The proposed redevelopment of the 1920s Challenge Cream and Butter Building in the Arts District has received the go-ahead. Developed by Est4te Four Capital, the project was approved by the L.A. City Council about six years since its preparations began.
Following the approval, the developers of the building situated at 929-939 E. 2nd Street can proceed with a zone change and environmental clearance.
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The original two-story building will be expanded by six more levels. This will add over 70,300 square feet of office space. Additionally, 17,200 square feet of artist studios and screening rooms, and 21,000 square feet of event space. Furthermore, an automated facility in the basement of the Challenge Cream & Butter Building would serve as parking for 270 vehicles.
The structure, which takes its name from the crossroads of 2nd and Vignes Streets, was created by New York-based Morali Architects. Plans depict a modern mid-rise building with cantilevered balconies and a rooftop pool deck. The height of the structure would be 141 feet at its peak and 131 feet to the roof.
Construction of 2nd & Vignes is anticipated to take 18 months, according to an environmental report published by the City of Los Angeles in 2017. However, a specific delivery date has not yet been disclosed, though.
The history behind the Challenge Cream and Butter in California
Es4te Four originally intended to develop a private club with offices, a screening room, a gym, and an event space, as well as food and beverage establishments at street level. The current project drastically differs from the original plan. However, the developer abandoned plans for a private club in December 2021. They explained this citing shifting market conditions brought on by the epidemic.
Even while the office space market has recently suffered its own difficulties, a number of significant developers, including Onni Group, Jade Enterprises, Skanska, Tishman Speyer, and Hines, look to be pressing on with related projects.
