Los Feliz

Los Feliz, a set on Flickr.

Donna and I packed our bags and moved from Silver Lake to Los Feliz in November 2007. We were fortunate to relocate to a fantastic old Spanish Revival house, formerly the home of the Beaton Family of radio fame. William Beaton was President and Chairman of the Board of KIEV Radio 1961-1985 (his sons Fred and Ron took control of the station after his death). Shortly after moving in, Donna and I attended a New Year's Eve party in Silver Lake at the home of Dave Keitel and Shelley Marks (Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy). Tom LaBonge was among the guests that evening; as we shared about our move from Silver Lake to Los Feliz Tom inquired, "Where in Los Feliz?" After giving him our new address, he immediately replied, "Oh, you live in the Beaton House, I used to go swimming there as a child."

While we still have a great affection for Silver Lake, Los Feliz is our new home and we are really enjoying being on a "perpetual holiday"! Living at the foot of Griffith Park with its unspoiled trails and living in our dream home and appreciating the beautiful architecture as well as our neighbors has been a dream come true.

Walking the neighborhood, I plan on bringing my camera along as often as possible. I trust you will share my appreciation for Los Feliz in the pictures and stories about our community. Visit us regularly and enjoy the journey!

Road trip from LA to Austin & Back

Road trip from LA to Austin & Back, a set on Flickr.

Weg-Gill Residence, Roger Sherman, Architect (Remodel) 2009

Weg-Gill Residence, Roger Sherman, Architect (Remodel) 2009, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Modernist interpretation designed by Architect Roger Sherman, with landscape design by Russ Cletta. The house is currently (October 2011) on the market and listed for sale for $1,650,00.
This project illustrates how a multi-storey, "urban house"-type can be linked to its landscape setting in the spirit of the single-story mid-century houses that its owners sought to emulate. The 4-storey, 2-bedroom home is the result of a complete stem-to-stern remodel of an existing 2,500 sf residence, with the aim of opening up access to the exterior, and making it better suited to the unique living arrangements of its owners: the lowest level as a garage; the next as an office with its own entrance; a third as bedroom suite for an adult child; and the top level as a one-bedroom residence for the owners themselves. Access to each separate level is gained from the exterior, through a set of landscapes which climb up along the house on both front and back. Both culminate in a pool/garden at the top level, opened onto by the main living/dining area by means of a telescoping set of glass doors. This facilitates the easy flow of guests between inside and out, as well as natural ventilation, seldom necessitating the use of air conditioning despite the project’s location.

The house is located at 1937 Cedar Lodge Terrace in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Weg-Gill Residence, Roger Sherman, Architect (Remodel) 2009

Weg-Gill Residence, Roger Sherman, Architect (Remodel) 2009, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Modernist interpretation designed by Architect Roger Sherman, with landscape design by Russ Cletta. The house is currently (October 2011) on the market and listed for sale for $1,650,00.
This project illustrates how a multi-storey, "urban house"-type can be linked to its landscape setting in the spirit of the single-story mid-century houses that its owners sought to emulate. The 4-storey, 2-bedroom home is the result of a complete stem-to-stern remodel of an existing 2,500 sf residence, with the aim of opening up access to the exterior, and making it better suited to the unique living arrangements of its owners: the lowest level as a garage; the next as an office with its own entrance; a third as bedroom suite for an adult child; and the top level as a one-bedroom residence for the owners themselves. Access to each separate level is gained from the exterior, through a set of landscapes which climb up along the house on both front and back. Both culminate in a pool/garden at the top level, opened onto by the main living/dining area by means of a telescoping set of glass doors. This facilitates the easy flow of guests between inside and out, as well as natural ventilation, seldom necessitating the use of air conditioning despite the project’s location.

The house is located at 1937 Cedar Lodge Terrace in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

1921 Redcliff, Arthur C. Munson, Architect 1932

1921 Redcliff, Arthur C. Munson, Architect 1932, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Classic Spanish Revival home located in the Primrose Hill neighborhood of Silver Lake. Set back from the street on a gentle downslope, the home was built for the Farm Land and Development Company at a cost of $8600, a princely sum during the economic depression of the early 30's. The architect, Arthur C. Munson (1886-1969), had a long, distinguished career in Los Angeles. Among his other commissions were the F.L. Austin House in South Pasadena; the Raymond C. Brooks Residence in Claremont; the Long Beach Theatre Project and the E.T. Williams House in Los Angeles. With his partner Allen Kelly Ruoff, he designed the William J. Hubbard Residence in Wilshire Park in 1923 (honored as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2006).

