In a city known for luxuriously appointed and boldly designed single-family homes, an unlikely market for super-deluxe residences is growing. "Over-the-top" apartments attract residents who want an urban lifestyle without a long-term commitment.
"In a handful of pricey neighborhoods across the city, some apartments are beginning to resemble a cross between a $1-million home and a five-star resort," observes Roger Vincent. "The movement is turning on its head the long-held assumption that wealthy Los Angelenos buy, not rent, their residences."
"Such over-the-top apartments are a small but growing niche in Los Angeles. As recently as five years ago, developers calculated that rents could only go so high before affluent people would opt out and go buy a house instead, real estate broker Mauricio Umansky said." In fact, "super-deluxe" apartments have a heritage in the city, dating back to the "elite residential buildings" that once housed Hollywood's film stars.
"For the most part, people are looking for affordability when they rent," said Shaul Kuba, a principal at CIM Group, "but there are some people who are interested in experiencing that type of living without a long-term commitment."
FULL STORY: Demand grows for ultra-luxurious apartments in Los Angeles

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

Creating Ocean-Safe Plastic from Seashells
USC researchers have created a biodegradable, marine-safe plastic alternative using calcium carbonate from seashells, offering a promising solution to ocean pollution.

Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands
USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.

Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA
Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions