A 26,000-square-foot live-work warehouse building in downtown Los Angeles, owned for nearly 25 years by former fashion designer and passionate car collector Magnus Walker—one of the world’s largest Porsche collectors—has hit the market with an asking price of about $20 million.
Walker initially used the building for his Serious Clothing company, which gained popularity in the L.A. music scene and was worn by stars like Gwen Stefani, Alice Cooper, and Madonna. He later transformed the space into a live-work environment through an adaptive reuse program. Shortly after acquiring the property, Walker ventured into the film location business, describing it as a “happy accident.” He noted, “We saw the opportunity to build something into a pretty lucrative film location business for the next 10-12 years.” Since then, the building has hosted numerous films, commercials, and music videos featuring Kevin Costner, Mary J. Blige, and The Eagles.
The two-story brick structure, dating back to 1903, spans three parcels over two lots and features multiple street frontages, along with a heavy-duty gate leading to a courtyard parking area that accommodates up to a dozen cars. Walker has showcased a selection of his collection in the courtyard, including a vintage Rolls Royce and several 1970s Corvettes. The raw and industrial interior boasts exposed brick walls, patinated wood floors, a functioning freight elevator, high ceilings with skylights, and large south-facing casement windows that flood the upper level with natural light.
A massive roll-up door allows cars to be driven inside the building. One section of the ground floor features a striking blue Pininfarina Battista on display, while another serves as a garage and workshop where Walker keeps over a dozen collectible Porsches, famously never selling any once they enter his possession.
The 11,200-square-foot upper level, which served as Walker’s eclectic residence, combines elements of “a mini Hearst Castle and English stately home mixed with midcentury modernism and 60s/70s furniture.” The building also boasts an enclosed courtyard garden filled with lush greenery, vibrant bougainvillea, and fragrant night-blooming jasmine. Additionally, the expansive rooftop offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city, including a close-up of the downtown skyline.
Details about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the expansive property are available upon request through Tori Horowitz and Rinat Greenberg of Canyonhaus at Compass, as well as Geoff Anenberg at Normal Properties.
