Excerpts from Tenant Essays & Other Letters
When I walked into the apartment on Franklin, I immediately felt at home. During the course of my search I have looked at maybe 100 apartments (no exaggeration) and have been for the most part under-whelmed or disappointed with the atmosphere, size or price. The atmosphere at the Claridge felt just right. I feel like Goldilocks who finally found the perfect place to sleep! I love the hardwood floors, creative touches in the kitchen and of course, the beautiful fountain courtyard. I could see myself living in a building like this for a long, long time.
It was a hot and humid day, the kind of day that settles on you like an itchy, wool sweater your grandmother knitted you. It was all my air conditioner could do to cool me down on my drive from my job at the Getty Center back to my favorite part of the city - the 3rd and LaBrea area. It's been my dream to rent there... But, if those guys at Park LaBrea get their way, I'll be stuck in a place that's painted like an after-dinner mint.
Once upon a time there was a princess in search of a home... She traveled weeks and weeks throughout the city of Hollywood trying to find her perfect abode. One day, during her travels she stumbled upon a beautiful English Tudor building on the lovely, serene street of Sycamore. As she entered the one-bedroom home her heart pattered with excitement... Her search was over... She knew this was home.
As we drove past one of your lovely properties, we simply looked at each other and smiled. Knowing that once again, we are in the right place at the right time. The story of 'us' continues to unfold... We met last year and fell in love immediately - we had both known that true love was worth waiting for. And now we've been waiting for our 'true home.' The fact that my engagement ring is from the 20's and the location of our wedding is an Art Deco Landmark - makes it clear that we've found you for a reason! We love your beautiful buildings in Hancock Park, the artistic signs, even your website and voicemail message have humor, compassion and grace. Thank you!
Hi Dave,
Thank you so much for brightening my day! I was driving around the Fairfax/Miracle Mile Districts today looking for apartments for me and my 2 cats and just 'happened' to pass by the 1BR on Cochran. The lights were on and they beckoned me to come in for a look. I love houses. I had almost passed out from seeing an Art Moderne house off Olympic a few blocks away, but it looked tired, worn, bedraggled.
Cochran made me turn around, park, and get out of my car. I knew I couldn't afford it, but I HAD to see it. I love old houses. Once inside, I forgot the frustration of apartment hunting. I swooned over the sconces and the antique light fixtures! For a few minutes, I was transported to a different time, watching an old black and white movie in living color. It became incredibly clear to me that I had been wasting my time driving around looking for apartments that I really didn't want in neighborhoods I didn't want to live in.
Once I accessed your website, you verified my suspicions: that I hadn't been writing because I'm not happy where I'm living; that noisy, inconsiderate neighbors do not enhance my creativity; and that I deserve to live somewhere where my heart can sign and I am motivated to be of service to others in the way that God intended.
Great apartment! The hardwood floors, the wall trimmings, the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, the design of the front door, and even the closet doors! Your representative confirmed my sense as well as your ideal that the time and consideration that you put into renovating your apartments are reflected in the people that you choose to rent to. Dave, you have re-awoken the passions in me, the ideals that I want to strive for, and for that, I thank you.
There is a saying in Italian, which translated means, "Each time a person moves, a little piece of their soul dies." I truly do believe this, which is why I have been looking throughout Los Angeles for the perfect place to call home, and in your apartments, I sincerely feel I've found it.
I understand why you want prospective tenants to write an essay, you want to see if they share your passion of ART. For your buildings are masterpieces and only one who knows ART can appreciate, respect and care for it. I believe, through your Art Deco buildings you are finding a society of people like me and making them whole again. You are more than an owner/landlord. You care about people. I know to live in one of your buildings would be the nicest place to live outside of heaven.
I don't quite know where to begin, nor how to explain how I know this, but I believe I am meant to live in one of your apartments. Earlier this evening I was standing on the corner of Orange & Rosewood, jotting down the information about a beautiful town home. A very nice man came by, we chatted and he referred me to you, said you had some amazing apartments on Sycamore.
Ok...my phone is lame and completely died. Anyways, as we were saying "I need a plan and THANK YOU for your $300 therapy session... My plan is to get it together and to be one of your tenants. I'm looking for a job. My next QVC show is supposed to be a good one. I sent many cd's out already, haven't heard (time of year). Anyways, if you need another assistant think of me!
I came across your website while looking for an apartment for myself. Sycamore is my favorite street in Los Angeles--and your buildings are amongst the most beautiful I've ever seen. As a student, unfortunately nothing you currently have will fit within my $1500 price limit. That said, I still wanted to take the opportunity to thank you, Dave. I came across your 'philosophy' section and have not stopped smiling. As someone who has been discriminated against, for my sexuality, at various points in my life, your beautiful words were a beacon of hope. I wish you the absolute best that life has to offer and though I don't know you, I have the utmost appreciation and respect for you and your beliefs. This wonderful world needs more people like you! Thank you again. Be well.
