[scottmandue]

I work in downtown LA and prices on parking vary widely. When we go to little Tokyo for sushi I park in a high rise for $4.00 but that is not peak hours. Parked at Union station all day Sunday $14.00 (also not peak hours)

My recommendation would be try to get a loft that has parking.
If you can't do that my next idea would be to get monthly parking in a high rise.

I don't know if your work is near a metro station but the train can be very convenient if you live and work near the stations.

Also some parts of downtown have groups of nice restaurants if you can find a loft near them you won't have to drive to get dinner.

Downtown LA is very surreal... you go down one street and there are expensive restaurants, clubs, and office buildings... go around the corner and you got skid row with people sleeping on the sidewalk.