Spring is finally here, which means longer days, warmer nights and countless opportunities to experience the best of the season in the Melrose District. And here at The Addison, our residents enjoy a coveted location at the heart of it all. From the nearby Melrose Place Farmers Market to The Addison’s exclusive ClassPass amenity, explore four ways we’re embracing spring in the neighborhood.
Savor Seasonal Foods From the Farmers Market
Just beyond our front door at The Addison is one of Los Angeles’ most robust farmers markets at Melrose Place. Every Sunday, rain or shine, you can find local fruits, veggies, flowers and artisanal goods to craft your best spring aesthetic — from a fresh citrus salad to a beautiful tulip arrangement that perfectly complements your modern living space.
Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D
With the arrival of spring comes sunny afternoons and beautifully bright evenings, offering a healthy dose of vitamin D that’s long-awaited after the winter months. Lucky for residents at The Addison, each townhome features ample natural light via floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies with glass-lined terraces to soak up the spectacular spring weather in an intimate outdoor setting.
Move More, Stress Less
Staying active during the spring is a total breeze at The Addison thanks to a special, owners-only ClassPass which provides credit towards workouts at nearby fitness studios where you can find everything from strengthening HIIT sessions to relaxing yoga classes. ClassPass typically goes up to $199 per month, but The Addison residents will receive $2000 in credits upon move-in. Pease contact our sales team for more details.
Elevate Your Self-Care Routine
The perks don’t stop there. This spring, elevate your self-care routine with a VIP ResortPass that offers credits toward West Hollywood’s most premier spots for relaxation, including day spas and sun-soaked pools at iconic hotels like the Hollywood Roosevelt, Andaz West Hollywood and the Sunset Tower Hotel. At The Addison, we’re here to make sure wellness is top priority — this season and always.
Ready to make the most of spring at The Addison? Don’t wait — inquire here.
Vibrant and tasteful, The Addison’s thoughtfully designed townhomes are a testament to the neighborhood in which they reside. Housing some of LA’s most iconic restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores and more, the Melrose District has something for everyone.
Whether you’re in pursuit of flavor, adventure or style—you’re sure to find it within a walk or short drive of home. Here’s a taste of what our neighborhood has to offer:
This popular hiking locale is anything but a hidden gem, but it’s a gem, nonetheless. Featuring a 2.7-mile loop trail—whose peak offers incredible views of the LA area—Runyon Canyon has solidified its spot as a local fave. Dogs are welcome within the park, and there are even some off-leash areas.
Centered on functional movement, P.volve’s classes help sculpt, tone and strengthen. Classes include “Strength & Sculpt” for resistance training; “Cardio Burn” for a low-impact, high-intensity workout; and “Recover & Stretch” to increase mobility and ease tension.
For 21 years, Barry’s has been an LA staple for getting your sweat on—and get your sweat on, you will. You’ll burn up to 1,000 calories in their original HIIT workout classes: 50% cardio on the treadmill, 50% strength training. They also offer a “Double Floor” workout, which focuses entirely on strength training (no cardio).
By the way…residents of The Addison can take advantage of our ClassPass amenity* and access a wide range of workouts offered at fitness studios in our neighborhood.
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., various vendors set up on Melrose Avenue, giving locals a chance to stock their kitchens with fresh produce, fish, bread, hummus, dips and more. Discover new vendors each week, alongside regular favorites.
Located on the corner of Melrose and Sweetzer, Crossroads Kitchen is an upscale restaurant, serving plant-based Mediterranean fare. With exquisite dishes ranging from homemade pasta to stuffed zucchini blossoms, Crossroads Kitchen could make a vegan out of a carnivore.
If there’s one thing this neighborhood does well (and it’s many more than one), it’s delight your taste buds—no matter your food preferences or restrictions. Another famous vegan restaurant, Gracias Madre serves signature cocktails and plant-based Mexican food. Be sure to check out their Happy Hour and Taco Tuesday specials.
Centered on a menu of “unique dishes with simplicity and balance,” Croft Alley—just steps from The Addison on Melrose Place—will make you feel like a regular during your first visit. Expect comfort food with a little flair and surprise tweaks on traditional dishes in a cozy environment.
