The Higgins Building Never Ceases To Amaze Me
This building is a real piece of work- at any given time SOMETHING MAJOR is not working. It seems that the developer of this project cut a lot of corners on converting it to residential units. I dare not say his name as he has a tendancy to sue bloggers who slam his projects, but lets just say it’s a shy man.
Today is a MAJOR FUBAR- There was an emergency generator test which shut off power to the building for 15 minutes- not too bad on a weekend (they used to do this on a weekday when I have a web server hosting applications for a client and I blew up at the manager for that).
Well, today, the main water pump to building did not restart; there is NO WATER at all to any units in building (remarkably, the first floor and basement restaurants/bars have water- funny how the owner of all those properties was one of developers and must have put in a seperate system for heat, a/c, and water as those businesses are never affected). No showers, no flushing toilet, and I have a date tonite… I checked at Grand Koyoto Hotel and can get a room for $139, but my poor White Dog will be stranded at Higgins… as they can’t get a new pump this weekend, they are bringing a water tanker truck and parking it out back with a hose to roof to get SOME water into units- this will happen about 6pm so may be too late for me- I doubt there will be sufficient preasure for a shower.
I hate to do this to my landlord, but it’s a matter of health to not be able to flush a toilet, and I will subtract any expenses I incur from my February rent payment and let him take it up with the Home Owners Association. This could get ugly.
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e-mail from property manager today at 11:30 am today:
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Saturday, January 17th @ 11:30AM: The Life/Safety Testing earlier this morning revealed problems with two of the building’s major components. The water pump in the lower garage that pumps water up and into the building failed to restart after the test and is being worked on right now to restore function.
Please be patient while work is being taken to restore function and water flow. More updates to follow shortly.
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Heat was down for a number of units for WEEKS over the Christmas/New Years holidays… thank god I was not in an affected unit…
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December 20th
This problem has been going on for awhile- I deleted previous e-mails so I don’t know exactly when heat was lost- but this is an update from property manager:
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Dear Residents,
The emergency repairs to the boiler are still on-going due to unexpected problems discovered during work. The work is continuing through the weekend until finished. We have been told that Monday is the new completion date that will restore the heat function of all the HVAC units in the building
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December 24th
E-mail from property manager basically saying the affected units are screwed for the Christmas Holiday, at least if you wanted heat..
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The work is continuing on restoring heat to the affected units. A delay was caused due to the unexpected need for certain parts. In speaking with the contractor working on the job, the heat function should be restored by Friday.
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December 31st
Another funny e-mail update from property manager- “You are encouraged to contact the front desk each day to discuss the status of your unit.” ROTFLMAO!!!
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Lumas Air has provided a solution that should restore the heat function to the affected units. Their proposal would potentially restore full function early next week. More information will follow as it becomes available.
You are encouraged to contact the front desk each day to discuss the status of your unit.
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The trash chute is out of service almost more than it works- it’s kind of a pain-in-the-ass to have to take garbage down elevator into smelly trash area in garage- but it’s a minor inconvenience compared to not having heat, a/c, or water…
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e-mail from property manager on 01/12:
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Dear Residents,
The contractor working on repairing the trash chute needs one more day in order to finish his work on the trash chute. We apologize for the inconvenience and are making every effort to ensure the work is being performed as quickly as possible. Once the chute repairs are finished you will be immediately notified that it can be used again.
Residents needing assistance with taking refuse to the trash room should contact the front desk for assistance.
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e-mail from property manager on 01/16:
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TRASH CHUTE IS REPAIRED / OK TO USE
Due to the 45 degree turn at the bottom of the trash chute, only properly bagged household waste can be placed down the trash chute and empty into the collection bin.
Any other materials will cause a clog and back-up the chute with refuse. To unclog the chute is both costly to the Association and can present other threats to health and safety.
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I lived w/o air conditioning for a week last October when the 100-degree heat wave was in full force. Then during December, many of the units were with out heat for WEEKS (and hot water for a day or two). Thank god mine unit was not one of the affected.
Last night Pam and I had dinner at Pitfire; The had signs up saying that The Higgins was having problems with their A/C. Yes, it was a bit warm. Still, as we were sitting near one of the doors to catch some breeze, I said to Pam, “I wonder if Eric has already posted a rant about this.”
January 17th, 2009 at 9:49 pmUgh, sorry to hear about this. It sounds as though every couple months it’s something.
