Rare Unit in Gregory Ain’s Avenel Cooperative Housing Up for Grabs in Silver Lake

Way back in the 1940s, a group of like-minded families pooled their resources, purchased a hillside parcel of land in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Silver Lake and set out to create a network of 10 modestly sized apartments centered around indoor-outdoor living. Funded by the Federal Housing Administration and designed by notable modernist architect Gregory Ain, the resulting Avenel Cooperative Housing Project subsequently converted to condo ownership in 1991 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005; and though the homes rarely become available nowadays, one just popped up on the market with a relatively affordable (by L.A. standards) $1.3 million pricetag.

The single-story condo unit up for grabs was built in 1947 and measures in at just under 1,000 square feet, and comes complete with built-in storage, linoleum floors and clerestory windows throughout. Innovative sliding wood partitions can be used to easily reconfigure the residential floorplan into one, two or three bedrooms — or you can even carve out an extra space for a den, if you so desire. Particularly standing out is a spacious great room highlighted by an entire wall of sliding glass doors that open to reveal an expansive deck suitable for al fresco dining and entertaining amid picturesque views stretching from Griffith Observatory to the Silver Lake Hills.

The compact unit also manages to pack in an updated kitchen outfitted with sleek wood cabinetry, stainless and white appliances, and a stylish apron-front sink, along with one singular bathroom that’s “sensitive to the original design,” per the listing. Out front, a laundry room holds court adjacent to an enclosed patio space; and a one-car garage is accessible via a wide driveway off a quiet, tree-lined street.

Last sold in 2012 for $503,500, the property will transfer with monthly HOA fees of $575. Jules Ibrao of Deasy Penner Podley (DPP) serves as the listing agent for the property, which is located at 2847 Avenel St., near Ivanhoe Elementary School and the Silver Lake Reservoir.