8265 Fountain Avenue: Cool Modern in West Hollywood

Fountain Luxury Condominiums at 8265 Fountain Avenue in West Hollywood, like many developments in nearby densely populated neighborhoods, may be described as “urban infill”. Here, a lot that formerly contained two craftsman bungalows now houses a four-story, seven-unit condo building.

The advantage to urban infill projects is that the city grows denser and residents live close to work and services and spend less time in their cars and more time on the streets.

The downside to urban infill is that new buildings are constructed next to existing buildings with setbacks of 5 feet or less. Buildings are packed in so tightly that occupants can practically chronicle their neighbors' exploits.

8265 Fountain Avenue deserves loads of praise for its design. The architects and the developers created a beautiful, modernist building with quality construction and great attention to detail (its corrugated metal sheathing is particularly cool).

The units are big with lots of excellent usable space and fine finishes. Windows are triple-paned and top-of-the-line. Master baths include a separate shower and tub.

But 8265 Fountain Avenue reminds us that we live in a big, urban setting. The units (except the 4th floor penthouse) have east, west and north views of aged window frames, parked vehicles and power lines. And the south view (and access) is on Fountain Avenue – typically, a busy street with a river of noisy traffic. (Pulling a car out from the garage can be challenging at peak hours.)

Prices are low compared to many similar projects and range from $775,000 for the 1st floor unit facing Fountain to $1,750,000 for the Penthouse:

Unit 101 (faces Fountain) – 2 br, 2.5 ba – 1,373 sq ft – $775,000
Unit 102 – 2 br, 2 ba, 1,321 sq ft – $795,000
Unit 201 (faces Fountain) – 2 br, 2.5 ba – 1,505 sq ft – $865,000
Unit 202 – 2 br, 2 ba – 1,321 sq ft – $745,000
Unit 301 (faces Fountain) – 2 br, 2.5 ba – 1,505 sq ft – $925,000
Unit 302 – 2 br, 2.5 ba – 1,321 sq ft – $825,000
Unit 401 (Penthouse) – 3 br + den, 3.5 ba – 3,175 sq ft – $1,750,000

The exceptional Penthouse rises above the rooftops of the two adjacent buildings and has more square footage than most houses in the area.

Kitchens have Viking ranges, Kitchen Aid dishwashers and GE Monogram Microwaves. Counters are Caesarstone. Floors are made of eco-friendly bamboo.
Bathroom fixtures are from the sleek Kohler Purist line. Tiling and finishing work are superior.

Units come with 2 subterranean parking spaces. An elevator from the parking garage goes to upper floors, including direct access into the Penthouse. Homeowners fees are to be determined.

The location is central, within walking distance of the Chateau Marmont, Trader Joe’s, Greenblatt’s Deli, Equinox Fitness and Marix.

Sold by Prudential California Realty.