I didn’t know The Higgins was a building developed/run by a guy whose name rhymes with rye.
January 17th, 2009 at 10:43 pmOh Sean- you and Pamela know me too well… But now I’m going to be following you on your “Bloggiest Loser” quest, so what exactly did you have at the Pitfire
j/k!
January 17th, 2009 at 11:31 pmAll I know B, is that I am so happy I had a successful real estate adventure for my first real estate purchase. The Higgins owners can’t be too happy with all the one-time assessments and bleeding from the safety fund that has occured since I’ve lived here. At least your condo in Chi-town isn’t in a state of disrepair- when ever you get bummed about it, think of Higgins owners…
January 17th, 2009 at 11:35 pmUPDATE: There is water- BUT STILL NO HOT WATER THIS A.M., with not plumbers/electrians on-site at 8am. I have a feeling the Property Manager will lose his job very soon as MANY people are pissed. 30% of units not having heat for 3+ weeks was bad, but not having water for better part of a day, and then no hot water for 3 days is straw that broke the camels back.
It seems like he knew some systems might not come back on after the electrical system test, but chose to go ahead with test instead of performing preventative maintenance BEFORE turning of electricity. It’s tough because HOA has just bleed money since I’ve been living here, but hot water is not a luxury but a necessity, and every effort needs to be made to ensure it is HOT, high pressure, and never ending.
I’m trying to be nice and not incur expenses because of this, but my landlord is going to be getting a short rent check as I may have to stay in a hotel tonite so I can go to a 10:30am interview tomorrow freshly showered. I hate leaving my dog alone but sometimes things happen.
January 19th, 2009 at 8:15 amHey Skid …
You definitely have a case for lack of habitability, and have easy justification for moving and getting out of your lease without getting sued for breach of contract.
I would be careful withholding rent, though. He could turn around and evict you. My 2-cents: pay the full rent, then ask for reimbursement of expenses, but allow 30-days to respond. Then, do small claims after that. You’ll have to carry the expenses for a few months, but it’s better than trying to prove inhabitability in eviction court.
January 20th, 2009 at 4:06 pmRich- you real-estate mogul, you! Thanks for the tip- very wise advice and I will follow it. The hot water is still luke warm today- good enough for “sponge bath” and sticking head under, but standing in it ain’t happening yet…
January 20th, 2009 at 4:17 pmHey Dude,
I live in the building and I feel your pain. Here we are almost a week later and still having problems. My place does have hot water, but it seems to go in and out for no apparent reason. What pisses me off the most is the lack of water pressure. I’ve got this really awesome shower head but now the water just trickles out. I saw the guys on the roof working on it yesterday. Downstairs said it’s supposed to be up soon. I won’t hold my breath though.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:35 pmHey Sneakerfreaker- thanks for stopping by, neighbor. I know they are still working on it, but I got my first warm shower in 5 days this a.m.- and yes, the hot water comes and goes for me- I get all fired up to shower and by the time I decide to it’s gone… the things we put up with to live in a “Historic” building.
Good luck with your pressure issues- I had to change the cartridge in my shower valve and that helped some as everytime they mess with pumps lots of gunk comes through pipes and plugs crap up- including shower heads… I know there’s a bigger problem though.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pmHey skidrowdude–
Your posts are very entertaining. I found my way to your blog since we’re looking at a unit in the Higgins & wondered what the residents thought about life in the gentrified hood. Any idea how much noise & smoke float upward from the street and the Edison below? Would life in the units on the lower floors be “challenging?” Keep writing. You have fans…
February 8th, 2009 at 4:25 pmHey LoftyGoals! Thanks for your kind words!
First off, let me say I am very happy with many things about Higgins; I had looked at other lofts, even South Park and Arts District, and this is the best location for me- very safe, but close to danger/sketchy streets if you want it (last night went to gallery opening on Winston St.- right off Main St between 4th and 5th, and it was a little “tough” especially with a date, but nothing I can’t handle- just glad I don’t live in PE Lofts or Santee Lofts as I don’t want those people hanging out in front of my building everytime I take dog for a walk).
The Higgins is real lofts- no “soft” lofts (meaning bedrooms, etc- although some have 2 floors (penthuuse) and one unit I looked at had a bedroom with a door, but I thing owner did that). And you’ll find that the Higgins is about the priciest of any lofts considering what you get (or don’t get). I pay $2,650 for my unit which is at high end for building and includes a premium for the view (which has been blocked somewhat by the new LAPD HQ buidling in my face).
