Pioneers

‘It’s a mix of worlds down here. My closest neighbors are four Mexican bars, the Ronald Reagan office building, the New Otani and skid row.’

Matt Hutchinson/31/waiter/student

Danny Valenzuela/26/showroom salesman

> vital stats: 700-square-foot loft-apartment is in historic 1906 San Fernando Building, once J.B. Lankershim’s office building.

> previous digs: 1927 gingerbread-traditional bungalow in Mid-Wilshire for D.V.

> on loft living: “You don’t have any boundaries; it’s one large environment. And, they allow pets.”--D.V.

“I like the rawness--the whole industrial look.”--M.H.

> good news/bad news: “Living in a building that is part of the amazing history of L.A.”--D.V.

“No restaurant seating after 9:30 p.m.”--M.H.

> hot spots: Valeria’s at Grand Central Market for spices.

Ciudad restaurant on Figueroa Street. “For its hip environment, Cuban mojitos and Salvadoran stew.”

Angels Flight. “At the top, there’s a little park where you can see this amazing view of downtown.”

Nola Mondini/26/event planner

Dayvid Ianacci/29/web site creative director

> vital stats: 2,000-square-foot loft is in Spring Tower, built in 1919, formerly Barclay’s Bank and headquarters of the Los Angeles Stock Exchange.

> previous digs: townhouse in Venice for N.M.;

modern ‘90s apartment in Westwood for D.I.

> on loft living: “It’s a creative space. You have a clean palette to do as you please.”--D.I.

> good news/bad news: “We have everything here to live and work. Technically we never have to leave.”--D.I.

“It’s not as spick-and-span as I would like. You sometimes get hassled by the people in the street.”--N.M.

> hot spots: Tin Bo Co. on North Broadway for herbs. Mai’s on Spring Street for “sleeping bag-size vegetarian burritos at $2.50 each.”

Pershing Square on Friday afternoons. “Great ethnic music and a little green space.”

Dawn Garcia/22/manager of the palace theater on broadway

> vital stats: 1,000-square-foot space is in Cardinal Roger Mahony’s former rectory residence at St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, built in 1933.

> previous digs: 1930s bungalow in Echo Park.

> on loft living: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have a balcony overlooking a lovely garden with a fountain and a view of the cathedral.”

> good news/bad news: “I love the diversity of the people and the history of the buildings.”

“It’s difficult to get things done. A lot of people say, ‘This is my downtown.’ There’s no unity yet.”

> hot spots: Broadway and Spring Arcade Building. “You can find amazing sunglasses for $5 and high-heels for $10 while you get keys made.”

El Trebol on Main Street. “Great carne asada tacos with rice, beans and soup for $4.50.”

The Smell on Main Street. “A place for local musicians and people who love music.”