Los Feliz Beautiful - losfelizbeautiful

Being a realtor in Los Feliz gives me an unbelievable opportunity to visit some of the most outstanding architecture in Los Angeles on a regular basis.  Although I often fork over the $25-$75 entrance fee to participate in the oft-scheduled local home tours, I get a regular dose just paying attention to the broker's open house schedule on a regular basis.  This past Tuesday, January 10, 2012 was a particularly fabulous treat:  Three iconic residences spanning 38 years of our history: The opulent William Mead Estate, designed by Hudson & Munsell in 1914, the elegant Samuel-Navarro House designed by Lloyd Wright in 1928, and the classic mid-century Mittrey Residence designed by William T. Dreiss in 1952.  Take a peak inside in the pictures sections of this website.

As 2011 comes to a close, Donna and I would like to say "Thank You!" to all our friends who have enriched our lives during the past year.  Despite its challenges, life continues to be a wonderful journey.  Discovering the history and architecture of our neighborhood, and documenting it on these pages has been a pleasurable pastime, and I hope, a benefit to everyone who visits these pages.  Look for my column in the "Los Feliz Observer" featuring the "Architectural Development of Los Feliz:  Craftsman Style:  Los Feliz' Architecture Comes of Age" coming out in the spring of 2012.

Friends and neighbors gathered at the gateway to Barnsdall Art Park in December 8, 2011 for the much-anticipated new entrance sign dedication.  City Council President Eric Garcetti and City Councilmember Tom LaBonge led a host of dignitaries at the ceremony.

The sign complements the art deco styling of the iconic Hollyhock House, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright between 1919 and 1921 and the centerpiece of the park.  The sign “lets residence know they have a major cultural landmark in their midst”, according to Marshall Levy, co-president of the foundation.

The landmark sign was designed by one of Los Angeles premiere design firms, Sussman-Prejza, with approval from the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. The Departments of Recreation and Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation  worked as a team, launching the project  in September 2005 with the essential support of both Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge. Major funding was accomplished through the efforts of the foundation, with additional support from the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Arts Council, a key partner in the project from the beginning, secured additional funding from AT&T, Edison International and Occidental Petroleum.

 

While Mid-Century and Contemporary styles bring a most welcome diversity to the built of environment of Los Feliz, Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles continue to rule the day.  As the neighborhood was largely developed in the Roaring 20s, the popular styles of the day, including English Tudor remain the choice of most residents.  Here are three beauties featured on our "front page".  For more, please visit the "Spanish-Mediterranean Pictures" section on the site.

The Art Deco in Los Angeles' architecture generally falls into two categories:  the zigzag, perpendicular of the 1920s and the aerodynamic Streamline of the 1930s and early '40s.  Add to that the Public Works Administration's contributions and you have a general idea of the progressive, industrial design associated with the styles. On our "front page" today are three wonderful examples found in Los Feliz:  on the left, a lavish statement by an unknown designer on Carnavon Way (1991); in the middle, a duplex on Mariposa Avenue designed for Ben Brodsky (1940); on the right, the Whiting House in Laughlin Park, designed by Lester G. Scherer (1930).  For more examples, please visit the "Art Deco-Streamline" photo section of this website.  Enjoy!

In my daily walks around the neighborhood, it never ceases to amaze me how many beautiful houses can be seen literally at the turn of every street corner!  Today's "front page" photos feature three recent "discoveries": (L-R) the Shake Sahakian Residence designed by Nathan Clarence Battle  and completed in 2008; the Hong Residence designed by Roger Hong in 1968 and the Johnnie Cochran Residence designed by Varooj G. Zarookian in 1971.  Details about these three homes can be found in the "Modern" section of this website.  Enjoy!

Our "Front Page" celebrates the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture in our neighborhood.  The style had a brief popularity between the two world wars as exemplified in the three examples shown here:  (L-R) the Ben  Brodsky Duplex designed by Carl Kay in 1940, a Streamline Moderne house on Carnavon Way and the Bethany Towers on Gramercy Place (1933).

Donna and I had a most enjoyable road trip celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We hopped in the car and traveled to Austin, Texas where we rented a fabulous architectural home for a week. Along the way we stopped at some of the small towns along Historic Route 66 stopping at Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and Albuquerque, before dropping down to El Paso and points east. For a peek at our travelog, please visit the site, "Road trip from LA to Austin & Back".

currently (August 2011) on the market and listed for sale at $5,900,000.  The house is described in the listing as "Quite possibly the most spectacular trophy home Los Feliz has to offer. Casa Domingo, built in 1927 and meticulously restored over a 5 year period. Estate boasts 36,000 plus lot with tennis court, pool, gated motor court and guest house. Two story cathedral entry with loggia & original mural on ceiling. Large living room, circular office and sunroom opening to lush yard.  Spectacular pool lined by palm trees, fountains & lush foliage."  The house is presently the home of Robert Huizenga, M.D., also known as Dr. H on the television show, "The Biggest Loser".  He is the former team physician for the Los Angeles Raiders and is frequently seen on reality television

Sullivan also designed the C.H. Pill House (1927) located in the vicinity at  2545 N. Vermont Avenue.  Located at 4915 Los Feliz Blvd.