It’s too bad you are asking me at this time, when I’ve been without hot water for days at a time, and had no heat for weeks (some units have not had heat since 12/01/08). This PISSES ME OFF. I don’t know why more people aren’t up-in-arms; maybe they have options I don’t. My landlord is cool and offered a hotel (albeit for a night) but w/ my dog it was not practical. Honestly, I can live w/o heat, but the same system is the air conditioning, and that I cannot live w/o when it gets warm as I have west-facing windows and my unit boils in the afternnon on 80+ degree days.
Noise has never been a problem for ME- except when new LAPD HQ was being build (I had to use phone in bathroom and that barely helped). I do hear others complaining about Edison noise- tenants have broken leases because of it (on lower floors- I think noise reflects a lot in the alley up to say, 5th floor). And if you are at back of building, I hear “The Smell” (all age punk band place right across parking lot to South) is loud, but I’ve never heard it, even on dog walks. It’s mostly drunks talking/yelling loud that I hear occassionally, but face it, this is downtown. The sirens/street noise will bug you more than the Edison.
And you could not ask for better people to live with. No kids here, as floor plan not condusive to it, but lots of dogs (no issues with that in my opinion, but I’m biased). All very professional people with interesting lives/careers- not like a rental building.
Parking is an issue here- if you have a nice car, sell it and get a junker, as there is no good place to park- LA Times is where most people park, but not really secure and lots of spots are “door dings” waiting to happen. 2 spots will cost you about $240/month, and it’s going up. A few units come w/ a spot in the building- that would be ideal, but few and far between.
OK- if you want any more info on the ‘hood or the building, feel free to e-mail me direct at isis_hb@yahoo.com or just post a comment.
February 8th, 2009 at 5:02 pmHi neighbors! I checked out 1006 at the Higgins but in the end bough a 2 bathroom loft at the Rowan. How are things there now? Any progress with the water temperator/pressure or heating/AC?
What about the roof & facade? I remember they both needed major renovations/repairs.
And how’s the lawsuit?
May 27th, 2009 at 1:39 amHey Sticky- You are first person I know who actually moved into Rowan. I always thpght it was beautiful plaae and great location- but timing had to be right. I know someone that put a $3000 deposit there and when place being delay on opening he walked awau amd then nnits were selling for 40% at auction. I hope you got a good deal- I’m paying way too much here but am leasing and can’t move yet
Where did you live before- just curious?
May 27th, 2009 at 4:14 amI live in the Higgins building. I made a big mistake buying a unit here. All the problems stem from the developer, Barry Shy, a Jew. This cheap SOB cuts corners in order to boost profits; he has a horrible reputation. Had I only known that before I sunk $400K into a unit here. Just a little warning to would be loft buyers, steer clear of Barry Shyster.
June 6th, 2009 at 7:08 pmI just checked out the Rowan based on tons of recommendations. It really is beautiful but at $420 to $477 per square foot on the lower floors (much more on the upper) and $460 HOA dues and it only has a jacuzzi and a lounge (almost the same HOA as Evo which has everything from pools, jacuzzi, fitness center, yoga classes and a free parking space except lacking the character of Rowan lofts). It seems super overpriced and you have to rent a parking spot for $150/mo. which is a block away! What am I missing that everyone says it is a good deal?
June 9th, 2009 at 12:41 amWell, the Rowan is very new “real loft” where Evo is “soft loft” which is big difference to me. And I suppose Rowan is good deal if you consider the prices were 40% higher before the auction last fall. And yeah, parking is like Higgins (ie- a bitch- try unloading grocerys a blcck away). But you will have one of the few downtown parks right in front of your building in next year, complete w/ dog run.
If I were buying, I’d look at Eastern Columbia too…
June 9th, 2009 at 4:33 amThanks for the info. The park and dog run are good points. The average price in that zip code is $303/sq ft, but the question is where? Definitely will not even visit Shy’s buildings. I will have to check out the Eastern Columbia. I heard its full of Sunset Blvd trust fund babies and as a result…parties galore and the smell of puke in the halls in the morning…but alas…that is just what I heard from a couple of real estate agents. I will have to see for myself because I love that building. I am going on another slew of loft lookings next week. To be continued and keep the suggestions coming…would love the feel of an affordable Rowan.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pmYes, there are problems with this old building, but it has a beautiful soul…Having lived here in the Higgins for these past four years has been an adventure. Buying at the top of the market was unfortunate, but what the expletive deleted are ya gonna do. The people who live in this building are some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever come across. They are just very special and many have been here since the welded doors came off this forgotten and neglected building…
August 5th, 2009 at 10:01 amYao is the most decent human being you could ever have as a concierge. He never ceases to brighten up our days here.
