Frank Gehry's Santa Monica Live/Work Loft Hits the Market

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-02

Some homes give you a place to create. This one was designed by a creative legend. At 1643 12th Street #2 in Santa Monica, California, the architecture itself is the muse. The late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry developed this live/work residence with Los Angeles artist Charles Arnoldi. Yes, that Frank Gehry — the mind behind the Guggenheim Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall. And this isn't just a home with his name attached. It's a building where his vision and an artist's needs met head-on. ### A Rare Creative Pedigree Gehry and Arnoldi didn't just design a place to live. They designed a place to make things. The result is a six-unit building where Residence 2 occupies a southwest-facing corner, giving it light all day and a sense of privacy you don't often find in Santa Monica. Brandon Assanti of The Agency represents the property. And here's what makes it unusual: the roughly 2,565 square feet of interior space is currently set up as both a private residence and an art gallery. That's not a marketing spin — it's literally how the home functions. ### Designed for Art and Living Step inside and you'll see why artists and collectors would feel at home here. - 17-foot ceilings that make even large-scale pieces feel comfortable - Expansive walls built for hanging serious art - Industrial-scale windows that flood the space with natural light - Skylights that pull daylight deep into every room - Concrete floors and a restrained material palette that let your art and furniture do the talking The entry level is dramatic. A double-height great room anchors the floor, paired with an office or bedroom, a full bathroom, and a mezzanine that overlooks the main space. It's the kind of layout that works whether you're hosting a gallery opening or just enjoying a quiet morning. Up one level, the living and dining areas flow into a custom kitchen with concrete countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The top floor is all about the primary suite. City and ocean views, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad bathroom make it a genuine retreat. ### A Touch of Hollywood History Here's where the story gets even better. The residence's former owner was Robin French, a prominent talent agent whose clients included Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. He later served as Paramount Pictures' production chief. That's a real slice of Hollywood history layered onto a building already distinguished by its architectural roots. > "Creativity is part of the architecture itself." That's not a tagline. It's the actual design brief. ### Who This Home Is For If you're drawn to art and modern living, this Santa Monica residence offers an unusually compelling canvas. It's not just a place to hang your hat. It's a place to make, show, and live with the things you love. For more information or to schedule a tour of 1643 12th Street #2, reach out to Brandon Assanti at The Agency. This is one of those rare properties where the walls have as much story as the people who've lived inside them. ### Quick Takeaways - Architect: Frank Gehry, in collaboration with artist Charles Arnoldi - Location: 1643 12th Street #2, Santa Monica, California - Size: Approximately 2,565 square feet - Layout: Live/work residence with gallery potential - Highlights: 17-foot ceilings, skylights, concrete floors, ocean views, Hollywood provenance - Listing Agent: Brandon Assanti, The Agency Whether you're an artist, a collector, or someone who simply appreciates great design, this residence offers a rare chance to own a piece of architectural and cultural history. And in Santa Monica, opportunities like this don't come around often.