Right around the corner from us at 3525 Griffith Park Blvd., I have watched the transformation of a lovely old Spanish Colonial House.  It never came on the market, but was purchased by a "flipper" with great results.  Described in the lisiting as "Exceptional & exciting 1933 Monterey Spanish...restored from top to bottom with all the original details complimented with a Modernist touch...."  Available for puchase for $1,397,000. 

When the opportunity to go on a listing appointment in Laughlin Park came today, I packed my camera in the hopes of lingering for a moment or two in the exclusive gated community.  While many of the fine homes are hidden from public view, I managed to snap a photo of the Art Deco style "Whiting House", designed by architect Lester G. Scherer for Pioneer Building Material Merchant Perry Whiting in 1930.  I also visited the remarkable "Hansel-and-Gretel" Craftsman style  William Hall Residence, designed by Albert & Alfred S. Heineman, Architects in 1918 and trhe Spanish Revival style Wallace Neff Residence on Cromwell Avenue, three reminders of the amazing diversity of architecture in the neighborhood where we live.

On June 21, 2011 Donna and I joined hundreds of other Angelinos for the traditional hike to the top of Mt. Hollywood to celebrate the Summer Solstice.  Beforehand, we dropped off our contribution to a neighborhood potluck at the home of Chris Laib and his partner, Lon, before carpooling to the Griffith Park Observatory and the trailhead.  Joining us were Donna's Aunt Dorothy from Oklahoma City and her sister Karen Weismann from Vancouver, Washington.  The occasion also marked the swearing in ceremony for Councilmember Tom LaBonge, for his third and final term, representing the 4th District.

Quintessential c.1931 Spanish Revival style duplex, located on one of Los Feliz' best streets, directly across the street from the Earle C. Anthony House, Bernard Maybeck, Architect 1927. Each spacious unit features period details, arched doorways, hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, formal dining room, tile baths and kitchen and laundry room.  The upstairs unit has a lovely balcony overlooking a private patio with koi pond and back landing with a peek-a-boo view of the Rowena Reservoir.  A long, private driveway, gated front patio and lovely gardens add to the ambiance.

The architect-designed duplex offers a great alternative to a buyer who has been looking for a single family residence in Los Feliz or Silver Lake in the $500,000-$750,000 price range and hasn't found anything up to their standards.  Live in one unit and rent out the other (units are currently rented for $2060/mo and $1957/mo. respectively).

Los Feliz has such a diverse and interesting mix of architecture!  Every Tuesday, when Broker's Caravan occurs between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., I look forward to checking out the new listings.  There always seems to be some delightful surprises.  On the "menu for today:  the Quintessential Spanish Courtyard home, the Elvad House designed by Architect Paul Kingsbury for Danish immigrant Peter Elvad in 1927, the Colonial Revival Guild House, designed by Architect Arthur R. Kelley for Bond Broker Herbert H. Guild in 1923, and in next-door Silver Lake, one of the "Avenal Homes", a 10-unit cooperative houseing development designed by architect Gregory Ain in 1947, and described as "a model for effective use of limited space for low-cost urban housing."

Guy Vidal (Design Vidal) invited me to stop by and see the progress on Karen Vidal's redesign of the McTernan House, originally designed by Korean-born Architect David Hyun in 1960.  According to Karen, the house needed a complete makeover.  On April 12, 2011, the day of my visit, the house looked to be about 90% complete.  It is my pleasure to share a few photos of the project with you.

One of the best "feel good" decisions I made in 2011 was to come out and be an early supporter for the St. Vincent de Paul Cardinal Manning Center's "Hike 4 the Homeless" in 'Griffith Park on April 2, 2011.  The event drew attention to the plight of the homeless in our fair city, home to 10% of the nation's homeless population.  We were met by our "co-conspirators" from Keller Williams Los Feliz Realty, led by team leader ANTHONY VULIN with a strong show of support from Chris Laib (who gave a substantial donation), Ken Dang, Michael Remacle, Paul Mirador, Andy Jelmert, and Clint Lohr.  Boyhood friend, Dan Curtis drove down with his wife from Ventura County; thanks Dan!  (you're the Man)!  Thanks also to our beloved City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who shared the moment with us. A special shout out to neighbors Monique Frese and Diane Kanner, who both seem to have an inexhaustible supply of energy when it comes to "Love Thy Neighbor" and of course, to me beloved wife Donna Jean who is always there whenever I need her support.  Three cheers for Los Feliz!

