 8 PM. The series will be on display from August 2nd thru September 13th. The ARCLIGHT is located at 6360 Sunset Blvd.

The Roosevelt Construction Continues as First Sales Contracts are Accepted

2007-07-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

Construction at the Roosevelt is getting extremely busy as the project moves closer to completion. Walking by the building, you will notice the 7th street retail store front glass windows have been installed. The elevators are now fully functional throughout the structure. Ceramic tiling has been laid down all the way up to the 8th floor as well. Kitchens and bathrooms are currently being constructed inside the loft units. In addition, all of the penthouse spaces have been erected. In other news, the developers of the Roosevelt have countersigned the first batch of sales contracts. For more information on how to apply for a unit at the Roosevelt Lofts, contact April Fissell at the Roosevelt's Sales Center.

The Downtown LA Boom Continues...

2007-07-25T16:50:00.001-07:00

If there are rumblings in the economy of a real estate slow down across the Nation, this is certainly not the case with the Downtown LA market as Rebecca Ascher-Walsh recently wrote about in The Hollywood Reporter.

The article points out some very noteworthy statistics to consider. There were over 40,000 new residents in LA last year with only 10,000 new units added. Tom Gilmore of Gilmore Properties states that his downtown properties have been at 100% occupancy for the last four years. There are dozens of new clubs and restaurants slated for the area over the next two years, as well as the L.A. Live Complex and the new $2 billion Grand Avenue Project designed by Frank Gehry scheduled to break ground later this fall.

Carol Schatz of the BID says, "it's the most fabulous thing that LA has ever seen..." in reference to the continued growth and resounding applause from the city.

The Roosevelt Lightwell VR flythru

2007-07-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Experience a virtual tour of one of the magnificent lightwells with a rendering of the proposed Zen garden. The interior units of the building will overlook one of two lightwells.

Lightwell Update

2007-07-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

As you can see, we've got some great renderings of the Roosevelt's lightwell construction. The residents of the building's interior loft units will comfortably enjoy beautiful views of this area, which will overlook a gorgeous Zen garden. As Erik Richardson from BlogDowntown noticed a few weeks ago, the lightwells at the Roosevelt are a wonderful example of blending historic architecture with modern design. It's really quite amazing how the brick facade and steel cased windows combine to bring complexity and unity to the building's secluded posterior. The proposed Zen garden will further enhance the eclectic design aesthetic being forged by the Roosevelt's development team. Stay posted for more updates, pictures, and videos of the renovation process.

One Step Closer to Santa Monica Subway Line

2007-07-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

Great news LA, within the next few years we could actually see a subway line connecting downtown with the sunny shores of Santa Monica! A US Senate Panel unanimously voted Thursday to lift a ban on subway tunneling through Western Los Angeles. This decision followed a similar repeal by the House of Representatives back in February. Provided that the full Senate approves the measure, a study will be carried out to investigate the feasibility of extending the Purple Line past it's current terminus at Wilshire and Western. For more information on this exciting news check out the the Angelenic blog and the San Jose Mercury.

Central Library Artist

2007-07-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

If you ever step inside the main lobby of the Los Angeles Central Library, you will experience the cornucopia of color, text and imagery interwoven in the ceiling art by Los Angeles artist Renee Petropoulos. The library offers daily tours of the various art and architecture that comprise the building.

Renee is currently exhibiting her most recent work at the Rosamund Felsen Gallery at Bergamont Station in Santa Monica, June 3 - September 1.

Study Finds Downtown LA # 3 "Bloggiest" Neighborhood in U.S.

2007-07-09T12:30:00.001-07:00

The results for "America's Top Ten Bloggiest Neighborhoods" were released this past week by Outside.in, an online resource for tracking local internet buzz. The rankings were compiled over the last six months and based on several variables: total number of posts, total number of local bloggers, number of comments and Technorati rankings for the bloggers. With over 3,000 neighborhoods in the U.S. under review, Downtown LA took 3rd place in overall "blogginess". The frenzy of web chatter can be traced to the city's major influx of new residents, blossoming urban culture, and anticipation of continuing future development. Some of the most popular blogs behind the buzz are our good friends at blogdowntown, LAist, Curbed LA, and LA Observed.

The top spot in the country is Brooklyn NY's Clinton Hill, a neighborhood currently in a phase of mega-development, and also the home of the Pratt Institute of Art. The silver medal belongs to Shaw, DC, another recently revitalized area, considered to have been the "pre-Harlem center of African American intellectual and cultural life." For Outside.in's complete Top Ten Bloggiest Neighborhood List click here.