The building is very safe and now our water pressure is working. Our heat and air conditioning units are working as well.
Being in the creative arts, this building soothes your soul. It gives you the vibe you need and allows your creative spirit to float…this building has a beautiful soul and we are so lucky to have found it…
I’m glad you are an owner as a renter I expected much more for my money. Congratulation on you purchase.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:13 amSo…I heard Higgins has cleaned up their act and the HOA is in full force. I would love an update from Skidrowdude on how the building is doing and how he is doing.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:02 amHey Future Downtowner- first off- I LOVE downtown- and I think you will too.
I don’t know if you caught it, but I moved out of Higgins on 07/31/09- my lease was up. I can’t believe it, but I moved into another Barry Shy property (rental-not condos) and I amd SO HAPPY TO BE OUT OF HIGGINS.
There are so many problems with Higgins- it is a nice location, but I can’t imagine ever buying there- let alone renting. I’m paying $1250 LESS per month and have much better amenities.
The Home Owners Association at Higgins is screwed- every repair in building takes an act of God (vote) to get done- for example, an elevator was broken for about a month while negotiations took place (this is recent).
email me at isis_bb@yahoo.com if you want more details- but I don’t recommend the Higgins to anyone.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:16 amah…boo…your email rejected me!
Hi. This is the qmail-send program at yahoo.com.
I’m afraid I wasn’t able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I’ve given up. Sorry it didn’t work out.
:
98.137.54.237 failed after I sent the message.
Remote host said: 554 delivery error: dd This user doesn’t have a yahoo.com account (isis_bb@yahoo.com) [0] - mta191.mail.sp2.yahoo.com
Was hoping for some more details on Higgins and suggestions on where to move to in the interim in downtown. I am a beach girl leaving the sand so its a big step. I don’t want to pay a fortune in rent. I don’t want to make a mistake buying bad either.
September 19th, 2009 at 12:31 pmHey Man -
I too just tried to send you an email and got an error response… Just had an offer accepted on one of the PH units at the Higgins and want a little more insight from a former resident… Could you drop me note at cory.surovek@emhe.tv? Would love to pick your brain a little…
Cheers!
October 7th, 2009 at 6:08 pmthis is a great website. any news on the higgins lawsuit against shyter? or any suits against him? such a public menace and walking free
August 4th, 2010 at 11:10 pmHi All, I am coming to L.A. tomorrow with my 23 year old daughter to try and find a condo/soft loft to lease while she attends FIDM. Any ideas on a quiet, 1 bedroom apt., with w/d and parking in a safe building? Thanks…
August 5th, 2010 at 10:45 amLarry- I hope you got my e-mail… not sure if you left “real” e-mail or not…
August 5th, 2010 at 11:18 amI don’t believe that is usually the case. sometimes possibly, but not continually
October 5th, 2010 at 4:17 ami’m so glad this post is still active. found it sometime ago. i’m not a higgins renter or owner but am impressed with all the heartfelt exchange here. hey, this building DOES have an incredible soul! i can attest to that as a historical researcher. i first came to learn about the higgins because of a very powerful man who once occupied the 7th floor in the late 19-teens through late 1920’s, all of it. thru more research, i found other men like him (hi-ranking masons/early industrial millionaires/entreprenuers/craftsmen) who also proudly stated having offices at the higgins. news reports from that era always mentioned the higgins if one had offices there. the story gets better. it’s a mystery as to what happened to this guy’s massive fortune. his probate took 17 years to break apart his empire thru crooked court & accounting shenanigans shown in 1,000 pages of probate from LA Superior Court. i wrote a fiction suspense novel about his life, working with his granddaughters who kept many documents about his life hidden for over 70 years since his death in 1931. they feared for the family’s safety. i am now working on the biographical nonfiction of this globally known inventor, the first to register a patent in every country of the world. i give presentations about this story & facts on this man throughout so cal. if you’re interested in some amazing history, i will e-mail my links to you so you can see. i hope to arrange a show at the edison or a nearby gallery in early 2011. thanks everyone, mauerann@yahoo.com
October 12th, 2010 at 3:51 am