My sis’ sent me an article on some new build work/live lofts in the urban renewall section of downtown Santa Ana, CA. There’s an openhouse on the 3rd and I’m excited. So far the only ones I’ve heard of are in or near the old brewery in LA. The problem is there in a war zone, so you’d be captive in your prison. I’ll be the first to admit I may be caught up in some romanticised fantasy of having a dedicated work space with the added advantage of low overhead.
The PLAN:
I’m pushing 50, kids are almost gone and I can afford a 1/2 million if I sell my house. (I bought the 1st one in So Cal in ’76, best investment I’ve ever made). I plan on continuing to do high-end one-off furniture and move into semi-retirement just as soon as I can get the F* out of the wireless phone engineering business. I’m going to have to work ’till I croak so I might as well do something I like. SA is a great location, I buy most of my material there as it is. So far I sent an email to the builder’s website wondering about noise and dust restrictions. Trying to find out if they’re looking for painters and potters or open to woodworkers. I hope they allow metal workers ’cause there even noisier and dirtier.
So any work/live lofters out there? What else should I be asking/thinking about?
John O’Connell – JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change …
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
Replies
Hi, I have lived in an 1890's vintage loft for quite a few years. Also have my WW shop located there. Loft living/hobbying is great, would never be able to go back to a conventional house. I'm located on the second [top] floor and the freight elevator comes right up into my shop. Obviously, makes it very easy to move the heavy cast iron I own.
As you are thinking about an old, industrial type building, you probably should think about: lead paint; asbestos; left overs from previous building use[s]; existing windows/roof/insulation; how to heat/cool; electric service [3ph?];access/security;will zoning permit 24/7 living; is change of use permit required; tenant mix; deliveries/pick ups; are just a few that come to mind.
Also, your concern about making noise is important, but, so is right of other tenants to make noise. Had an "artist" in this building who could only be creative during the night, after consumption of "recreational substances", and with, so called, rap music blaring.
HTH,
Bob
Thanks for the input. I really didn't consider the possibility of neighbor's noise on me. Since these lofts are brand new buildings from the ground-up I don't need to worry about LBP, ABMs, old plumbiing or old electrical. The "studio" is on the ground floor w/ 1 bath and a 2 car garage so machines and materials logisitics are simple. On the otherhand, there's no big roll-up door either for getting large pieces out. The floor plans aren't to scale but it looks like the studio door is oversized, maybe a 4 footer. If the living area is open to the studio space, dust control will be a priority. Thinking long term the stairs are a single flight so an inclinator would be possible down the road.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
The more things change ...
We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC
>> The problem is they're in a war zone ...
If you think there's a chance that the neighborhood will turn around, this could be an opportunity to get in the game early. Lots and lots of former industrial and warehouse districts have turned into pretty upscale neighborhoods all over the US. When you get a critical mass of more or less law abiding citizens, the punks can't afford to live there anymore.
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