Hopperstead House, A.F. Leicht, Architect 1925

Hopperstead House, A.F. Leicht, Architect 1925, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Architect A.F. Leicht designed the house for E.W. Hopperstead in 1925. The architect designed approximately 24 homes in the Los Feliz and Hollywood neighborhoods during the 1920's, including John Phillip Law's "Castle" (1929). He also designed Angelus Temple in Echo Park for evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. Located at 4171 Cromwell Avenue in Los Feliz

4623 Russell Avenue c.1988

4623 Russell Avenue c.1988, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Porthole windows, curving balconies and planters give this 11-unit apartment building located in Los Feliz a distinctive Streamline Moderne flair.

C. J. Berne Residence, C. Raimond Johnson, Architect 1937

C. J. Berne Residence, C. Raimond Johnson, Architect 1937, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Certainly one of the more imposing homes in Silver Lake, this handsome Mediterranean residence sits on a lot of over 16,000 square feet and must have spectacular views of the lake. The architect was a favorite of the University of Southern California designing the Italian Romanesque Methodist Episcopal University Church (now United University Church) in 1931, the Hancock Foundation Building in 1939 and Kerckoff Hall in 1949. Johnson also had a hand in designing the Biegler Hall of Engineering (in cooperation with architects John and Donald Parkinson) in 1939.

The C.J. Berne Residence is located at 2023 Redcliff Street in the Moreno Highlands neighborhood of Silver Lake.

Erez-Eisenberg House, bau10, LLC Sustainable Design 2009

Erez-Eisenberg House, bau10, LLC Sustainable Design 2009, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

The Silver Lake house designed for Nimrod Erez and Isaac Eisenberg is the transformation of an existing two story 1903 residence into a three story house, with a separate lower level rental unit. I learned about the house thanks to Stan Monahan, who lives n the rental unit on the lower level.

The redesign takes advantage of hilltop views by creating three outside spaces: an upper level kitchen patio facing the street, an upper level deck toward the garden, and a roof deck. The upper level patio serves as an extension of the kitchen, an outside room framing the view of the downtown Los Angeles skyline.

The Master Bedroom and Living Room access the garden deck, with views towards Griffith Park, Hollywood, Century City and the entire Wilshire corridor, and the roof deck provides 360º views toward downtown and the Pacific Ocean .

A main design element is the staircase, which serves as a chimney to provide natural vertical ventilation, leading from the lower level entry porch to the upper level kitchen and dining room and finally to the roof deck.

The subfloors and most wall studs of the original 1903 residence were reused and reclaimed, the brick footings were used for landscaping and walkways. Located at 827 N. La Fayette Park Place in the Silver Lake Neighborhood of Los Angeles

Jay Brick Residence, A.C. Munson, Architect c.1965

Jay Brick Residence, A.C. Munson, Architect c.1965, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Architect A.C. Munson designed the house for Jack Brick in 1965. The only reference I could find for A.C. Munson was in the January 1913 Edition of the publication "The Architect and Engineer of California". A.C. Munson is mentioned as being on the organizing committee for the Fourth Annual Architectural Exhibition in Los Angeles, "under the auspices of the Architectural League of the Pacific Coast." Also serving on the committee were Myron Hunt and Arthur R. Kelly. Could it be that the same A.C. Munson designed the Brick House some 52 years later? It certainly is in the realm of possibility. The Brick House is located at 2030 Keilworth Avenue in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The house is currently on the market (June 2011) and priced at $1,200,000.

Tansey House, Barry Milofsky, Architect (Remodel) c.2000

Tansey House, Barry Milofsky, Architect (Remodel) c.2000, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

I have passed by this house hundreds of times, taking note of its special curb appeal. While visiting with Architect Barry Milofsky recently, I was picking his brain about some of the cool houses in Silver Lake that I was unsure of their heritage, this being one of them. It came as a bit of surprise when I learned that the architect was Milofsky himself.

Barry promised to give me the details (soon) on how he and the owners collaborated on the design, but for now, I couldn't resist publishing a "sneak preview". The Tansey House is located at 2120 Rockford Road in Silver Lake.

Sharlin House, Gregory Ain 1939

Sharlin House, Gregory Ain 1939, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Built on a steep hillside in Silver Lake's architecturally-significant Silver Ridge Avenue, the multilevel Sharlin House represents a significant departure from the architect's typical single story home. Projecting trellises, shown here, contribute handsomely to the building's overall design.

