The Historic Gas Co. Lofts buildings have certainly run hot and cold over the years.
The property, which encompasses three buildings, was formerly the headquarters of the Southern California Gas Co. Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the buildings were constructed at various dates from 1924 to 1960.
The first building, dating back to 1924, stood 13 stories tall and was a storefront for selling natural gas stoves and heaters. Local architects John and Donald B. Parkinson, who drew up the blueprints for other famous L.A. landmarks such as City Hall and Union Station, designed the building in the Renaissance Revival style.
A six-story building was erected in 1942 to accommodate the growing business, and the new structure had a different architectural feel than its original counterpart. This addition, designed by local architect Robert Derrah, featured an Art Deco, modern minimalist style. Eighteen years later, the gas company grew again, adding a third building designed by L.A.-based architectural firm A.C. Martin Partners.
But L.A.-based CIM Group, an urban developer of residential lofts in historic and new buildings, saw the original structure's potential. The developer restored the buildings in 2004 into the Gas Co. Lofts, a 251-unit, loft-style apartment complex. CIM restored many of the building's timeless elements, such as its original office doors and large windows.
While the developer maintained the building's unique features, it also blended modern must-haves such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and walk-in closets. Many of the units feature exposed ceilings and concrete beams.
Santa Monica, Calif.-based Killefer Flammang Architects teamed with CIM to redesign the three historic buildings as apartments. The buildings also feature retail space on the ground floor.
