The small neighborhood of Los Feliz is snuggled in an area just south of Griffith Park, adjacent to Hollywood and Silver Lake. Its borders are Hollywood Blvd. to the south, Griffith Park to the north, the L.A. River to the east, and Western Avenue to the west. Originally known as Rancho Los Feliz, it had a series of owners after the Feliz family. One owner, Griffith J. Griffith, donated over half of the ranch to the city of Los Angeles. This ranch, five times the size of Central Park in NY, is now one of the largest city-owned parks in the country, Griffith Park. Later other portions of the ranch became the areas known as Silver Lake and Los Feliz. Los Feliz is a relaxed hillside community. In the local Village you can find several coffee shops, restaurants, small clothing, and vintage stores. There is a vintage movie theater, a few bars, and an amazing bookshop. Also, near to numerous bars, restaurants and the indulgences of the local nightlife. The neighborhood borders the expansive Griffith Park, making it perfect for hiking, concerts at the Greek Theatre or dreaming the night away at the Griffith Observatory. Los Feliz is also home to some world-famous designs by architects like R.M Schindler, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, Raphael Soriano, and Frank Lloyd Wright with his Ennis and Hollyhock Houses. In a city where life moves by in a flash, Los Feliz is known as an affluent Los Angeles Village, where the lifestyle is a little simpler and slower. As its name suggests it is where the “happy ones” live. These residents enjoy a lifestyle that provides for every need within a few minutes. Most of the homes are rich in character, built in the 1920’s and 30’s and are mainly Spanish style and classic California bungalows with period revival inspirations.
Franklin Hills
The charming entrance into the hills is via Franklin Street, crossing the iconic Shakespeare Bridge. Built in 1926 and named in honor of the playwright William Shakespeare, this concrete, gothic style bridge was designated an L.A. Historic Cultural Monument. Franklin Hills lies in the hilly area east of the village flats, south of Los Feliz Boulevard. The winding streets provide panoramic views with homes designed by many preeminent architects of the 20th century. Home to the Franklin Hills Public Stairway system, dating back to the 1920’s. Featuring 14 stairways, originally built for access to trolley lines, that now provide exercise and community fun.
The Oaks and Hollywood Grove
With revival style architecture dating back to the 1920’s, The Oaks is another popular area in Los Feliz. A community of beautiful homes that embrace a very unique charm and character. The neighborhood is bordered by Foothill Drive on the south, Griffith Park to the north, Canyon Drive on the west, and Fern Dell Drive to the east. Known by the winding streets named after various types of oak trees. Many of the homes offer great views, while others are slipped brilliantly into peaceful hideaways from the city. Between Franklin Ave and The Oaks is a small area called Hollywood Grove, the only area in Los Feliz registered as a Historical Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ). 139 of the most significant Craftsman Colonial and Mediterranean style homes from the early 1900’s.
Laughlin Park
One of LA’s top five neighborhoods according to Los Angeles Magazine. Created in 1905 by builder and magnate Homer Laughlin. Secluded, luxurious, and serene, the private, gated community of Laughlin Park is bordered by Los Feliz Boulevard, Cummings Drive, Franklin Avenue and Hobart Boulevard. The homes in the rather small area of Laughlin Park area both architecturally and historically significant, however, this unique community, unlike many others, does not maintain any architectural theme. Designs by notable architects such as Gordon Kaufman, Julia Morgan, Roland Coate, and Lloyd Wright. Styles including Craftsman, Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, French, English Gothic, Traditional, and Moderne. Well-known past residents, who were attracted to the area by its charm include Cecil B. DeMille, W.C Fields, and Basil Rathbone. Today its appeal remains the same and the areas attracts similarly famous figures.
Los Feliz Estates
This terraced hillside layout provides flat yards for swimming pools, with mainly one-story homes, and lovely city views. Unique to the hills, homes are situated on one side of the street only. This is a community with a homeowner association and dues to maintain the security and integrity of this beautiful community.
If you would like to know more about these amazing homes, 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
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