Johnny Depp’s Art Deco Los Angeles Penthouse

Listing of the Day

Location: Los Angeles, California

Price: $2.475 million

Soon after the landmark Eastern Columbia Building in downtown Los Angeles was modernized in 2007, Johnny Depp bought his first penthouse atop the iconic Art Deco masterpiece.Over the next decade, the actor, producer, musician and real estate investor went on to buy four more of the multi-story penthouses in the 1930 building. He moved out last year and put all five up for sale.

Two of the units have been sold, and now Penthouse 2, a corner unit, has been professionally staged and photographed for the first time.

"The views are spectacular— you can see down to the ocean and out to Century City," said Kevin Dees of Partners Trust, which has handled the sales of all five units in The Depp Collection. "It’s like you’re on top of all of downtown."

This particular penthouse, Mr. Dees said, was his art space, with two big guest bedrooms. "He used this one for painting," he said.

"It’s very secluded—it’s just a special, special unit," he said.

The light fixtures hanging over the first level living area are one of Mr. Depp’s few remaining furnishings in the apartment. These are original 1958 Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame streetlights that Mr. Depp acquired and installed.

More:Johnny Depp Sells First of Five Eclectic L.A. Penthouses for $2.5 million

Some of the artwork is from his collection, too, including the piece over the master suite bed. Neither the streetlights nor the artwork are part of the sale, and the staged furniture is not included in the sale price.

Soaring ceilings and extra large windows define the great room, which includes a living area, dining area and chef’s kitchen.

A red metal staircase with flooring in a bold checkered pattern flooring and Art Deco details leads to the second floor. This upper level has the master suite and en-suite guest quarters with views of the rooftop pool, city and mountains.

"The Eastern Building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the U.S., in my opinion," Mr. Dees said.

And you’re likely to become friendly with your neighbors. "There is a great sense of community within this building," he said.

Still remaining for sale from the Johnny Depp Collection at Eastern Columbia Building are Penthouse 1 for $2.385 million and Penthouse 4 for $1.79 million . PH3 sold for $3.09 million, which was a price-per-square-foot record in the historic core district of downtown L.A. at $1,287.50, and PH5 sold for $2.545 million. 

The Stats

The 2,260-square-foot condominium has two bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Design Pedigree

The Claude Beelman-designed Eastern Columbia Building is widely considered the greatest surviving example of Art Deco architecture in Los Angeles. Its trademark four-sided clock tower—with the word "Eastern" blazoned in white neon on each face of the clock—serves as a beacon throughout the city.

Bright turquoise terra cotta and gold leaf tiles blanket the Eastern Columbia structure on all sides. Beyond the Zigzag Moderne-style entrance is a grand lobby outfitted with opulent decor that includes fluted paneling and antique mirrors.

The 2007 modernization was done by The KOR Group, Killefer Flammang Architects and Interior designer Kelly Wearstler.

More:Johnny Depp Reduces Price of French Estate to $39M

Amenities

The penthouse has a large outdoor terrace with direct access to the building’s skydeck, which has a saltwater pool, spa, sundeck, lounging cabanas and a fully equipped fitness studio. 

"It’s the best pool deck in all of downtown L.A.," Mr. Dees said. "This penthouse has the second-largest terrace in the building."

Neighborhood Notes

"Downtown L.A. is one of the most exciting, thriving places in the city right now," Mr. Dees said. "This building is at the epicenter of everything that’s cool downtown,"

The Orpheum Theater is across the street and the Ace Hotel is on the next block, he said.

"You don’t even need a car–it’s similar to Manhattan living," he said.

Agents: Kevin Dees and Nick Segal of Partners Trust

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