Located at 2363 Silver Ridge Avenue in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Sean Briski Residence, Sean Briski, Architect 2006

Sean Briski Residence, Sean Briski, Architect 2006, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Architect Sean Briski’s 2006 personal residence in Silver Lake follows a Los Angeles tradition of architectural experimentation. Rejecting the current fashion in architecture, described by the architect as “warmed-over Modernism”, the house explores the use of new and recycled materials in unconventional ways: Truck tire treads, left behind by big rigs and salvaged from the freeway, and foam packing materials are sandwiched between panels of glass, dimming the sunlight on the western wall. Roll the lounge chairs away and you’re in the middle of a basketball court; with three basketball hoops mounted on the loft wall. Unfinished concrete walls, exposed trusses and I-beams give the house a solid, industrial look.
The house is built on four levels with all rooms having views of Mt. Baldy. The garage and a separate studio apartment are located on the top level, ideal for a home office. The second level consists of two bedrooms separated by a full bath and an open loft, which overlooks the main floor. The two-story, main floor is an open floor plan with living, dining, kitchen and family room. A large, tri-fold window and balconies provide fresh air and bring the outdoors in. A movable wall separates a private conversation area and built-in desk from the living room/activity space. On the lower level, a Master Bedroom with en suite bath and fabulous outdoor room complete the picture.
The outdoor areas feature a large, flat yard, lush landscaping, shaded seating and barbeque areas, drought-resistant native plants, automatic sprinklers, large garden shed and a rainwater collection container.
If all this sounds complex, it is! This unique house must be seen to be appreciated. NOTE: The house went on the market on May 6, 2011 and was in escrow on May 8, 2011.

X-House, Dana Taylor, Architect 1992

X-House, Dana Taylor, Architect 1992 a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Stylish contemporary design by Architect Dana Taylor in 1992; his girlfriend, Kareme Roseme colloborated on the design. Apparently the couple had a parting of the ways; the current owners purchased the home from Roseme as the project was being completed. The "X" house refers to the tensioner cables that form a two-story "x" on the windows of the front facade. Located at 2262 Panorama Terrace in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

C. J. Berne Residence, C. Raimond Johnson, Architect 1937

C. J. Berne Residence, C. Raimond Johnson, Architect 1937 a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Certainly one of the more imposing homes in Silver Lake, this handsome Mediterranean residence sits on a lot of over 16,000 square feet and must have spectacular views of the lake. The architect was a favorite of the University of Southern California designing the Italian Romanesque Methodist Episcopal University Church (now United University Church) in 1931, the Hancock Foundation Building in 1939 and Kerckoff Hall in 1949. Johnson also had a hand in designing the Biegler Hall of Engineering (in cooperation with architects John and Donald Parkinson) in 1939.

Parmelee House, Frank T. Kegley, Architect 1912

Parmelee House, Frank T. Kegley, Architect 1912
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

At the age of 64, Frank Parmelee retired from his position as President of the Parmellee Omnibus and Transfer Company in Chicago, and move to the sunnier climes of Los Angeles. In 1911, he purchased the entire southernly portion of the Elevado street property (with approximately 521 feet of frontage) and commisioned architect Franklin T. Kegley to design a home for he and his wife Meroe C. Parmelee. Kegley designed the home in ta grand Tudor Revival style, with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and (at least) three fireplaces; (that I remember, one a Batchelder, from a recent visit), and over 5000 sq. ft. of living space. Over time, parts of the property were sold off, resulting in the current 18,905 sq. ft. of land. The Parmelees later moved to the Ambassador Hotel, where Mr. Parmelee passed away on November 30, 1921.

Hathaway Estate, Silver Lake

Hathaway Estate, Silver Lake
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

One of Silver Lake's largest estates at 11,743 square feet on a lot of 82,764 square feet. This huge residence has a storied history, culminating in the development of the Hathaway Estates, a planned subdivision within Silver Lake. The house was built in 1923 and has a commanding 360 Degree View atop one of Silver Lake's highest hills. The house is built entirely of reinforced concrete; there is not one stick of wood in its structure. Mr. Hathaway apparently had a great fear of fire, and did not want his house burning down! It was recently (September 2004) on the market for $3,250,000. The house is located at 1809 Apex Avenue in Silver Lake.

