The Altamuras

Ever wonder why Hermosa Beach allows for rooftop decks and Manhattan Beach doesn’t? Me too! It seems ridiculous that two cities, merely the same in every way, including building regulations, has this huge flaw. Actually, this is arguably the biggest advantage Hermosa has over Manhattan. Well not anymore! Recently, the MB building code has changed the way builders can construct Townhomes in the Sand Section. Before the change, builders would construct “two on a lot” Townhomes on East-West lots, which run 33′ by 105′. The front unit ranges between 2,200 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft and the back unit between 2,800 sq ft up to 3,300 sq ft. The back unit is more valuable because of the bigger sq. footage. As a result, this would account for either an extra bedroom or a media/den room and views over the front unit. The front unit would have more parking and not be in the back (Ex: Properties on Highland Ave. and Manhattan Ave). Years past, MB wouldn’t allow a roof top deck on the front unit, which would only be accessible to the back unit, because they considered the deck the 4th floor of the front unit. Now, they changed that and I’m sure you can guess how that greatly affects the back unit even more, in a positive way… VIEWS!!!

The hot topic amongst builders is finding these highly sought after “East-West” lots to build. The demand is strong and a perfect example is the project Kim Komick is doing at 2207 Bayview Dr. in Manhattan Beach. Her plan is to build two Townhomes, the front being 2,400 sq. ft and the back 2,800 sq. ft. I believe they will be offered at $2.4 and $2.8 million respectfully. These two town homes will feature the new plan where the front unit has a roof top deck, but  the deck is only accessible to the back unit. Imagine the views!!! I have heard they already have offers on the front unit and a lot of activity on the back. Completion in 2012.