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Located at 1375 East 6th Street in Downtown Los Angeles, a new haven for cyclists, adventure-seekers and coffee lovers has recently opened its doors to the public. The Wheelhouse is a special space where vintage-inspired bicycles, handmade products and great coffee come together in a warm, homey space where everyone is welcome. The two founders, Tami and Chase Spenst, wanted to build a community where craftsmanship and quality are celebrated. You can find a wide range of treasures inside The Wheelhouse; from stunning bikes to aromatic coffee served in handmade ceramic cups, from baskets you can take to a farmer’s market to travel bags and accessories designed for the adventurous.
There are fabric-covered bike helmets made in Copenhagen and hand-weaved baskets from Ghana – all of the products honor true craftsmanship and the handmade movement.
There are fabric-covered bike helmets made in Copenhagen and hand-weaved baskets from Ghana – all of the products honor true craftsmanship and the handmade movement. On their website, Tami and Chase explain the decision to create the space in this unique way and the reason they choose these products: “we have placed a special emphasis on filling our shelves with stories. Many of our products are the work of makers all over the country- individuals and couples and families- who are weaving and carving and sewing their hearts into the beautiful things they create”. On the lower and upper levels you can find bicycle repairing services for both more elaborate or easy to fix problems. Customers can enter with a bicycle that has a flat tire, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and leave riding on their bike. But it’s not just the products on sale or the high quality services that make this place truly stand out.
The interior has been designed by Tami’s design studio, Pluck. Every detail, material and color tone has been carefully chosen to create the one-of-a-kind look and feel of The Wheelhouse. Features from the previous industrial warehouse include concrete floors and walls as well as exposed beams. A large orange neon sign spells the name of the place on a black backdrop. Suspended vintage-inspired bicycles seem to float in the air, creating an almost surreal atmosphere that is full of charm. Outside, a terrace offers a convenient place to enjoy the bright and warm Californian sunshine. The Wheelhouse is filled with gems and has an individual personality that perfectly suits the creative soul of this special city – it’s a must-see place for both locals and tourists.
Photographs courtesy of Skandia Shafer.