New Video from Construction Walk Thru

2007-07-05T15:12:00.002-07:00

Here is another video featuring shots of the restored marble hallways as well as one of the lofts currently under construction...

L.A. Lofts - The Book by Barbara Thornburg

2007-07-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

There is a good review of a very interesting book on ThisNext that anyone interested in loft living should check out: L.A. Lofts by Barbara Thornburg. As the Amazon review says, "Bursting with dazzling photographs and endless color, L.A. Lofts is a surprising and inspiring look into the new breed of loft. "

This is a beautiful over-sized book that features some exquisitely decorated loft spaces that provide for varied and eclectic inspiration. In addition to displaying many different styles of design from country/warm to modern/cool, it also shows some of the very best elements that downtown L.A. loft living has to offer. Definitely worth exploring...

Ralphs Almost Finished, Opening Soon

2007-06-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

The beautiful new Ralphs on 9th & Flower (645 W. 9th Street) ... just 2 blocks away from The Roosevelt, is almost complete. The corporate office says the grand opening will be on Friday, July 13 (did they jinx themselves?).

Eric Richardson from blogdowntown just snapped this great photo of the signage they just installed on Tuesday.

Just another sign that Downtown LA will be a great place to work and live.

The Roosevelt: Walkthru - Metro Station

2007-06-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of The Roosevelt, is that the Downtown Los Angeles Metro Station is directly underneath the building, linking you to the rest of all of Los Angeles.

The Roosevelt: Construction Walkthru

2007-06-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

We've just taken a tour of the construction site at The Roosevelt, and major progress has taken place. Here you can see the glass curtain walls that have been integrated into the lightwell facodes, plus interior of one of the lofts. More to follow soon.

Sales Center Open @ The Roosevelt

2007-06-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

The Roosevelt Sales Center is now open Downtown. Featuring the luxury amenities soon-to-be found in every loft unit that all come standard, the Sales Center exhibits Kohler fixtures, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bontempi Italian kitchen cabinets, Bosch premium appliances, milk glass countertops and Waterworks spa-style baths. The Sales Center also features beautiful interior designs furnished by Chayse Dacoda. The Sales Center, open daily from 11am - 4pm, is located at the groundfloor of The Roosevelt: 727 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Here are a few cool shots of the Sales Center ...
Bontempi cabinets are just an example of the features found in the kitchen vignette

Dining room with custom furnishings

Several floorplans feature glass-enclosed tub areas, an example is on display

Two bedroom vignettes have been designed to give the feel of a finished loft

Floorplans and two project models along with a flat-screen streaming video are always on display

The Roosevelt Construction Update

2007-06-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

We just got cool news from the contruction team and the developer at The Roosevelt that we want to share with you. Details ...

3 of the 4, multi-level penthouses are completely erected
Interior stairs have been placed in split-level units
Kitchens currently undergoing installation
Ceramic tile has been installed on 2 floors
Ground-level retail spaces are under construction

We're working away to get you new photos and videos from inside the project ... keep checking back for more news.

CB Urban Living Center Opens

2007-06-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new CB Urban Living "one-stop shop" featuring a dozen downtown loft projects (including The Roosevelt, of course).

Carol E. Schatz, President and CEO of the Central City Association of Los Angeles remarked, "Coldwell Banker is to be commended. The Downtown market is still alive, stronger than ever, and is picking up steam." She added, " We are seeing $600-$1000 per square foot pricing." She mentioned that about 30% of downtown buyers are Korean or Korean American, so the CB center's location in K-Town makes sense for this important demographic.

Councilwoman Jan Perry made the following comments to me after delivering a very positive keynote address, "Downtown is not maxed out yet. It is still drawing interest and isn't overbuilt."

Our sense is that this center will be a real benefit for those buyers working with a broker because they can quickly get a sense of 12 projects in one location. Flat screens play the various
promo reels and VR tours and the environment is comfy.

April Fissel, sales director of The Roosevelt was the only featured property to speak at the press conference. Proclaimed by us as "Top Redhead Sales Director" she's an energetic beauty who knows her stuff. Seen here with Downtown BID's superstar Hal Bastian, who's passion for Downtown might be the secret-sauce behind everyone else's excitement.

New Home Center for Urban Living

2007-06-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Talk about easy access: Coldwell Banker (along with major real estate players including: The Kor Group and Milbank Real Estate Services) has teamed up with some of Downtown LA's best residential loft projects to offer prospective Downtown buyers a one-stop shop.
The 2,500 square-foot space, located in Mid-Wilshire, will present The Roosevelt, Chapman Lofts, Rowan Lofts, Evo, Eastern Columbia, Barker Block and Mercury Rising, among others.
Coldwell Banker and its partners aim to attract all interested buyers: from students to artists to accountants. Having so many projects accessible at one location will help minimize buyer confusion and will centralize information, some of which will be displayed via 13 flat-screens monitors.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will launch the center on Monday, June 18 at 11:30am. The address is:
3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 104
Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Virtual Tour. Take a peek.

