Meeting up with Author-Architect-Lecturer ALAN HESS

I had the pleasure of meeting Alan Hess recently at the iconic Bob's Big Boy Coffee Shop in Toluca Lake.  Hess has written extensively about Mid-Century architecture, including the book "Googie Redux".  He was kind enough to autograph the book for me, along with his recently published work, "Forgotten Modern".  Hess contributed to my research on the work of Architect Allyn E. Morris, specifically the "Lago Vista" condominium complex overlooking Echo Park Lake, which was featured in the Los Angeles Times as "Home of the Week" on January 3, 2010.

Richard Neutra Lecture at Silver Lake Library February 13th

Dr. Raymond Richard Neutra, youngest son of architect Richard Neutra will present 'From Vienna to Silver Lake: Why Richard and Dione Neutra decided to be Americans' in a lecture at the new Silver Lake Library, February 13, 2010.


Dr. Neutra, with wife Peggy Bauhaus will read from letters written by his parents, beginning at 2 p.m.. Afterwards, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Neutra will lead a tour of the VDL Research House nearby. There is a $10 fee for the tour; the lecture is free.

Dr. Neutra is Chief Emeritus of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health. He previously taught medical epidemology at Harvard University, UCLA and UC Berkeley. Since retiring in 2007, he has devoted his energies to the restoration and preservation of the VDL Research House. The experimental house and compound, where the Neutra family grew up, is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It was bequethed to California Polytechnic Univesity at Pomona after the elder Neutra and his wife Dione died. The house is managed by the school's College of Environmental Design.

In recent years, Dr. Neutra has volunteered to help Cal Poly in fundraising for the restoration and reprogamming of the compound 'out of a sense of gratitude to my parents, who provided me with a sense of social responisibility. They provided a culturally rich home environment that in turn formed the foundation for a career in public health.', he said. (Raymond's architect and brother Dion, who took over the Neutra architectural practice after their father's death, is a consultant on the restoration project).

The Silver Lake Library is located at 2411 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Parking space is limited; please consider carpooling, bicycling or walking. Early arrival suggested!

Raymond Richard Neutra is pictured with his father, Richard Neutra in the photo, courtesy of Raymond Neutra..

Website:www.neutra-vdl.org

Sustainable Saturdays at Silver Lake Library


Beginning in February 2010, the Silver Lake Public Library will present a series of programs that will provide information and guidance to local residents about various different aspects of sustainable living. The series will be free to the public and will include talks and workshops by sustainability experts and documentary films about a range of sustainable practices. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Please call the Library at (323) 913-7453 to reserve your place.

Our first talk is about the Library itself:

Saturday February 6, 11am

The Integrated LEED Design of Silver Lake Library

Talk with Q&A by Thomas Michali, Partner, M2a Milofsky Michali and Cox Architects

Mr. Michali will present a brief introduction to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements and how the design process for the Silver Lake Library integrated green design features into the planning, design and construction to target the goal of reaching a Gold level building.

The series is organized by Meher McArthur, a Silver Lake resident, writer of the “Keen to be Green” column in the Los Feliz Ledger, and member of Sustainable Silver Lake in conjunction with the Silver Lake Library.

Silver Lake Library, 2411 Glendale Blvd.,Los Angeles, CA 90039  (323) 913-7453

Thomas Michali is pictured in the center with fellow Architect Barry Milofsky and Librarian Fontayne Holmes at the Dedication Ceremony, Silver Lake Library, November 16, 2009.

Architect A.E. Morris' "Largo Vista" Overlooking Echo Park Lake Reduced $20,000

What's a Million Dollar View Worth?


The Sellers have generously reduced the price $20K! Isn't it time to take a look?  The property was honored in the Los Angeles Times as "Home of the Week" on January 3, 2010 and recently featured in the popular website, "Curbed L.A."  To learn more, please visit the Largo Vista website or drop by for a visit, Sunday, Jan.24, 2010 between 1-4 p.m.

Author Lisa Steadman's "If He's Not the One, Who Is" Book Launch at Tantra

Relationship Expert Lisa Steadman with the help of hubby Luis de Avila threw a Book Launch Party last evening, January 16, 2010 at the fancy Tantra Lounge in Silver Lake.  Her new book, "if he's not the one, who is?" was the main topic of discussion at the book-signing event.  I had the pleasure of attending with Donna Jean.  It was a festive evening, with fancy appetizers, a fabulous location, and all of Lisa's beautiful friends.

Allyn E. Morris' "Lago Vista Complex in Echo Park is L.A. Times "Home of the Week"

My listing at 1701 Clinton Street in Echo Park is Los Angeles Times Home of the Week"!

http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-home3-2010jan03,0,1285559.story