Historic LA skyscraper gets modern make-over.

ICO Development, developer of the Pacific Electric Lofts, announced recently that the historic building is now available for immediate occupancy. Completed in 1905 by Henry Huntington, the Pacific Electric Building was Los Angeles' first skyscraper, the largest building west of the Mississippi until the 1950s, and the center of downtown Los Angeles for the first part of the twentieth century. Its legendary history includes being the one-time hub of the famous "Red Car" inter-urban rail system and home to the famed Jonathan Club. During the 1990s, the building served as the shooting location for more than 450 Hollywood productions. Today, the landmark structure enters the 21st century as the Pacific Electric Lofts.

The grand, turn-of-the-century architecture is now seamlessly combined with modern amenities. The Pacific Electric Lofts are unique in Los Angeles' downtown resurgence, as the building has been meticulously restored to its original glory and was just recognized as one of 12 sites selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to receive Restore America: A Salute to Preservation grant in 2005-2006.

The building will be featured in a special segment on HGTV this fall.

"This building was developed by Henry Huntington to be the grandest in the city. It was the focal point of Los Angeles when it was built and we wanted to make sure that the grandeur of the building remained," explains Alex Moradi, managing partner of ICO Development.

"We have literally brought the building back to life and hopefully have insured that an important part of Los Angeles history can flourish once again."

The building now features 314 apartment units for rent. Residents will enjoy unique floor plans ranging from 600 to 3000 s/f (with over 105 different plans to choose from), including a range of duplex units on the building's ninth floor whose historic architectural features are considered unequaled in any other Los Angeles residential building. Once home to the original Jonathan Club, the rooftop is being reinvented and will feature a raised pool with views of the entire city, a rooftop garden and one of the only dog walks of its kind. At ground level, there is the historic Coles Restaurant (L.A.'s oldest operating restaurant and bar), which will soon be joined by 20,000 s/f of new shops and restaurants.