1643 12th St

Featured in Dwell Magazine. Frank Gehry, FAIA, Developer |Live/Work Artist's Loft. In the early 1990s, long-time friends architect Frank Gehry and artist Chuck Arnoldi got together to develop real estate for their own portfolio. This intimate 6-unit complex is the result of this creative collaboration, where form follows function, scale and proportion define the composition, and materials are expressed openly and honestly. Arnoldi reserved Studio 2 for himself, arguably the best unit in the building at the southwest corner, where natural light streams through industrial-scale windows on all levels, and large skylights funnel sunlight to the interior of the space. The artist's studio on the first floor has 17-foot-tall ceilings, a stand-alone office with its own bathroom, and a mezzanine above, both of which now serve as bedrooms for the current owners, a family of four with two children. The middle level features the public space, with an open plan connecting living, dining, and kitchen areas, ideal for entertaining. At the top, a large master suite commands panoramic views from city to ocean, with a separate sitting area, large walk-in closet, and luxurious spa-like bathroom. The exquisite palette of materials rounds out the compelling experience, with signature Frank Gehry built-ins, honed marble slabs, Heath tile, custom concrete countertops, stainless steel appliances, and high-end European hardware and fixtures throughout. And the location itself couldn't be more advantageous, with the Pacific twelve blocks away, Santa Monica's vibrant downtown close at hand, and easy access to the 10 Freeway and Metro's Expo Line.