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

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-02

Some homes are built to impress. Others are built to create. This one? It does both, and it's been doing it since the day it was designed. At 1643 12th Street #2 in Santa Monica, you'll find a live/work residence with a serious architectural pedigree. It was developed by Frank Gehry, the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect, in collaboration with Los Angeles artist Charles Arnoldi. This isn't just a place to hang your hat. It's a place to make things. ### A Corner Unit With Room to Breathe Residence 2 is represented by Brandon Assanti of The Agency. It sits on a southwest-facing corner of a six-unit building, which means you get light, privacy, and a sense of space that's hard to find in the city. The interior spans roughly 2,565 square feet. Right now, it's set up as both a private home and an art gallery. And honestly, that makes perfect sense. ### Gallery-Like Interiors That Let Your Art Shine Walk in and you'll notice a few things right away: - Seventeen-foot ceilings that make the rooms feel almost cavernous - Expansive walls just begging for large-scale pieces - Industrial-scale windows that flood the space with natural light - Skylights that pull daylight deep into every corner - Concrete floors and a restrained material palette that keep the focus on what you put inside The entry level is anchored by a dramatic double-height great room. There's also an office or bedroom, a full bathroom, and a mezzanine. Head up a level and you'll find the living and dining areas flowing into a custom kitchen with concrete countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The uppermost floor is all about the primary suite. City and ocean views, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad bathroom. Not a bad way to start the day. ### A Little Hollywood History The creative backstory goes beyond the architecture. 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 connection adds a layer of old-Hollywood glamour to a property that already has plenty of architectural star power. ### Who This Home Is For If you're drawn to art, modern living, and a space that actually supports your creative life, this Santa Monica residence is worth a look. It's not every day that a Gehry-designed live/work loft comes to market. To learn more or schedule a tour of 1643 12th Street #2, reach out to Brandon Assanti at The Agency.