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Larchmont Chronicle
FEBRUARY 2020
SECTION TWO
Developer buys building with history of design changes By Billy Taylor Residents of a rent-controlled apartment building in Hancock Park say they are worried about plans from the building’s new owner to evict them while the structure undergoes expansion and seismic upgrades, converting apartments into “co-living” units. The building has a long history of development twists and turns. Located at 410 N. Rossmore Ave., the five-story building, which sits overshadowed between two historic towers — the El Royale to the north and Country Club Manor to the south — includes a fascinating history of how it came to be built, but more on that later. “Housing some tenants for more than 30 years, the building’s fate is hanging in the balance,” resident Michelle Hodan wrote to the Chronicle. “We don’t want to lose our homes,” she pleaded. The building’s new owner, Atlanta-based Domos CoLiving, describes itself as a “tech-enabled co-living developer” that specializes in housing that provides “affordable options in expensive areas.” Residents were first informed of the eviction plans on Christmas Eve., when a
FOUR FLOORS were built before construction ended, leaving an unfinished project across from the Wilshire Country Club.
FRENCH GOTHIC 13-story tower by architect Max Maltzman was original design for 410 N. Rossmore Ave.
representative from Domos called tenants to preemptively brief them on plans before the new owner closed escrow on the property in January. According to resident Anne Roberts, the tenants are still seeking more information. “Some of us were told by Domos that we would be relocated while the building was renovated into co-living units, and then invited back. “But it’s unclear what we
will be invited back to — who wants to live like a bunch of college kids?” said Roberts. Co-living units generally are designed to include a private bedroom space while areas like bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms are shared with other tenants. On questions of: which residents would be invited back; whether all units will be converted into co-living; and where the additional parking
will come from, answers were not provided. Fearing the worst, residents are seeking to have the city designate the property as a Historic-Cultural Monument, thinking that may thwart change. Speaking to the Chronicle, Domos Construction Manager Richard Loring confirmed that the company closed escrow on the building on Jan. 17. “There is a great deal of planning and renovation that goes into this kind of project,” explained Loring by phone. In regard to current residents, Domos will offer to “buy out” some residents and for other residents, the company will pay for relocation,
moving expenses and any difference in a higher-cost rent during the renovation period. When asked about specific design aspects, Loring said he was unable to discuss such details at this time, but he did indicate that the company is planning “extensive work” on the property. “The building has an interesting history,” explained Loring, who noted that the building’s foundation was first constructed in 1930 for a much bigger project. “But because it was built with concrete almost 100 years ago, it doesn’t come close to meeting modern building codes and standards.” (Please turn to page 3)
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