This Saturday, April 2nd, I'll be joining friends and neighbors to "JUST SAY NO" to Homelessness in Los Angeles County.  We're going on a hike in Griffith Park to benefit the Cardinal Manning Center, a shelter for the homeless down in Los Angeles' Skid Row.  To learn more, participate or help out, please visit the Hike for the Homeless website link. You can also read my article about the event in the April 2011 Edition of the Los Feliz Ledger.

It's been a while since I've updated "Los Feliz is Beautiful"! I have been busy and haven't had much free time. I recently managed to find a few "gems" in the neighborhood that caught my eye; it's not a collection per se, but I am always delighted to share my finds with you.  Featured on our new "front page" are three of my recent "discoveries":  the Moreton Bay Fig Trees on Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #940; the Brenda Levin House, Brenda Levin, Architect 1982 and a beautiful c.1964 Mid-Century house on Aberdeen Avenue.  Check out the site to learn more.

I always look forward to Tuesdays, especially if there are some interesting architectural properties on Broker's Caravan!  Today, February 8, 2011, I visited two properties, the Lloyd Wright-designed "Sowden House" and the house Architect Mark Hall designed as his personal residence in 1981.  I have visited both houses in the past; the Sowden has been on the market several times, this time around it's listed for $4.4 M.  A national treasure, and well-worth the price!  All you need is to be able to afford it!  The Hall House has undergone an extensive restoration, completed in 2010, and is greatly improved from the last time it was on the market; the indoor-outdoor environment is seamless.  Look for new photos on my "front page" and in the "photos" sections!

Perhaps the names aren't familiar (they weren't to me), however father-and-son architectural team Nomland & Nomland were selected to design one of the Case Study Houses in 1947 (711 San Rafael Avenue, in Pasadena). The Albers house is located in Los Feliz at 3604 Lowry Road, and has undergone an extensive renovation under the direction of architect Mark Rios, completed in 2006.  I had the pleasure of visiting the house, today, January 20, 2011; it is on the market and listed for sale for $1,395,000.  Our "front page" photos give you an idea of its charms.

The Los Feliz District of Los Angeles was largely developed in the 1920s, when the most favored architectural style was Spanish Revival and Mediterranean, as reflected in our heritage and close proximity to Latin America.  English Tudor homes were the second most-prevelent style in the fashion of the times.  Our "front page" reflects three of them; the "Sherwood House" on Griffith Park Boulevard, the Walt Disney House on Woking Way, and the Hamerlund House on Waverly Drive.

For our current "front page", I am pleased to highlight three important contributions from the Mid-Century:  On the left, a house designed by Korean-born Architect David Hyun for John T. McTernan in 1960. The house is currently (2010) undergoing an extensive restoration under the direction of Karen Vidal (DesignVidal).  In the middle, a lovely post-and-beam built in 1956; located at 3543 Holboro by an unknown architect.  On the right, the Raphael Soriano-designed Schrage House.  Enjoy!

Castles always hold a special fascination; I guess it's the British in me! I have always wanted to get a closer look at the old (1928) castle on Tryon Road; it has that forbidding look, perched on a steep hillside, looking a bit forlorn and maybe even haunted. The opportunity arose recently; the house has been repossessed from its most recent owner (Actor Nicholas Cage also owned it recently), and is now listed for sale for a mere $1.249,000 (as of November 2010).  The house is large; 4 bedrooms and 5 baths in 5,367 sq. feet of living space.  It needs some work but seems like a bargain to me. Located at 5647 Tryon Road in the Los Feliz Oaks.

Our "Front Page" features three very special Los Feliz homes currently on the market, The Lawrence Gray House, designed by Architect Paul R. Williams in 1927; the Arzner-Morgan Villa designed for Dorothy Azner (1897-1979), a trail-blazing film and theater director and her long-time companion, Marian Morgan and the Coleman House designed by Architect Harry H. Whiteley in 1926 and currently the home of Actor actor Danny Bonaduce in 2005. Bonaduce, 51, played the middle son on the 1970s sitcom "The Partridge Family." For details, check out our "Pictures" page.

Thanks to my friend RICHARD STANLEY, I got a first hand look at the elegant  Ralph D. Brown Residence today (October 19, 2010).  The house was described by Andy Warhol Foundation President Joel Wachs as "one of my favorite L.A. houses." I would have to agree; the house is a connoisseur's delight.

