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Lowered Van Nuys Veil Reveals Building's Historic Detail

By Eric Richardson
Published: Wednesday, October 08, 2008, at 10:34AM
Van Nuys Rehab Eric Richardson []

Clean terra cotta shines on the top floors of the Van Nuys building at 7th and Spring.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — For years, the Van Nuys building at 7th and Spring has been one that passersby hardly noticed. Faded ground floor retail led into a dingy exterior.

In July, work began on a $42 million renovation and the building was shrouded in scaffolding and a black veil. Taking a look at the floors that have been completed, it's clear that the finished building will garner a little more attention.

The building cost $1,250,000 when it opened in 1912. It was designed by Morgan, Walls & Morgan, who also built the Hellman Building and the Farmers & Merchants Bank.

During restoration, facade work has taken place from the top down. The building's 9th and 10th floors are grouped, with intricate terra cotta detailing running vertically between window bays. The work by firm has brought a luster back to the material, and has involved molding replacement details to restore elements that had been damaged.

Once renovated, the building will continue to serve as 299 units of affordable senior housing. The building is owned by , a national REIT. The $42 million rehab is being done with $25 million in tax-free senior housing bonds and $17 million in private funding.

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Eric Richardson

Looking at the building's 7th street face, as it reaches the corner of Spring.

Eric Richardson

The building's northwest corner, between Spring and Broadway on 7th.

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Conversation

Guest 1

Amy on October 08, 2008, at 11:46AM – #1

STUNNING! I'm delighted that the seniors get a chance to live in a place that has some restored dignity.

I initially didn't recognize the building by the name, but it clicked from a posting in previous blog entry as the building with the alley that "smells". Cheers to no longer having to hold my breath as I walk the distance!

How old do you think some of those wigs are/were in the wig store on the 1st floor?


Guest 2

Brigham on October 08, 2008, at 01:03PM – #2

So beautiful it makes me wanna cry! :)


Guest 3

Rich Alossi on October 08, 2008, at 01:59PM – #3

My sister pointed out to me that the millinery (hat supply store) on the ground floor may be the largest in the city. I hope it's still around after the renovation.


Guest 4

sad on October 08, 2008, at 07:20PM – #4

You'd think they'd prevent the building from being used as a urinal.

I feel bad for the residents.


Guest 5

carter on October 08, 2008, at 07:22PM – #5

One of the best architectural wonders, of many, in all of downtown LA. Glad to see it getting the uplift. 7th & Spring is a real good quality anchor to the retail corridor that 7th Street is destined to become, yet again. Bring on the new retailers, and Rite Aid need not apply!


Eric Richardson () on October 08, 2008, at 07:51PM – #6

sad: Trying to clean up the sanitary conditions of the alley and get more light on the front of the building was one of AIMCO's priorities when they bought the building. That's why the alley on 7th is now gated.


Guest 6

downtown on October 08, 2008, at 09:42PM – #7

another building on spring that is going to add to the explosion of that street. I wonder what the retail is going to entail.



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