Maximizing Minimalism

Modernist condominium project, The Hollywood, set for May opening

By David Silva

While it may seem almost counter-intuitive to use a particularly gaudy corner of Tinsel Town as a proving ground for minimalist theories, that's exactly what the developers of The Hollywood are doing.

The Hollywood, a 54-unit, 100,000-sq-ft condominium project within walking distance of some of Southern California's trendiest retail centers and nightclubs, is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based Metro Modern Developers. The four men who comprise Metro Modern are each adherents to the spare, stripped-to-the-essentials school of minimalist architecture, says co-partner Gabriel Talbert.

"We're a truly international group of developers," says Talbert. "I was born in Argentina and raised in Israel. Another partner was raised in Israel, and another is from Holland. We're committed to modern, minimalist design. The Hollywood is a combination of our vision. It has a very modern, European look, because that's what we like."

The group's aesthetic philosophy can easily be seen in its exterior profile: a five-story, rectangular design with smooth white plaster walls accentuated by carbon-infused Trespa wood paneling. At the center of the development is a completely enclosed courtyard dominated by a rectangular pool and spa. The pool itself represents something of a technological step forward: It's the first in L.A. County to feature a fiber-optic bottom that reflects light from a source above.

"This way, we never have to empty the water to replace bulbs," says Talbert. "So, not only does it conserve water, but it's very cost-effective. The lights also change colors, and changes very smoothly."

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Other amenities include a sports lounge, private gym and two-level, 65,000-sq-ft subterranean parking garage. Residents can also view images from any of the complex's perimeter cameras through their desktop computers or PDAs.

Such innovations are in keeping with Metro Modern's stated belief that minimalism shouldn't come at the expense of luxury. As designed by Steven Kanner Architects of Santa Monica and executed by general contractor Hy-Max Building Corp. of Mission Hills, The Hollywood "opens" interior space by providing each unit with high ceilings, moveable kitchen islands, and a balcony. Floor plans range from 1,400-sq-ft, two-bedroom units with 9-ft ceilings and kitchen islands to two-story, 2,600-sq-ft penthouses with 18-ft ceilings, three bedrooms, four bathrooms and mezzanine.

Units feature imported terrazzo floors and high-end appliances and cabinetry, including European-style refrigerators, custom vanities, Caesar stone countertops, and plumbing fixtures by Duravit and Hansgrohe.

Work on the project, located at 6735 Yucca Street, began in November 2005, and should be completed by the end of May. Smaller units are priced at around $800,000, while penthouses start at about $1.2 million. Talbert would not disclose the total cost of the project, nor would he say how many units have been pre-sold.

"We were looking to design a contemporary building that still had a sense of warmth," says Steven Kanner, president of Kanner Architects. "We also wanted to use materials that would last - condominium projects differ from commercial projects in that residents expect their units to withstand the test of time. Trespa is a wood product, but the wood chips are mixed with a number of other materials so that it doesn't deteriorate and requires very little maintenance.

"(Metro Modern Developers) were sophisticated in terms of understanding our design, and were willing to give the architects some freedom. I think we share a similar vision of modernism, in using spaces that give a lot of light and are open. I'd like to give a nod to them - without great clients, you can't have a great building."

The Project Team

Developer: Metro Modern Developers of Los Angeles
General Contractor: Hy-Max Building Corp. of Mission Hills
Architect: Kanner Architects of Santa Monica
Plumbing Contractor: 2K Plumbing and Fire Protection of Van Nuys
Framing Contractor: Ultimate Construction of Los Angeles