Pioneers

‘We live in an artistic outpost in the middle of a commercial district. It’s humming, buzzing and chugging with industry.’

Norman Lloyd//44/sculptor and toy prototype specialist

Gabor Kalman/66/filmmaker/professor

> vital stats: 3,000-square-foot loft is above Cirrus Gallery, a former furniture warehouse.

> previous digs: 1925 Tudor apartment in West Hollywood.

> on loft living: “We love the 18-foot ceilings, old brick walls and windows on three sides with views of the L.A. skyline.”--N.L.

> good news/bad news: “It’s extremely stimulating: culturally, culinarily, ethnically.”--G.K.

“It lacks greenery, birds, good air.”--G.K.

> hot spots: Utsuwa-No-Yakata in Little Tokyo for table accessories.

Cafe Metropol on 3rd Street. “It’s a real gathering place for the downtown community.’

California Plaza on weekends. “Great people-watching, fountains and free music.”

Dwight Freeman/39/Christopher Stearns/36/co-owners of Wrestling Design linoleum rugs

> vital stats: 1,600-square-foot loft is at Factory Place, a former greeting card factory from the mid-1920s.

> previous digs: 1930s bungalow apartment in West Hollywood for C.S.; 1950s apartment in Toluca Lake for D.F.

> on loft living: “We have 24-foot-high ceilings: I love the feeling I’m not walking around in a box.”--D.F.

> good news/bad news: Hummingbirds that “come every day to visit our lavender bushes.”--C.S.

“There’s a definite lack of conveniences. We need a good video store.”--C.S.

> hot spots: The MOCA Store for art books. Acapulco Gold on Main Street for lattes. Cafe Pinot on 5th Street for “patio dining in a quiet urban setting.”