238 Columbia Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90026, Los Angeles, 90026 - 2 bed, 2 bath

238 Columbia Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90026 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$975,000
238 Columbia Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90026
2Beds
2Baths
1,364Sqft
1,169Lot
Year Built
1923
Close
-
List price
$975K
Original List price
$999K
Price/Sqft
$715
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
25516025
Home ConditionGood
Features
Good View: City Lights
Deck
ViewCity Lights

About this home

Possibly Over-Priced:The estimated price is 29% below the list price. We found 4 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $975.0K(13th), sqft - 1364(35th), beds - 2(38th), baths - 2(50th).

This rare duplex, designed by award-winning architect David J. Witmer, AIA - best known as the chief architect of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. - is located in Belmont Square, a charming Westlake enclave near Historic Filipinotown (HiFi), Echo Park, MacArthur Park, and DTLA. Built in 1924, the complex consists of thirty-nine parcels, each featuring a duplex and a garden area. Blending East Coast-style row home architecture with minimal Art Deco influences and American Craftsman details, this property offers timeless character and thoughtful design. The owner-occupied upper unit is a meticulously upgraded 1BR/1BA featuring bamboo and marble flooring, stained-glass windows in the kitchen and bathroom, and a Mid-Century Modern fireplace with custom tilework in the living room overlooking a tree-lined street. Additional enhancements include hand-painted designer wallpaper, an upgraded kitchen with a built-in breakfast table, and a hallway lined with open shelving that maximizes natural light and space. A Dutch door in the kitchen leads to a small, private balcony. The lower level houses a similarly sized 1BR/1BA unit with a rent-controlled tenant in place. Each unit has its own private, gated entrance from the street level, with a shared garden space beyond the gate and steps leading to the front door. Ideally situated in Westlake, this property offers the perfect blend of historical charm, a vibrant art scene, green parks, diverse dining options, and easy access to the best of Los Angeles.

Condition Rating
Good

The property, built in 1923, features a meticulously upgraded owner-occupied unit with high-quality finishes. The kitchen boasts modern appliances (refrigerator, stacked washer/dryer) alongside a distinctive vintage-style range, well-maintained green cabinetry, and a mix of wood and light-colored countertops. The bathroom is stylishly updated with blue subway tiles, a modern rain shower, and a vintage pedestal sink, complemented by stained-glass windows. Flooring includes bamboo and marble, and the overall aesthetic is a thoughtful blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort. While not a brand-new build or a full, ultra-modern renovation, the extensive and high-quality upgrades make it move-in ready with minimal wear and tear, aligning with the 'Good' condition criteria.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Architectural Significance & Unique Design: Designed by award-winning architect David J. Witmer (chief architect of the Pentagon), this duplex showcases a rare blend of East Coast-style row home architecture with Art Deco and American Craftsman details, offering exceptional character.
Prime & Vibrant Location: Ideally situated in Belmont Square, Westlake, the property offers excellent walkability and easy access to Historic Filipinotown (HiFi), Echo Park, MacArthur Park, and DTLA, providing a rich urban lifestyle with diverse amenities.
Income-Generating Duplex: As a duplex with two 1BR/1BA units, it offers flexibility for an owner-occupant to live in one unit while generating rental income from the other, or as a full investment property.
Meticulously Upgraded Owner's Unit: The owner-occupied upper unit features high-quality upgrades including bamboo and marble flooring, stained-glass windows, a Mid-Century Modern fireplace with custom tilework, designer wallpaper, and an upgraded kitchen.
Historic Charm & Thoughtful Design: Built in 1924, the property retains its timeless historic charm and thoughtful design, appealing to buyers seeking unique properties with a rich past.

Cons

Low Available Lot Utilization: The property has a small lot size, more than 70 percent of which is taken by its living area. lot size in square feet = 1169, living area = 1364.
Rent-Controlled Tenant: The lower unit has a rent-controlled tenant, which may limit potential rental income growth and reduce flexibility for future property management or renovations.
Significantly Overpriced: The listing price of $975,000 is substantially higher than the property estimation of $685,174, indicating it may be overpriced relative to market value.
Small Lot Size: With a lot size of only 1169 sqft, the property offers limited outdoor space and potential for future expansion, which might be a drawback for some buyers.

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