Things We've Lost | Then and Now Archives

CITY WITHIN A CITY

on By

Well, this post technically isn’t a place we’ve lost. It’s more about a place that could have been and never was.

In the late 1950’s Wilshire Blvd between Crenshaw and La Brea was referred to by some as the “Dead Mile”. The underdeveloped stretch lacked any of the Art Deco or Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings that dotted Wilshire to the West. But, did you know that plans were drawn up in 1959 to create a City within a City right in the Brookside neighborhood? The architecture firm of Charles Luckman (Los Angeles Forum, Kennedy Space Center, Madison Square Garden) was hired to develop plans that would include a hotel, apartments, restaurants and a park all linked by covered walkways. All this was to take place on the South side of Wilshire between Tremaine and Rimpau. The area of New York’s Radio City Music Hall and its surrounding buildings was to be the blue print. Obviously this plan was not realized. How different this neighborhood would have been.

THIS WAY TO MORE life | style

If you would like to know more, contact Brian Courville at 310-622-0312. Or, for additional information on Mid-Century Modern | Architectural homes, Spanish homes, Historic Los Angeles homes or Classic Los Angeles homes for sale reach us by email at: Brian Courville. If you are considering selling, contact us for a free no-obligation home valuation.

Carnation Coffee Shop | Demolished

on By

It’s been quite some time since I remember seeing that ubiquitous Carnation logo. The Carnation Ice Cream shop at Disney was always a must visit. Our very own neighborhood played host to the Carnation Company Building on Wilshire with a Mid Century Coffee shop designed by Stiles O Clements. While this was before my time, I’ve spoken with folks who used to grab a burger and hang out after High School let out. The modern coffee shop was photographed by none other than the notable architectural photographer, Julius Shulman as seen here. The company eventually moved its headquarters and unfortunately, the restaurant was eventually demolished.

Stiles Oliver Clements – Architects | Julius Shulman Photography

Today… While the coffee shop is gone, the Carnation building was expanded and thankfully kept the architectural appeal.

If you would like to know more about this amazing home, contact Brian Courville at 310-622-0312. Or, for additional Mid-Century Modern| Architectural homes, Spanish homes, Historic Los Angeles homes or Classic Los Angeles homes for sale reach us by email at: Brian Courville. If you are considering selling, contact us for a free no-obligation home valuation.

PLACES WE’VE LOST – THE AUTOMAT

on By

A major appeal of watching classic 50’s and 60’s movies is for architecture, furniture and fashion design. I remember a scene in That Touch of Mink featuring Doris Day and Cary Grant taking place in a food hall called an Automat. I was fascinated by this “futuristic” concept. Well, for those hungry for more information on the history of these establishments, there’s a fascinating documentary out now aptly titled,
The Automat. http://automatmovie.com/

THE AUTOMAT HORN
& HARDART MOVIE

NOMINEE OF
FOUR 2022
CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

R.I.P. Lautner’s Garwood Residence

on By

It’s with a heavy heart that we report the demolition of a John Lautner designed home. We have nothing against Chris Martin, but as an artist, he should be on the side of conservation and appreciate the architecture and artistry of one of the most influential residential architects of the last century. Or, don’t buy the home. R.I.P. Lautner’s Garwood Residence.

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

If you would like to know more, contact Brian Courville at 310-622-0312. Or, for additional Mid-Century Modern | Architectural homes, Spanish homes, Historic Los Angeles homes or Classic Los Angeles homes for sale reach us by email at: Brian Courville. If you are considering selling, contact us for a free no-obligation home valuation.

Home of Tomorrow

on By

The Fritz-Burns Postwar House

Hidden in plain site. There are plenty articles written about the Case Study Homes sponsored by John Entenza’s Arts & Architecture publication. But are you aware of the Post War House and, eventually, rechristened as the House of Tomorrow? It sits right on Wilshire Blvd and Highland Avenue in the Mid City neighborhood.

Builder Fritz Burns commission Welton Becket and Walter Wurdeman to build a model home with every new fangled appliance to market to the returning GIs. Central air conditioning, electric garbage disposals and two way intercoms were the tip of the iceberg. And, with furnishings by Bullock’s department store, this home was a marvel of opulence. House Beautiful Magazine devoted and astounding 42 pages to the project. It’s estimated that over one million visitors passed thru the house. Eventually, when attendance slowed, Welton Becket revised the home and it was renamed the House of Tomorrow. The property is currently on the market as office space. But, unfortunately, it has been gutted. The exterior features some of the mid century charm with a partial butterfly roof, clerestory windows and a pronounced brick fireplace. It would take a mammoth effort and some substantial funds to turn back time on this one.

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

If you would like to know more, call 310.622.0312 or email Brian Courville. Whether Mid Century Architectural, Spanish, Luxury, or Classic Los Angeles design, MODERN LIVING LA is here to guide you home. Follow us on Instagram @modernlivingla

Designated one of the Top 7 real estate websites for modern homes in the world by thespaces.com

Googie’s Coffee Shop by John Lautner | Demolished

on By

Googie’s Coffee Shop by John Lautner | 8100 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 | Demolished in 1988/1989

The Googies Coffee Shop by architect John Lautner was built in 1949. Located on the world-famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA, the coffee shop became a popular meeting place for celebrities including James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Lee Marvin, Steve McQueen and many more. Always an innovator, Lautner created this space age architectural style which would eventually be coined Googie for its namesake diner.

