Part of what is unique about the Arts District is that there is already a great precedent for creativity and design. We believe that the architectural character of buildings is important, but the way that you design buildings and how that design relates to real people is what creates the real character. At 4th & Hewitt, we envisioned a revitalized corner in the community that nodded to the creativity of its residents and neighbors, connected people with the interior courtyards, green space and artistic elements, and catered to the live-work-play lifestyle that is becoming increasingly desirable in urban communities.

GlobeSt.com: How does this break the mold of typical live-work lofts?

Pineda: Artists began the live-work phenomenon because they required an economical space with an open concept, often found in renovated warehouses. Live‑work lofts have become more widely adopted by the greater creative culture, but often boast the same dark, deep and narrow layout.

The project at 4th & Hewitt in the Downtown LA Arts District is breaking this common mold for live-work spaces by inviting natural light into each unit. We designed the building to feature a unique break down the center of it that allows for windows on both ends of the lofts, allowing light to penetrate through. The porous nature of the building is reinforced by providing constant visual connection to the street from common spaces, courtyards and corridors.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of each loft are evenly spaced and framed with industrial‑inspired materials that blend with the local character of the Arts District. Large canopy trees, expanded sidewalks and 20,000 SF of street-level retail will further enhance the pedestrian experience and give the project a dynamic urban quality that reflects the Arts District community.

GlobeSt.com: There is a lot of development happening in the Arts District. How does this project fit into what is currently happening in the market?

Pineda: It's key for any development to synergize with the surrounding community. The design for 4th & Hewitt thoughtfully considered the needs and lifestyle of the local artists, residents and patrons, as well as the history of the region as reflected in the design and use of materials previously noted.

The DTLA Arts District is entering a redevelopment renaissance with an influx of creative-concept companies and restaurants taking space in the old warehouses thus creating opportunity and demand for more residences and retail. A growing number of residential communities in the area will provide the pedestrian traffic and employees for the surrounding retail shops and commercial companies, all while revitalizing the region and adding to the success of the neighborhood.

Additionally, there are several mixed-use communities, as well as parks, office buildings, hotels, and possibly a Metro extension planned for the area. 4th & Hewitt as a live-work community offers future residents the ability to enjoy and interact with a refreshed version of this once-vibrant community.

LOS ANGELES—Shoreham Capital and MVE Partners is bringing a new breed of live/work lofts to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. 4^th & Hewitt, the latest project from the developer and designer, trades dark and narrow units for open units with natural light and plenty of windows. The seven-story, 98-unit project will also feature ground floor retail that will cater to local artists and an exterior art wall, a detail added as an ode to the neighborhood. To find out more about the project and why it is was time to break the mold of Arts District lofts, we sat down with MVE Partners senior associate partner Sherwin Pineda for an exclusive interview.

GlobeSt.com: What was your vision for the project?

Sherwin Pineda: We approach the design for each project by identifying the needs of the developer, the potential residents and surrounding community. From here, we deploy innovative solutions to each need. One of the key objectives of the vision for 4th & Hewitt was to provide the arts community with a live/work solution that not only resonated with the region, but with their personal style.

Part of what is unique about the Arts District is that there is already a great precedent for creativity and design. We believe that the architectural character of buildings is important, but the way that you design buildings and how that design relates to real people is what creates the real character. At 4th & Hewitt, we envisioned a revitalized corner in the community that nodded to the creativity of its residents and neighbors, connected people with the interior courtyards, green space and artistic elements, and catered to the live-work-play lifestyle that is becoming increasingly desirable in urban communities.

GlobeSt.com: How does this break the mold of typical live-work lofts?

Pineda: Artists began the live-work phenomenon because they required an economical space with an open concept, often found in renovated warehouses. Live‑work lofts have become more widely adopted by the greater creative culture, but often boast the same dark, deep and narrow layout.

The project at 4th & Hewitt in the Downtown LA Arts District is breaking this common mold for live-work spaces by inviting natural light into each unit. We designed the building to feature a unique break down the center of it that allows for windows on both ends of the lofts, allowing light to penetrate through. The porous nature of the building is reinforced by providing constant visual connection to the street from common spaces, courtyards and corridors.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of each loft are evenly spaced and framed with industrial‑inspired materials that blend with the local character of the Arts District. Large canopy trees, expanded sidewalks and 20,000 SF of street-level retail will further enhance the pedestrian experience and give the project a dynamic urban quality that reflects the Arts District community.

GlobeSt.com: There is a lot of development happening in the Arts District. How does this project fit into what is currently happening in the market?

Pineda: It's key for any development to synergize with the surrounding community. The design for 4th & Hewitt thoughtfully considered the needs and lifestyle of the local artists, residents and patrons, as well as the history of the region as reflected in the design and use of materials previously noted.

The DTLA Arts District is entering a redevelopment renaissance with an influx of creative-concept companies and restaurants taking space in the old warehouses thus creating opportunity and demand for more residences and retail. A growing number of residential communities in the area will provide the pedestrian traffic and employees for the surrounding retail shops and commercial companies, all while revitalizing the region and adding to the success of the neighborhood.

Additionally, there are several mixed-use communities, as well as parks, office buildings, hotels, and possibly a Metro extension planned for the area. 4th & Hewitt as a live-work community offers future residents the ability to enjoy and interact with a refreshed version of this once-vibrant community.