Becker House, Gregory Ain, Architect 1938-40; Barry Milofsky, M2A Architects, Restoration 2003-07

Becker House, Gregory Ain, Architect 1938-40; Barry Milofsky, M2A Architects, Restoration 2003-07
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

The Becker House marks a divergence of style for Architect Gregory Ain. Instead of the usual right angles, Ain brings a touch of the Streamline Moderne with curved walls along the upper corners and garden walls. The result is not only pleasing to the eye; it demonstrates the architect's detachment from the expression of any particular style.

According to Architect Barry Milofsky, who purchased the house in December 2003, 'the Beckers wanted a 'party house', with access to a roof deck. There was orignially an open patio behind a privacy wall at the street level, and a narrow deck on the east side in back of the garage and at the lower level where the dining room was located. A dumbwaiter was installed to bring food from the kitchen at the lower level. A second owner enclosed the deck behind the garage. The third owners, Roy and Delores Dundas, purchased the house in 1960; althought they would have preferred the mosque-style house next door but couldn't afford the additional $2,000 asking price,' he said.

Jones House, Escher GuneWardena Architecture 2009

Jones House, Escher GuneWardena Architecture 2009
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

Crowning the top of one of Silver Lake's steepest streets, the Jones Residence is dramatic and appealing, very much in the spirit of John Lautner. It's not surprising, given the background of the architects. Frank Escher grew up in and studied Architecture at the ETH (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) Zürich. He is the editor of the monograph 'John Lautner, Architect,” serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation, and has lectured extensively on Lautner’s work in the United States and abroad. Mr. Escher has served as president, and is currently on the advisory board, of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Jones House, Escher Gunewardena Architecture Architecture 2009

Jones House, Escher Gunewardena Architecture Architecture 2009
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

Crowning the top of one of Silver Lake's steepest streets, the Jones Residence is dramatic and appealing, very much in the spirit of John Lautner. It's not surprising, given the background of the architects. Frank Escher grew up in and studied Architecture at the ETH (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) Zürich. He is the editor of the monograph 'John Lautner, Architect,” serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation, and has lectured extensively on Lautner’s work in the United States and abroad. Mr. Escher has served as president, and is currently on the advisory board, of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Swan House, Lee + Mundwiler Architects 2009

Swan House, Lee + Mundwiler Architects 2009
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

Designed by award-winning architects Lee + Mundwiler, this house features an open floor plan, natural wood floors, imported stone, polished concrete floors and walls, and finishes of the highest quality. The Santa Monica-based architectural firm with principal architects, Stephen Mundwiler and Cara Lee have won many awards, including an AIA National Honor Award and AIA California Merit Award for the design of the Central Park of the New Radiant City in Shenzan, China; an AIA National Housing Award for the design of the “Coconut House” in Los Angeles; and an AIA National Honor Award and AIA California Merit Award for the design of the Bundesplatz-Swiss Government Plaza in Bern Switzerland. The house was most recently listed for sale for $1,195,000. Located at 2955 Swan Place in Silver Lake.

Hopmans House, Harwell H. Harris, Architect 1951

Hopmans House, Harwell H. Harris, Architect 1951
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

Architect Harwell Hamilton Harris stands apart from the major architecture work of his time. Unlike his contempoaries, enamored with the in-fashion 'machine' International Style, Harris had a love affair with wood throughout his long, distinguished career.

The Hopmans House, located at 1727 N. Dillon Street in Silver Lake is an excellent example of his organic, woodsy style.

Villa Palombo-Togneri, Innocenti Palombo, Designer 1927

Villa Palombo-Togneri, Innocenti Palombo, Designer 1927
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece c. 1927. Popularized by the great classical architects of the time (like Paul Williams and Irving Gill), Mediterranean and Spanish style mansions were all the rage of the rich and famous of the period. Not much is known about the builder, however, it is said, that he hoped that in building this fine mansion others would follow suit. It must have been a little more than disappointing to realize the result. The house, located on Mayberry Street, is set in a neighborhood characterized by modest California bungalows, and yet it makes a statement. It is considered the 'Crown Jewel' of Mayberry Heights.

Wilson House, William Kesling, Builder-Designer, 1936

Wilson House, William Kesling, Builder-Designer, 1936
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

One of only a handful of remaining William Kesling's 'Modern Structures' built in Silver Lake between 1935 and 1937, the Wilson House is a fine expression of the 'Streamline Moderne' style that Kesling brought within reach of the average homebuyer in 1936 (the original cost: $3,590).