Could it be we're one step closer to the realization of an entire building made of stacked shipping containers? Mill Street Lofts, set to go up in the Downtown Artist District, adjacent to the Biscuit Company Lofts and Toy Lofts, has that sort of efficient, industrial, boxy-esque feel and look to them. And since the architects are German, it sort of all makes sense.
Construction on Mill Street Lofts will start in February of 2007, while sales begin in mid-2007 with an expected occupancy in 2008. Inspired by the site's elevated views of downtown's historic bridges and buildings, Behnisch Architects employed sustainable design strategies to create a distinguished interpretation of Los Angeles living. "We tried to create a modern version from an adaptive reuse project," notes Christof Jantzen, partner of Behnisch Architects. "We analyzed old buildings and adapted smaller versions so we have exposed concrete floors and exposed concrete walls. When we worked on the building, we wanted to deal with the design in context of the site."
The developers of the project, Linear City LLC, also plan to close off Industrial Street in front of the 11-story loft building to create a pedestrian plaza connecting the Toy, Biscuit and Mill Street Loft projects. As proposed, and yes we know these things change, the project will feature 120 units and those ever present downtown skyline views.
· New Lofts by Linear City LLC Anchor Redevelopment in LA's Growing Arts District [Multi-Housing News]