Sunset Strip Archives

HOLLYWOOD SIGNS: THE GOLDEN AGE OF GLITTERING GRAPHICS AND GLOWING NEON

on By

Hollywood Signs: The Golden Age of Glittering Graphics And Glowing Neon

We recently discovered a book called Hollywood Signs: The Golden Age of Glittering Graphics and Glowing Neon. What an absolute treat for design and Hollywood history fans alike. While we at Modern Living LA tend to focus on houses and buildings, these iconic signs play a pivotal roll in our appreciation of the structures they adorn. Great design lies at the intersection of architecture and these historic signs.

Several of these signs were actually created by the architectural firms commissioned to design the buildings. The still standing Cinerama Dome Theater by Welton Becket and Associates exhibits its playfully colorful letters in bright lights. Sardi’s restaurant designed by Rudolph Schindler displays an elegant neon sign in sans serif font. The streamline moderne Earl Carroll Theater on Sunset Blvd by Gordon Kaufman generously used neon in the exterior signs and vertical piping along the building sides. We’re told it is going thru a renovation and may reopen. The building was originally praised in California Arts and Architecture (the predecessor to Arts and Architecture magazine).

We have a new found appreciation for these remarkable sign and value the efforts made to save the ones we’ve not lost. And, a special thanks to Kathy Kikkert for preserving all of these signs on the pages of her book.

THIS WAY FOR MORE INFORMATION | THIS WAY TO MORE “LIFE | STYLE”

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.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS MOUNT OLYMPUS CLASSIC SPANISH

on By

Hollywood Hills Mount Olympus Classic Spanish

1725 MOUNT OLYMPUS DRIVE, LOS ANGELES | $3,455,000 | 3 BD | 3 BA

Classic 1920’s Spanish architecture on lower Mount Olympus Drive in the Hollywood Hills. An inviting private courtyard greets you upon approach. Gorgeous engraved beamed ceilings, Spanish tile and arched doorways are featured prominently in the living room. A step-down room adjacent with stunning wood floors is currently being used a pool/billiards room.

THIS WAY FOR MORE PHOTOS…

HOLLYWOOD SPAULDING SQUARE PICTURE PERFECT

on By

Hollywood Spaulding Square Picture Perfect

JUST SOLD | 1445 GENESEE AVE, SPAULDING SQUARE | $3,855,000 | 5 BD | 6 BA

Picture perfect and magazine shoot ready. We were stunned to find out that the sellers of this spectacular home were not full-time designers. They recently updated this 1920’s traditional home in the architectural neighborhood of Spaulding Square. The attention to detail that went into this restoration really shows. We were told the owners had the molds for the original crown molding and were able to reproduce and enhance the look throughout the home.

THIS WAY FOR MORE PHOTOS…

THE DOUGLAS BUILDING, HISTORIC CULTURAL MONUMENT #966

on By

The Douglas Building, Historic Cultural Monument #966

The Douglas Building, Historic Cultural Monument #966 JUST SOLD | The Douglas Building, Historic Cultural Monument #966, is located in downtown Los Angeles. It has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. The Douglas Building, originally constructed in 1898-1899, served as the original headquarters for the Southern Pacific Railway ticketing office in its early years. Thomas Douglas Stimson commissioned the San Francisco architectural firm of the Reid Brothers to design this five-story office building. The Reid Brothers had gained fame in Southern CA for designing the remarkable Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, CA, along with the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The late 20th century saw much of downtown’s historic architecture falling into disrepair, the Douglas Building was no exception. Thankfully, in the early 2000s, the building was restored by preservation specialists, Chattel Architecture. Many of the original details remain intact. The building was converted into loft-style apartments during its renovation, and it now offers residential spaces for sale. Today, the building is recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, protecting its historic significance and character. Congratulations to our wonderful Buyer on acquiring a unit in this historical building!

SHERMAN OAKS TIMELESS TREASURE TED TOKIO TANAKA, FAIA

on By

Sherman Oaks Timeless Ted Tokio Tanaka, FAIA

Sherman Oaks Timeless Treasure Ted Tokio Tanaka, FAIA

3937 SUMAC DR, SHERMAN OAKS | $3,200,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA

Architecture is timeless. At first glance we thought we stumbled upon something amazing from the late 70’s or early 80’s (we know, not likely). But this house from Ted Tokio Tanaka, FAIA was built in 1940. Gorgeous wood gives way to vertical and horizontal glass windows. Bright green accents in several rooms are bold frames for this geometric treasure. Museum-like high ceilings define the living room and library. Rows of windows allow for natural light and stunning views of mature trees which surround the property. Intriguing form extends to the quadrilateral pool with various length sides. A canopy of trees creates abundant shade for outdoor endeavors. This exceptional modern house is a one-of-a-kind treasure.

THIS WAY FOR MORE PHOTOS…

CHATSWORTH SPACIOUS TRI-LEVEL TOWNHOUSE

on By

Chatsworth Spacious Tri-level Townhouse

10005 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD UNIT 8, CHATSWORTH | $549,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA

Introducing this spacious tri-level townhouse with a private enclosed patio. On the first floor you are greeted with an open living space featuring a cozy fireplace, dining room and kitchen with ample counter space and cabinets. Slide open the glass doors to access the private enclosed patio and enjoy the enviable indoor-outdoor flow Southern California is famous for.

THIS WAY FOR MORE PHOTOS…

LOS FELIZ OAKS EXCEPTIONAL SMART HOME

on By

Los Feliz Oaks Exceptional Smart Home

1979 N VAN NESS AVE, LOS ANGELES | $3,495,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA

Introducing 1979 N Van Ness Ave. Just below the foothills of the Los Feliz Oaks neighborhood sits this stunning property. This exceptional smart home has gone through an extensive architecturally significant renovation and remodel. Hidden behind mature hedges, you’ll discover a perfect mix of classic charm meets modern design. Upon entering, it is quickly evident that this is a one-of-a-kind property.

THIS WAY FOR MOR PHOTOS…

BRENTWOOD HARRY GESNER THE STEBEL HOUSE

on By

Brentwood Harry Gesner the Stebel House

1963 N MANDEVILLE CANYON ROAD, LOS ANGELES | $3,497,900 | 3 BD | 3 BA

We sadly lost Harry Gesner just last year. Fortunately, there are some stellar examples of his unique modern architecture. His Malibu Sandcastle hit the market earlier this year. Now, we have the Stebel House. This A frame is truly something special. We’re reminded of architecture usually found in houses of worship. 20ft high ceilings in places allow for some stunning vertical views of the natural habitat outside. A gabled roof line meets designed geometry.

THIS WAY FOR MORE PHOTOS…

PASADENA THE MCMILLAN HOUSE CONRAD BUFF AND DONALD HENSMAN, FAIA

on By

Pasadena The McMillan House Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman, FAIA

1130 LINDA VISTA AVE, PASADENA | $1,999,999 | 2 BD | 3 BA

The magic words in modernist real estate: Original owner and first time on the market. The McMillan House by Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman is classic late period for them. And, remains in mostly original condition. Our first impression upon our approach is some really cool 80’s looking art work on the stucco outside the front door. The signature open floor plan is evident, yet the rooms feel properly delineated.

THIS WAY FOR MORE PHOTOS…