Your entrance to Catch LA is lined with a wall of beautiful flowers and greenery—setting the tone for this indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant. With food as beautiful as its atmosphere, Catch LA is perfect for date nights, weekend brunch with friends, or any other occasion you’d think of that calls for good food and good views.
Melrose Place is home to the original Alfred Coffee, which is celebrating its ninth anniversary this year. Known for its Instagram-worthy aesthetic and catchy “But First, Coffee.” slogan, Alfred is the perfect place to pick up your favorite drink—coffee, tea, or even a “Chagaccino” made with Chaga mushrooms—and pair it with their signature breakfast burrito for a morning started right.
This corner cafe is a delight. Breakfast sandwiches, pastries and avocado toast pair perfectly with their bright, clean vibe and trendy coffee drinks. Order a cappuccino or latte with their famous latte art—you can even choose your art from a selection of images and phrases.
Serving heirloom organic coffees and teas along with a variety of light and hearty food items, Urth Caffé is a longstanding LA tradition. Among their health-conscious and sustainable menu items, you’ll find plenty of organic, gluten-free, or vegan options.
Featuring a beautifully curated selection of clothing, accessories and shoes—including Reformation pieces and other brands—Reformation Vintage is conveniently located just down the street from The Addison on Melrose Avenue. Want even more from this sustainable fashion fave? Reformation has another (non-vintage) location nearby on Melrose as well.
Another prime vintage shop, The Paper Bag Vintage is your go-to for special event attire, one-of-a-kind pieces and other rare and beautiful finds. Expect to find couture fashion by Chanel, Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent and more in this stunning boutique.
A local fave since 1997, Decades sells pre-owned vintage and contemporary designer clothing. In addition to working with stylists, studios and publications, the beloved shop is open to the everyday fashionista as well.
Anything but your average flea market, the Melrose Trading Post—open every Sunday to the public—is an outdoor marketplace for handcrafted artisan goods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and plenty of items you won’t find anywhere else.
Sound like a neighborhood you’d like to call home? Come experience The Addison’s move-in ready townhomes and its incredible neighborhood in person. Our Sales Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 310-299-6449 or email theaddisonsales@etcohomes.com to arrange a tour.
*See sales executive for full details on the ClassPass offering.
Featuring sunlit interiors and open-air patios and terraces that allow effortless access to Southern California’s mild year-round climate, The Addison’s townhomes promote a decidedly healing connection to the natural world. It should come as no surprise that many of our residents choose to furnish their homes with plenty of greenery plucked from plant shops right outside their front door. Below, explore our five favorite nurseries in the Melrose District neighborhood and get going on the botanical haven of your dreams.
La Cienega Nursery
Just a five-minute walk from The Addison, find La Cienega Nursery — a small, local plant store offering rare and exotic plants. Whether looking for a beautiful indoor monstera or a bromeliad for your spacious glass-lined terrace, La Cienega has your green thumb covered.
8511 Sherwood Drive Los Angeles, CA 90069 INSTAGRAM
The Sill
A little over a mile from The Addison lies The Sill, a millennial-favorite nursery that sells everything from easy-to-care-for plants to stunning ceramic planters. Complement your home’s neutral, warm tones with a ZZ plant in a cream planter or go for a large dracaena to uplift the spirits in your home office.
Ready to go big with greenery? Make your way to Anawalt Lumber, which is just under a mile from The Addison. The nursery is fully stocked with everything you need to enliven your space, including terrariums, specimen houseplants and even vegetables and herbs so you can grow vibrant, healthy ingredients right from your patio.
641 North Robertson Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069 INSTAGRAM
Rolling Greens
A short eight-minute drive from The Addison, find yourself at Rolling Greens — one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after, upscale nurseries. Here, you can complete your private, light-filled oasis with hanging pottery planters and unique arrangements that’ll have any houseguest stopping in their tracks.
7505 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036 INSTAGRAM
Mickey Hargitay Plants
In the market for unique, tropical plants that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Mickey Hargitay, a quick 10-minute drive from The Addison. Offering everything from manicured fiddle leaf fig trees to colorful hypoestes plants, Mickey Hargitay is your go-to spot for beautiful greenery.
