You can tell it’s going to be cool.
The industrial walls, the tasteful accents, the European sensibility – everything has its place. Form, function, vision. Now it’s just waiting for artists to bring it to life.
After 16 frustrating years, Louis Longi’s beleaguered live-work complex in Laguna Canyon is finally nearing completion.
Officially called ArtLofts and located at 20412 Laguna Canyon Rd., the 28 units were “designed by artists for artists” and should open by early next year. Longi said he and partner Chris Dornin are trying for the end of December, but it’s not looking likely.
Walking through the complex – busy with workers, scaffolding and commercial-grade infrastructure – you can already get a sense of what it will be like for the working artists.
So far, about 25% of the units are leased, Longi said. Each unit will share communal workspaces, a digital media lounge, gallery, exhibition space and community barbeque.
It will be a unique, invigorating creative environment.
“I’m so excited,” said Longi, eagerly pointing out every feature during a private tour. “After 16 years, with all of the (BS), it’s a nice feeling of redemption. As an artist, it’s very cool. It’s a good flow from the living areas to the workspaces to the communal spaces.”
It’s been a long time coming for Longi, who lost hope at one point about whether his dream would survive.
“I try not to think about all the (stuff) I went through,” he said.
Indeed, Longi has a lot to look forward to at this point.
The remaining units range from $3,300 for a studio to $8,000 for a two-bedroom. The units are expected to be occupied by more than one person, which helps qualify a couple of them as affordable housing.
To get accepted, you must be a working artist or current student (ideally LCAD) and approved by the City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission. Details are on the site.
To further its LCAD affiliation, the complex will be the newest stop on the LCAD shuttle route connecting the property to the South Campus, Main Campus, Big Bend, and Club Laguna.
Despite the development challenges, Longi tries to stay positive, and he lights up whenever he talks about the opportunities that the complex will offer artists.
“My whole goal was to help give back to the artist community,” he said. “I learned a lot. I started this as an artist with brown curly hair, good eyesight and a little bit of money in the bank. Now, I’m broke, I’m more of a developer than an artist, my hair is gray, and I have terrible eyesight.”
Despite all that, Longi chuckles when he says it.
His dream is finally coming together, and that’s good enough for him.
