Holey Grail Donuts and Skin Laundry are the first tenants to sign on to join the Larchmont Mercantile, formerly known as the Lipson Building, currently being renovated between 124 1⁄2 -148 North Larchmont Boulevard. Details on when the two retailers will open, and in exactly which spaces, are not yet available, according a spokesperson for Christina Development, which is renovating the property. When the construction barriers will be removed, and whether or not there will be valet parking behind the stores, as originally planned, is also not yet known.
Holey Grail Donuts is a Hawaiian-based donut brand known for its taro-based donuts. The company first gained recognition as a food truck in Kauai.
“Founded by brother and sister team Nile and Hana Dreiling, in early 2018. Holey Grail began as a “Sunday Ritual” out of a little red hamburger trailer in Hanalei on the island of Kauai. This ritual quickly developed a cultish following which led to 45+ minute waits, live DJs, and people lining up at 6:30 am on a Sunday to try the donuts. They started with a $100 fryer, a “Reincarnated” donut, and a quest to create the worlds most delicious donut experience…” according to the company’s website.
Larchmont Mercantile will be one of Holey Grail’s first locations in Los Angeles, with another store scheduled to open in Santa Monica early next year.
Meanwhile, Skin Laundry is a skin care brand specializing in laser facials performed by medically trained staff, according to its website.
“Born in Santa Monica, we designed our clinics to resemble a California beach bungalow, a vast departure from a derm office. Although the vibes are relaxed and friendly, the service is medical-grade. With more than 20 clinics (and counting) our revolutionary laser facials are available globally in the US, London Hong Kong, Dubai, Kuwait and opening NEW locations soon!”
Larchmont Mercantile is owned and operated by Christina Development Corporation, which acquired the property in 2018 for $23.5 million dollars. Gensler, a global architecture firm, is doing the renovation, which essentially leaves intact the former 14 storefronts constructed by Julius LaBonte a century ago.
Gensler designed four unique architectural façades to break up the “long unassuming exterior into distinct “buildings,” reviving the property’s original character with a modern reinterpretation,” according to the developer’s press release announcing the new tenants. “With oversized windows, high ceilings, and clear glass, the architecture brings new life to the street level.”
“Larchmont Mercantile represents what can be achieved by re-imagining what already was an extraordinary location through distinctive and sensitive architecture, design, and placemaking prowess,” said Christina founder Lawrence N. Taylor, in the press release. “Our repair and adaptive restoration transformed the dated project into an inclusive, architecturally significant, and contemporary centerpiece on one of the most desirable, pedestrian-oriented streets in Los Angeles. Larchmont Mercantile is ideally positioned to capitalize on the evolving demands of both consumers and retailers while staying true to fundamentals that have historically contributed to the vibrancy of the Larchmont Village Shopping District.”
Stay tuned to the Buzz for updates.
