The Lofts At Cherokee Studios: Has Elvis Really Left the Building?

For those who find their muse in their surroundings: The hallowed ground of the old Cherokee recording studios in Hollywood is being converted into 12 work-live lofts, including some equipped as music studios to keep the tradition alive. The Lofts at Cherokee Studios project by Los Angeles-based sustainable developer, REthink Development, is about six weeks away from completion, with a model expected to open in mid-September.

Two penthouses have dedicated music production space; powder rooms can be outfitted as recording booths and acoustical insulation and sound attenuation measures were built behind and in the walls. Four other units can be similarly outfitted. So if Motley Crue moves in next door, no need to worry about the late-night jam sessions.

The lofts range in size from 1,190 to 2,300 square feet and cost $700,000 to $1.4 million. There is also more than 2,700 square feet of retail space available -- not to mention the ghosts of some heavyweights in the music business.

Elvis recorded "Burning Love" here and Frank Sinatra's orchestral studio was housed in this building. (A beam that was part of Sinatra's studio was salvaged and is part of the lobby.) David Bowie, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Dave Matthews and dozens of others made music here; more than 300 gold and platinum albums were cut on this site, which Cherokee vacated in 2006.