The origins of Googie architecture have been traced back his previous work on Coffee Dan’s. While Googie architecture was hugely popular with the general public, some critics weren’t so kind. Douglas Haskall, a critic for House and Home, said Googie “brought modern architecture down from the mountains.” Thankfully, time has been much more kind. Most look upon this whimsical style with much affection.

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

The elements of Googie Design include:

Upswept roofs
Cantilevered ceilings
Domed roofs
Glass as a design element
Boomerang and amoeba shapes
Atomic shapes based on the atomic model
Starbursts
Buildings resembling spacecraft
Exposed steel beams

Designated one of the Top 7 real estate websites for modern homes in the world by thespaces.com

Ludvig Mies van Der Rohe – Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design

on By

Mies-van-der-Rohe-rediscovered-design-eskenazi-school-indiana_dezeen_

As much as we love this category, it usually details the unfortunate loss of a structure of architectural significance. Today, we are exceptionally pleased to report on quite the reverse. There is a brand new Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe International style structure at Indiana University. Originally designed in 1952 but never built, the design has now been realized as the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design with the help of the architectural firm Thomas Phifer and Partners. What a treat to see the vision of a great master come to life in the 21st century

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

Designated one of the Top 7 real estate websites for modern homes in the world by thespaces.com

THIS WAY BACK TO MORE … PLACES WE’VE LOST | THEN & NOW …

Case Study House #11 by J.R. Davidson | Demolished

on By

Case Study House #11 by J.R. Davidson. Built in 1946 | Demolished date unknown, rumored to be 13 years after being built
540 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

Case Study House No. 11 by architect J.R. Davidson. The home was built in 1946. This was the first Case Study House to be built by Davidson even though he built Case Study House No. 1, that home wasn’t built until 1948. CSH No. 11 was on the smaller size however, the floor plan was extremely efficient. Ideally situated at an angle on the lot allowing for ample outdoor living areas. Davidson built his personal house and studio on the same street. Both CSH No. 11 and Davidsons personal home/ studio were rumored to be demolished approx. 13 years later due to a new zoning law that allowed for high rise apartments to be built on North Barrington Ave.

THIS WAY BACK to MORE “THINGS WE LIKE”…

Designated one of the Top 7 real estate websites for modern homes in the world by thespaces.com

Beverly Park | Beverly Center

on By

Beverly Park | Kiddieland
8536 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

Once upon a time, on the corner of Beverly and La Cienega boulevards, there was a magical place called Beverly Park, or better known by all who loved it, as “Kiddieland”. There were twelve child-sized rides including a roller coaster, a haunted castle, Carousel, boat rides, Dodgem bumper cars and a Ferris Wheel. The park was decorated with special hand-painted murals, flower and secret tunnels. There were food stands selling popcorn, hot dogs, cotton candy and peanuts, in striped paper bags, recognizable to anyone wo had been there.

Known as a popular place for movie stars who brought their families, hoping to get some quality time with their children. Also, a favorite for local children’s birthday parties. With Ponyland the horse-riding track for kids next door, it was a favorite place for all.

One of the regular visitors was Walt Disney himself. He would bring his children there, ask them what they loved about the attractions, then spoke with owner David Bradley about the Amusement Park industry and its development. It was Bradley who came up with the concept of the famous “Main Street” and convinced Disney to build it. Beverly Park’s popularity is still widely remembered by many.

Beverly Center

The original site of Beverly Park is now the location of the iconic eight-story Beverly Center Shopping Mall. With its dramatic six-story series of Plexiglas tube escalators affording views of the Los Angeles Westside and the Hollywood Sign. Originally The mall contained the USA’s first ever, Hard Rock Cafe, now home to anchor tenants of Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, and a Macy’s men’s store. The mall if full of shoppers from all walks of life, reflecting L.A.’s immense diversity. Serving the high-end needs of its clientele with stores like Banana Republic, bebe, Club Monaco, Coach, Ed Hardy, Forever XXI, Kenneth Cole New York, Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Victoria’s Secret and more.

There are mall food-court staples such as Auntie Anne’s, Panda Express and Sbarro’s Pizzeria, as well as other dining choices like Chipotle Mexican Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, or P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. The Beverly Center features a thirteen-screen Mann Theatres cinema, and has itself has made cameos in several Hollywood films.

What was formerly the site of a small amusement has since blossomed into an L.A. landmark that sets the bar for the mega-mall.

…

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION…

THIS WAY BACK to MORE “THINGS WE LIKE”…

Designated one of the Top 7 real estate websites for modern homes in the world by thespaces.com

The Fritz-Burns Postwar House

Googie’s Coffee Shop by John Lautner | 8100 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 | Demolished in 1988/1989

Case Study House #11 by J.R. Davidson. Built in 1946 | Demolished date unknown, rumored to be 13 years after being built540 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Case Study House #11 by J.R. Davidson. Built in 1946 | Demolished date unknown, rumored to be 13 years after being built
540 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049