2007-06-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Have it all @ The Roosevelt.

Contracts Are In!

2007-06-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

We've confirmed that contracts are in and are currently under final internal review. We're told to be on stand-by, and expect a call soon from the Sales Team for an appointment to come in and and go to contract.

SKY Las Vegas: grand opening pictures

2007-06-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

SKY Las Vegas is now completed. Developed by Milbank Real Estate, the developers of The Roosevelt.

Here's the lobby area of Sky. This is not a rendering, it's a photo of the finished interior.

An interior shot of one of the lofts at Sky.

SKY Las Vegas: “We delivered what we promised”

2007-06-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here’s a lengthy, and somewhat rambling report of my recent trip to Vegas for the grand opening of Sky Las Vegas the ultra modern 47 story high rise just completed by Milbank Real Estate who also is developing The Roosevelt.

Sky is the first residential high rise with a strip address to be completed.

Everything was themed white. The 4th floor pools were framed with chic white lounge-style furniture, seating everything from gorgeous stellar young hipsters to what were obviously the older, wealthier owners of these condos. Dual pianists played kitschy oldies while hamming it up with a lounge act. I notice they’re floating on platforms in the pool.

I make a prime rib sandwich. I meet Heidi Kasama, local realtor and principal of Windemere Realty in Las Vegas . She’s optimistic. “Sky is close to the action. That’s where Las Vegas is at.”

Turns out that Sky will be across the street from newly announced major development: Fountainebleu. The 3,889-room, 63-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel/condo-hotel/casino is a $2.8 billion development that is being built on the Strip just north of the Riviera on 24.5 acres.

The building itself upstaged everything, in my humble opinion. The evening light hitting it’s facade was magical. We grabbed some Chinese noodles As the developers take the Mic and address the faithful.

“We delivered what we promised to you,” remarks M. Aaron Yashouafar. This feels personal after years of blood, sweat and tears. “On June 1, we paid off the lender and the project is free and clear.”

His partner David Pourbaba chimes in, “2 years ago we held the groundbreaking party in the parking lot next door. Today we stand in front of a magnificent building. It’s ready.”

I notice the developers taking family on an inside tour of the building. I join the party, not quietly, reminding them I’ll be blogging on this over the weekend. It's amazing how attentive they become. It's nice to be respected, for a change.

Walking inside I hand my Patron on the rocks to the front desk staff. I’ll need two hands for this. Random luxuries attract me:
• Art glass and industrial gooseneck forming the lobby chandelier
• Gym with personal flat screens and the coolest custom parquet floor I’ve seen in a while
• Raquetball court & private screening room
• Social hall with strip views
• Custom birch & mahogany hardwood doors
• Interior design that’s actually cool
• Authentic materials and finishes everywhere I look

One of the investors is Solyman Yashouafar. He’s the older and quieter gentleman who comments, “This is a demonstration of what we do. Next is The Roosevelt in Los Angeles.”

If Sky is any indication of what’s to follow, then The Roosevelt could deliver what it promises too. We’ll keep our eyes open.

Sky Las Vegas

2007-06-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

From the same developers as The Roosevelt, we had an insider at the grand opening party last night in Vegas...Sky is the first luxury residential high rise on the strip. The party was amazing by all accounts....report to follow shortly.

Bontempi Kitchen

2007-06-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

Did you know that every loft unit at the Roosevelt is being equipped with a gourmet kitchen and custom cabinetry by Bontempi Cucine? Did you know that Bontempi Group is one of Italy's leading industrial companies in the furnishing sector offering high design and excellent value for homes around the world?

If you are interested in getting up close with Bontempi and do not have the time to travel to Italy, you are in luck. Bontempi has a Beverly Hills based Showroom! Next Thursday evening, June 14th at 7pm, The Roosevelt Lofts have teamed up with Bontempi for a special event at their showroom. Please join us for a special evening of drinks, tapas and a cooking demonstration by one of LA's finest Private Chefs, Fabrizio Giorgi. In addition, there will be personal interior design consultations from Alex Monis.

When: Thursday, June 14th 7:00 pm
Where: Bontempi USA
8919 Beverly Drive
West Hollywood

Can you imagine having more fun anywhere else? I can't. Besides, everyone knows that the party always ends up in the kitchen. Can't wait to see you there!