1255 North Sycamore Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038 INSTAGRAM
Discover more about The Addison’s vibrant Melrose District neighborhood here.
Townhome 301 is a modern West Hollywood retreat boasting 1,800 square feet of open, airy living space set over two levels with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of tree-lined Croft Avenue and the surrounding city.
Located just off Melrose Place—seconds from lively cafes, restaurants, boutiques and the weekly farmers market—Townhome 301 is designed for seamless entertaining and peaceful everyday living.
On its bright main level, find soaring ceilings and a spacious contemporary kitchen outfitted with an island, hardwood floors, stainless steel Wolf, Sub-Zero and Asko appliances, custom Italian cabinetry by Snaidero and polished Caesarstone countertops. Ideal for hosting, the open kitchen connects to a large living room, which captures daylong natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows. A guest bedroom and bath are also located on the main level.
Ascend to the second level to find the generous primary suite with a walk-in closet and a spa-like bath with a soaking tub and separate steam shower.
The primary suite opens to a large open-air terrace, measuring more than 300 square feet. This elevated retreat offers views of the Pacific Design Center, surrounding Melrose District and Hollywood Hills beyond.
The terrace is an ideal setting for enjoying a morning pick-me-up from nearby Alfred Coffee, taking a midday work break or hosting sunset happy hour.
The Addison’s prime location, just off Melrose Place on N. Croft Avenue, puts West Hollywood’s best cafes and restaurants mere moments from home—including Alfred Coffee & Tea, an iconic Los Angeles-born coffee house celebrating its 9th anniversary this year.
Set steps from The Addison’s townhomes, Alfred’s flagship Melrose Place cafe first opened in 2013. Founder and native Angeleno, Josh Zad, trademarked the catchy phrase “But first, coffee” and created an Instagram-friendly interior aesthetic that quickly attracted style-savvy coffee and tea-lovers. Before long, Alfred Coffee on Melrose Place became a destination for L.A.’s most discerning food, drink and design enthusiasts.
In 2016 came Alfred Tea Room, a 450-square-foot tea-centric space steps from the flagship on Melrose Place on 705 N. Alfred Street—also mere seconds from The Addison. Soon after, Alfred debuted locations on Melrose Avenue, in Silver Lake and in Brentwood. Today, the coffee house has 12 locations across Southern California—plus cafes in Austin, Texas and Japan.
Alfred’s menu offers flavorful of-the-moment drinks and snacks—from its beloved, naturally flavored vanilla iced latte to its chaga mushroom-infused “Chagaccino,” vibrant green matcha latte and crave-worthy breakfast burrito.
As Alfred Coffee marks a decade of serving up covetable coffee, tea and cool design, more L.A. locations are rumored to be in the works, as is a new ready-to-drink beverage, said to be released through Bristol Farms later this year.
Come experience Alfred’s Melrose Place flagship and top off the trip with a private tour of The Addison’s move-in ready townhomes with expansive patios and roof terraces (the perfect setting for sipping Alfred’s matcha latte). Our Sales Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 310-299-6449 or email theaddisonsales@etcohomes.com to arrange a tour.
On Wednesday, February 23 at 11:30 a.m. The Addison will welcome Chef Molly Kruger into the kitchen of Townhome 305 for a live cooking demonstration. During this special in-person event, Chef Molly, the corporate chef for Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove—the leading manufacturer of luxury appliances and etco Homes’ partner in outfitting The Addison’s kitchens—will prepare a sweet springtime menu using the cutting-edge 36-inch Wolf Professional Series 5-burner cooktop and 30-inch E Series Transitional Single Oven, which come standard in every Addison townhome. Both appliances offer multiple cooking modes and the oven is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing home cooks to remotely preheat, select specific modes and adjust its temperature from their mobile device.
