
At the beginning of the 20th century, Michael J. Connell
established the first garment and textile manufacturing buildings launching the
Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles. Between 1911 and 1912, architects
Arthur Angel and Carl Leonard designed Connell’s first structures, including
the Connell Building, the Bailey Hat Building, and the Brownstein-Louis
Building. By 1929, development in the district flourished, creating a
significant and influential piece of the City’s rich heritage.
In 2001, these building were designated local historic monuments in recognition
of their significance as a social and architectural representation of
industrial Downtown Los Angeles.
Each of these heavy, concrete-frame buildings reflects a distinctive
architectural style through its decorative façade and oversized, industrial
loft windows designed to maximize natural light, both typical design features
of the time.
MJW Investments purchased the buildings in 1998 from Mr. Arthur Gerry, a
prominent local businessman. MJW since committed its energies and efforts into
reinventing these unique architectural landmarks. The result is Downtown Los
Angeles’ most extraordinary new neighborhood: Santee Court
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