Johnny Depp Los Angeles Pentouse Loft

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Lobby Area


Roof Deck

Source: Ruth Ryon, Los Angeles Times

Johnny Depp has been busier than any pirate in the Caribbean, and that could be why the downtown L.A. loft he bought in the fall for close to $2 million is still vacant.

Depp bought a penthouse in the Eastern Columbia Building, an Art Deco landmark on South Broadway. The 13-story building, opened in 1930 as a retail and office tower and later used as a department store and movie backdrop, was converted into 147 residential lofts in 2006.

Since then, all except a half a dozen lofts on the penthouse level have been sold. Prices run from the high $600,000 range to $2.2 million.

Besides Depp, entertainment industry buyers have included comedian Ant and Slade Smiley, a heartthrob who was on the TV show "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Other buyers are architecture enthusiasts. Buyers in the Moderne, turquoise terra-cotta-clad building qualify for historic tax credits, or reduced property taxes, through the Mills Act.

It's not too late to become one of Depp's neighbors. There is a furnished corner unit in the building listed at about $1.8 million. It's on the 12th floor and is described as light-filled with an open floor plan and high ceilings. The unit has a bronze and iron entry gate, storage for 112 bottles of wine, flat-screen TVs, a jukebox, a vintage-style safe and city views. The 1,827-square-foot loft was decorated by designer Jim Hughes.

Kelly Wearstler, a celebrity designer, decorated the building's common areas such as the rooftop pool, spa and gym. The building also has a distinctive clock tower and a concierge.

Depp, who has played more than 40 unique roles on film, is as busy as ever, now starring as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street for the film adaptation of the musical "Sweeney Todd," released a few weeks ago. The 44-year-old actor starred as Capt. Jack Sparrow in "The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003), "The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006) and "The Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (2007). In 2005, he was cast as Willie Wonka, a magical candy maker, in Tim Burton's adaptation of "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory."

David Kean, at Prudential California Realty in Beverly Hills, has the listing on the furnished loft.


Eastern Columbia Lofts Unit Amenities:
-Expansive floor plans from 720 to 2,750 square feet
-Cityscape views from nearly every unit
-11 - 14 foot exposed ceilings
-Eight penthouse residences, including three two-story 12th floor lofts and one with detached studio
-Polished concrete floors with optional hardwood upgrade in multiples finishes
-Elective kwid design package, including paint and wallcovering options, mobile screen, bookshelves, ceiling-mounted bamboo shade screen and wall paneling
-Gourmet kitchens featuring stainless steel Amana appliances, European style glass and wood cabinetry in multiple shade options, black granite counters, pendant and inset lighting, architectural and period-inspired hardware
-Extensive kitchen upgrade package, including Caesar Stone and stainless steel counters, Viking appliances, Franke hardware, glass backsplashes, wine racks, stovetop water pot fillers, warming drawers and butcher-block topped mobile islands
-Oversized bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, granite counters and tub decks, custom-designed faucets, shower and tub hardware, box light sconces and washer-dryer hook-ups
-Luxurious bathroom upgrades featuring vintage-inspired, custom patterned tile floors, glass shower doors, Waterworks accessories, wood and bamboo blinds and stacked Frigidaire washer dryers