The menu will feature fresh vegetables, vibrant flavors and fresh honey from BeeHome, The Addison’s rooftop apiary. Dishes include honey garlic and gochujang roasted cauliflower, lemon zest couscous, custard phyllo crinkle with pistachios and Chef Molly’s signature “quarentea”—a special antioxidant drink perfect for sipping as you take in the Hollywood Hills views from the private terrace of one of The Addison’s townhomes.
Guests will be able to taste Chef Molly’s creations for themselves and access her unique recipes and special cooking tips after the demonstration concludes. Space is limited for this special event, RSVP here.
An ideal West Hollywood retreat made for seamless indoor-outdoor living, Townhome 315 is set over two levels, encompassing two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 1,928 square feet of sunlit indoor living space plus a stunning 381-square-foot roof terrace which overlooks tree-lined Croft Avenue and boasts views of the Hollywood Hills beyond.
Located just off Melrose Place, Townhome 315 boasts an ultra-private, coveted corner location within The Addison and is just steps from Melrose Place’s lively shops, cafes, restaurants and the weekly farmers market.
On its sunlit main level, find soaring ceilings and a spacious contemporary kitchen outfitted with light hardwood floors, stainless steel Wolf, Sub-Zero and Asko appliances, bright white custom Italian cabinetry by Snaidero and polished Caesarstone countertops. The kitchen opens to a living room, which captures daylong natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Ascend to the second level to find a guest bedroom and the palatial primary suite with a walk-in closet and a spa-like bath with soaking tub and separate steam shower. The primary suite and second bedroom both open to a large open-air terrace—measuring nearly 400 square feet. This peaceful elevated oasis is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, the stars and the city’s lights.
When The Addison is home, you can dip into a deeply relaxing, spa-like experience every day. Every townhome’s primary bath is outfitted with the finest materials and finishes, from soaking tubs and rainfall showers to vanities with ample storage and sleek Caesarstone floors and countertops. Read on for a closer look at four townhomes and their inviting, spa-like baths.
Townhome 102
Imagine ending the day with a steamy soak in Townhome 102’s primary suite bath. This two-bedroom, two-bath, two-level residence is set over 2,000 square feet and features a private main level patio measuring more than 550 square feet—the perfect place to relax with a tea (or nightcap) after that evening soak.
Townhome 305
A perfectly contemporary West Hollywood retreat, Townhome 305 is set over two levels, encompassing two bedrooms, two baths and 1,928 square feet of airy indoor living space. The palatial primary suite sits on the second level and offers a dreamy standalone soaking tub and separate steam shower. After your evening bath, you can wrap yourself in a robe and step out to the primary suite’s wraparound 658-square-foot roof terrace and take in the sparkling lights of the city.
Townhome 310
Three-level Townhome 310 is set over 2,231 square feet and encompasses three bedrooms and three baths, with the primary suite occupying the entire top floor. It features a spa-like bath with a soaking tub and a glass-enclosed steam shower, a wall of east-facing windows that look out to tree-lined N Orlando Avenue and a 331-square-foot terrace with views of the Hollywood Hills.
Townhome 307
Versatile and sophisticated, Townhome 307 spans 1,244 square feet and features one-bedroom and one-and-a-half baths. Its second-level primary suite opens to a 331-square-foot terrace with east-facing views that sweep across the Hollywood Hills. The suite also includes a spacious bath with a soaking tub and steam shower lined with dark gray tilework—a chic balance of timeless and modern style.
Experience The Addison’s Melrose Place townhomes in person. Contact the sales team at theaddisonsales@etcohomes.com or 310-299-6449 to arrange a tour.
With inflation taking over headlines and interest rates on the rise — recently reaching its highest levels since March 2020 — we caught up with etco Homes’ preferred lender with Wells Fargo, Gary May, for an in-depth interview on everything today’s home buyer needs to know, from the benefits of buying over renting to vital guidance for first-time buyers. His top piece of advice? Don’t wait — buy now. See why, below.
What do we need to know about today’s interest rates?
It is very likely we have seen the bottom of mortgage interest rates. Interest rates for mortgages are on an increasing trend, and likely to continue to increase through 2022.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped up this week, to 3.64% — the highest it’s been since March 2020. What are the factors that contributed to this increase?