I'd hoped to get out today with a short break in the (rainy) weather to continue my quest of photographing our beautiful community.  My first destination was to be the Ralph Brown Residence, Phil Brown, architect, 1963, a new listing and what looks like a spectacular mid-century house on Holly Oak Drive.  For the sake of a new client, however, I spent my day in Brentwood and Santa Monica previewing property.  Hopefully I will have some new material for our subscribers soon.  Stay tuned!

Although Los Feliz has an amazing mix of architectural styles, the Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles continue to define the quintessential Los Feliz home as a nostalgic expression related to our heritage.  Here are three of my favorites: the Laura F. Anderson  Residence, designed by Harry Hayden Whiteley, Architect in 1928, the E.W. Carrington Duplex designed by W.W. Crenshaw in 1927 and the Villa Manola, designed by Paul R. Williams. 1924.

Today's "front page" photos feature Los Feliz' METRO stops, located at the intersections of Sunset Blvd. and Vermont and Hollywood Blvd. & Western Avenue.  If you haven't taken a ride on L.A.'s METRO yet, it's an unbelievable bargain!

Parking was a bit difficult in the 1600 block of Hillhurst Avenue today (September 22, 2010).  I circled around the block west of Hillhurst Avenue and stumbles upon a magnicent row of Deco Apartment buildings on Lyman Place.  I will have to do some research in order to find out who is responsible for their design, but if you take a look at some of the other Art Deco-Streamline buildings on this site, you will see a striking similarity.

This week's photo highlights three masterpieces designed by Williams during the 1920s, the "Golden Age" of the Spanish and Mediterranean Revival style of architecture.

For our current "front page" I am pleased to present three icons of our local architecture:  The Trianon Apartments, located at 1750 Serrano Avenue (designed by Leland Bryant in 1928); the "House of the 7 Dwarves" designed by Builder Ben Sherwood on Griffith Park Blvd. and the Collegiate Gothic John Marshall High School, designed by George M. Lindsey in 1930-31.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2010, fellow Realtor Brian Moore invited me to visit the Boston House, an Italianate Mediterranean mansion designed for W.O. Boston by Architect C.J. Smale in 1924.  The elegant mansion is listed for $1,899,000; it was previously owned by Composer Charles T. Haubiel and is currently the home of Fashion Jewelry Designer Melinda Lawton.  The house has an amazing two-story entry foyer with grand staircase, original marble floors, and second story cloistered mezzanine.  Take a peak at some of the gorgeous interiors!

A short stroll down Ambrose Avenue west of Edgemont Street reveals some lovely homes built primarily in the 20's and 30's.  An original Paul Williams house is located at the very end of the cul-de-sac. Most are of an English Tudor or Mediterranean/Spanish Revival design, reflecting the popularity of the styles during the Roaring 20's.  Please have a look in our "Pictures" Section!

Fr. Christopher Kelley invited me to visit his beloved church, St. Mary of the Angels today, August 24, 2010.  I had a wonderful time, learning about the church's history, and in particular, its ministry to 'address the spiritual needs of the fledging Hollywood motion picture community' since 1919.  The church is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (No. 136), and is described as a "little jewel of architecture". 

Paul R. Williams will always be a favorite architect. I was first introduced to the superstar as a result of listing one of his great houses for sale, the Villa Manola a 'Morrocan palace' for Hollywood socialite Mrs. E. L. Martin, Founder of the Hollywood Hills Hunt Club in 1924. The photos on our marquee are of three great Los Feliz homes designed by Williams (L-R) The Blackburn Residence on Cromwell Avenue for Bruce Blackburn, the inventor of the roll-up window screen; the Ben Platt Residence on Vermont Avenue, designed for music store mogul Ben Platt, but made more infamous by a earlier day Bernard Madoff, oilman C.C. Julian; and the Castle on Aberdeen Road designed for the founder of the Olsen Baking Company, Fred G. Olsen.  Their stories are told in the Paul R. Williams section of the website.  (posted August 22, 2010)

Every journey has its starting point!  While I have been thinking about starting a website focused on Los Feliz for some time, it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I started to actually put it together.  While I am pleased with the initial results, there are literally dozens of beautiful places that I haven't seen yet.  Many of course are hidden from public view, and perhaps I won't have the opportunity to see.  If you live in an interesting home or know about something that might be considered for inclusion on these pages, by all means, let me know!  Send me a note or give me a call.  Michael Locke, Editor. -posted on August 22, 2010.

Look for a different theme everytime you visit "Los Feliz Beautiful"!  Not only do I plan on adding new content on a regular basis, our "front page" will feature frequently-changing photos.  Today, I am pleased to offer highlights from our "Art Deco+Streamline" collection; three apartment buildings on Los Feliz Boulevard built between 1929 and 1941, expressing a wide range of style.  (posted August 21, 2010).