Iconic Los Angeles Art & Car Warehouse

Fashion designer Magnus Walker got his start in the business by accident, when the glam metal band Faster Pussycat’s lead singer, Taime Downe, noticed the pair of pants Magnus had customized for himself and bought eight pairs. Magnus parlayed that success into a stall on Venice Beach where he sold revamped thrift store finds. As the stall took off, Walker started his own line, Serious. He took on a partner, Karen Caid, whom he would later marry, and took the brand to new heights, opening a store on LA’s famous boutique row, Melrose Avenue, and dressing the likes of Alice Cooper, Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Bruce Willis. His achievements allowed him to realize his childhood dream of owning a Porsche, first buying one vintage 911 and then creating a collection of one-of-a-kind customized Porsches. His cars would be featured in documentaries, video games, and even a shoe collaboration with Nike celebrating his most famous car, a 1971 911 T known as the “277”. 

For the last 24 years, Walker’s spectacular Porsche collection has been housed at his unique Downtown LA warehouse, which has also served as a film location for numerous commercials and videos for stars like Kevin Costner, Mary J. Blige, Heidi Klum, and the Eagles. The iconic property has been listed for sale, with an asking price of around $20 million. Although Walker has never parted with any of his cars, he has hinted that they, too, might be available for the right price. 

Built in 1905, the two-story building spans 26,000 square feet across three lots. Every inch of the Arts District property has been thoughtfully designed as a creative canvas. Enter through the gated courtyard, with parking for 12 cars. Inside, find exposed brick walls, vintage patinated wood floors, soaring ceilings with multiple skylights and massive casement windows with epic city views. An operational freight elevator takes you to the second floor or to the rooftop, which offers a panoramic view of the LA skyline.

One of the most captivating aspects of the property is its lush garden, featuring stunning bougainvillea and fragrant night-blooming jasmine. Says Walker, “One of my favorite places is what we call the garden but in reality, that is an old industrial railroad spur. In the 70’s, deliveries were still being made to the building via railroad. When we bought the building, it was an old abandoned disused alley with a lot of junk. Everything that you see in there, we planted almost 25 years ago, and nothing was over eight feet tall. Now it’s this peaceful, tranquil, mystical garden that when the sun comes over that wall at 7am in the morning, it’s just magical.”

Downtown LA’s Arts District is a stretch of industrial warehouses that have been revitalized into a booming gallery scene. Murals and museums contribute to the district’s creative culture. Home to many artists, the neighborhood is also popular with celebrities, with Johnny Depp, Diane Keaton, Vincent Gallo, and Nicolas Cage all owning properties in the area. 

The listing is held by Tori Horowitz and Rinat Greenberg of Canyonhaus at Compass and Geoff Anenberg of Normal Properties.

Photo Credit: Emmanuel Soriano, Gavin Cater and Leanna Creel

Source: canyonhaus.com