Mainly inflation and the fact that the Federal Reserve will be tapering its purchasing of mortgage-backed securities for the last six years, which has kept liquidity in the market, keeping rates extremely low. Supply and demand in the housing industry (or lack of supply) does not play a major factor with interest rates; it’s purely an effect of the Fed and the amount of liquidity they have been pumping into the system.
Will rates continue to increase in 2022? What can we expect?
Very likely yes. The average 30 yr fixed jumbo loan today is 3.125% (3.155% APR) and could likely go to 3.50% by the end of the year. The vast majority of mortgages that buyers of etco Homes seek is jumbo financing, not conforming loans (which are the type that the Fed is purchasing).
Considering predictions for raised rates, what tips would you give homebuyers now?
Don’t wait! Inventory is not likely to get any better for the foreseeable future, so demand will remain high for the low inventory that is in the market, and rates are highly likely to continue on this upward trend, making the homes that are available to purchase more expensive for the consumer.
What is the best overall advice would you give today’s homebuyers in L.A.?
Don’t wait! I speak with too many buyers who are waiting for prices to come down for a myriad of reasons. Two, three years later, many of them are still waiting on the sidelines and still watching prices go up. Real estate in the Los Angeles area, and particularly in the areas that etco Homes builds, are always going to be in high demand. And with less and less available land to build new homes on, the opportunity to purchase a new home in these desirable areas is becoming scarcer. From the time records have been kept on return-on-investment comparisons between real estate and the stock market, real estate returns have been greater than stock market returns over the long term.
What home-buying trends are you seeing in today’s market? In California?
New homes are more and more in higher demand. Higher-end finishes, top-quality construction are a must, especially in higher-value markets like L.A. More people are working from home now, so comfortable office space has become a must; people don’t want to work from the kitchen table any longer.
What types of mortgages are trending in today’s market?
Due to the high cost of real estate in the areas we work in, 30 yr fixed jumbo financing is predominantly the choice of buyers.
What do we need to know about today’s down-payment options for homebuyers?
Wells Fargo offers jumbo financing for loan amounts above $680k, which affords customers lower rates than the current conforming loan limits in L.A. and Orange County of $970k. If buyers have less than 10% to put down, they can still buy a $1,020,000 home (5% down option). We can also offer 10% down up to $1.65M purchase price dispelling the fact you have to have 20% down to buy a home.
How do rates vary if financing as a primary residence vs pied-a-terre/second home?
At Wells Fargo, these rates are the same. There might be a slightly higher down payment requirement for second homes at certain price points, usually, 5% more down, but no adverse effect on rate.
How do rates vary for different type/sized homes, such as condos vs single-family homes?
This depends on the size of the loan; with Wells Fargo jumbo financing, the rate is the same for a condo as it is for a single-family home, a huge benefit for buyers. For conforming loans, there is a big difference in interest rates and it is very dependent on the amount of down payment for the loan to value calculation (LTV). Conforming loans have different pricing tiers based on LTV, but as a general rule, think .25% higher rate for condo.
Can you share insight on being a cash buyer vs. financing?
“Cash is king” has been a focus for listing agents for many years. The one major upside for cash buyers is the ease at which they can close on a purchase; they don’t need condo project review, no appraisal, lower closing costs from the title company.
There are quite a few downsides to this: Unless you are super wealthy and don’t need the cash, you are tying up a huge amount of assets that cannot be leveraged. Gaining access to the equity after closing can be expensive and very time-consuming; using an equity line as a vehicle to access the equity is more expensive than a regular mortgage. And the amount is limited that you can access. Interest rates on equity lines are higher than regular 1st mortgages, and the rate is ‘floating’ with the market. When the Fed raises rates, the equity line interest rate increases immediately. Cash buyers are not always the best offer; it has been my experience in multiple offer situations that the cash buyers are looking for a ‘deal’ and generally offer less than the listing price, using the benefit of being able to close faster than a financed buyer. Not all cash offers get accepted over financing offers.
What economic indicators should buyers be monitoring?
