Brooks+Scarpa’s Alta Lofts Provide Chic Living in an Old Factory

Taking a long and windy road to completion Los Angeles' <a href="http://www.livealta.com">Alta Lofts</a> is a unique take on contemporary urban living.  Struggling to finish the building in the existing economy, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/la/hw8-prefab-homes-have-the-open-air-feeling-of-a-loft/">lofts </a>are finally complete and ready to offer sustainable living for a revitalized East LA community. Designed by <a href="http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/">Brooks-Scarpa Architects</a> formally (Pugh-Scarpa), the green renovation is a striking re-envisioning of the 1920-era paint factory. The contemporary design capping the original neo-classical building is a nod to the retro chic that LA does best. The industrial artist studios open to a large central atrium by garage doors adding community and the open air to the lofts lifestyle.

The original Fuller Paints building <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?attachment_id=144967">façade</a> was left virtually intact.

The modernist metal 2 story ‘cap’ is placed on top of the original 4 story building. 

The design creates a very unique character that both preserves the area's culture while looking to provide modern, dense and colorful city living.

Two roof gardens, a walkway system, and courtyard allow pedestrians to flow throughout the building, creating a sense of community for the inhabitants.

The atrium courtyard was introduced into the heart of the building to provide natural lighting and send breezes through the interior.

Heat pumps provide heating and cooling and low-flow water devices and xeriscape gardens keep water consumption low.

The mixed-use <a href="http://inhabitat.com/la/trendy-standard-hotel-in-downtown-la-converted-from-historical-landmark-superior-oil-building/">revitalization</a> of the 85 year-old building is a cornerstone in the renewal of the entire neighborhood.

The 158,000 square foot project offers 102 live-work spaces in addition to commercial and retail areas on the ground floor.

A new train station is also nearby. Originally intended to be low-income housing by the original developer (who was also the partner Architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Scarpa">Lawrence Scarpa</a>), the economic downturn put the project in limbo.

New developers turned the lofts into a contemporary industrial space clearly aimed for young working professionals who want to live near downtown.

Floor plan of smaller units.