This Frank Gehry Live/Work Loft in Santa Monica Is a Masterpiece

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-02

Some homes give you a place to create. Others make creativity part of the architecture itself. At 1643 12th Street #2 in Santa Monica, you get both—and then some. ### A Rare Gehry Original Hits the Market This live/work residence was developed by the legendary late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry alongside Los Angeles artist Charles Arnoldi. Together, they crafted a space that blurs the line between private home and art gallery. If you've ever dreamed of living inside a piece of architectural history, this is your chance. The residence is represented by Brandon Assanti of The Agency. Residence 2 sits on a southwest-facing corner of an intimate six-unit building—so you get privacy without feeling isolated. ### Space That Breathes Like a Gallery Inside, you'll find roughly 2,565 square feet of interior space currently arranged as both a private residence and an art gallery. The moment you walk in, the scale hits you: - 17-foot ceilings that make the rooms feel almost cavernous - Expansive walls begging for large-scale art - Industrial-scale windows that flood the space with natural light - Skylights pulling daylight deep into every corner - Concrete floors and a restrained material palette that let your art and furnishings take center stage It's the kind of place where you don't have to choose between living and displaying. The architecture does both. ### A Floor Plan Built for Creative Living The entry level pairs a dramatic double-height great room with an office or bedroom, a full bathroom, and a mezzanine. Head upstairs and you'll find living and dining areas that flow into a custom kitchen with concrete countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The uppermost floor is devoted entirely to the primary suite, where city and ocean views accompany a walk-in closet and a marble-clad bathroom. ### Hollywood History Comes Standard The creative backstory doesn't stop with Gehry and Arnoldi. The residence's former owner was Robin French—a prominent talent agent whose clients included Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. French later served as Paramount Pictures' production chief. His connection adds a layer of Hollywood history to a property already distinguished by its architectural origins. > "For a buyer drawn to art and modern living, this Santa Monica residence offers an unusually compelling canvas." ### Why This Residence Stands Out Most live/work spaces are converted warehouses or generic lofts. This one was designed from the ground up by an architect who changed the face of modern design. You're not just buying square footage—you're buying a piece of cultural history. And the location? Santa Monica puts you minutes from the beach, world-class dining, and a thriving creative community. It's the kind of place where inspiration isn't just possible—it's inevitable. To learn more about or tour 1643 12th Street #2, connect with Brandon Assanti.