A simple and good rule of thumb is to watch the 10 yr T-Note rate. At the very low, the 10 yr was below 1% yield and interest rates for jumbo mortgages were 2.75% and even lower for 30 yr fixed loans. The 10 yr is at 1.8% today and rates are 3.125%. It is expected that the 10 yr will be at 2% or higher before the end of the year, making jumbo financing likely to be 3.5% on average. Conforming loans will likely be closer to 4.00%.
In today’s real estate market, many potential homebuyers contemplate whether they should continue renting or take the leap to homeownership. What are the factors they should consider when making this decision?
When you rent, you are paying someone else’s mortgage. If you have the means to save for a down payment, buying can be a smart decision financially because now you are investing in yourself, and as properties appreciate in value and the mortgage is paid down, as an owner, you receive 100% of the benefit. As a renter, when you move out, you have nothing to show for the rent payments you have made.
What is the benefit of buying over renting?
As a renter, you can almost guarantee the one thing to look forward to is rent increases each year (typical for L.A. area has been 3-10% a year depending on area). As an owner, your mortgage payment doesn’t change, and each time you make a payment, you are effectively saving money in the form of equity that is all yours to keep if and when you move and sell. There are some tax benefits as well; please consult with your CPA on these.
What are the first steps one should take when seeking a new home?
GET YOUR FINANCING IN ORDER. Too many times I see buyers looking at homes that they cannot afford to purchase. Buyers should get a loan application put together with someone that can look at income documentation to determine with confidence, what the maximum amount is they can qualify for.
What is your best advice for a first-time homebuyer in today’s market?
Ask lots of questions. The information on the internet is very vague. Every buyer situation is unique, so connect with a trusted lender who will take the time to review your personal situation, then provide options and solutions that fit their needs financially. Just because you can qualify for a mortgage, doesn’t always mean you should get one.
Have additional questions for Gary May? Please feel free to reach out to Gary directly by calling 310.808.8453 or emailing Gary@wellsfargo.com.
The Addison’s prime West Hollywood location just off Melrose Place puts residents moments from the area’s most beloved, beautiful L.A. parks and nature-steeped trails. Whether you prefer trekking up Runyon Canyon or strolling in Beverly Gardens Park, living at The Addison makes staying active easy. Read on for a closer look at four parks and trails that are just a short walk or drive away.
A very popular spot for weekend hikers and scenic outlook-seekers, Runyon Canyon Park is a short 10-minute drive from The Addison, just off Hollywood Boulevard. Opt to chill at the bottom of the hill and do some open-air yoga, or head up on the trail for a challenging 2.7-mile loop-style hike. The first half has a tough climb, but the panoramic views of the city and ocean beyond are the perfect reward.
This 1.9-mile stretch of grass, gardens, trees and fountains is home to the iconic Beverly Hills sign and runs alongside Santa Monica Boulevard, starting at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Doheny in West Hollywood and ending at Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Beverly Hills. True to its name, Beverly Gardens Park also features a Cactus Garden, Rose Garden plus a designated jogging and walking path. Residents of The Addison can access the Doheny end of the park in about 10 minutes by car and 20 minutes on foot.
Just a 15-minute walk from The Addison is 5.3-acre West Hollywood Park, which features grassy areas, an auditorium, outdoor sports facilities, a playground, picnic spots and several new improvements and additions. In April 2022, the park will debut a four-level 75,000-square-foot Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) with two rooftop swimming pools, a multi-sport court and an expanded dog park area.
An iconic Los Angeles destination—and a truly remarkable remnant of the Ice Age-era —the La Brea Tar Pits are a quick 10-minute drive from The Addison. This park encompasses landscaped and shaded grassy areas, walking paths, the tar pit museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s (LACMA) visually stunning outdoor exhibition, Levitated Mass. A surefire crowd-pleaser with lots to look at, this park is the perfect place to spend a few hours with local friends or out-of-towners.
After a day at one of these beautiful outdoor havens, residents can come home and enjoy the perks of The Addison’s ClassPass and ResortPass amenity, which offers seamless access to local fitness studios as well as day spas and hotel pools. Contact the sales team at theaddisonsales@etcohomes.com or 310-299-6449 to arrange a tour.
