Collins Residence, William Kesling, Designer/Builder 1936

Collins Residence, William Kesling, Designer/Builder 1936
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

The home had the unmistakeable quality of a Kesling Home: small but with elegant style. And of course it was in the area where there are about a half dozen or so surviving Keslings. He even showed me some fine old photographs taken by the great Julius Shulman of the house, and were given to the owner by Mr. Shulman.

The Collins House is located at 1709 Silverwood Terrace.

Garrett-Hansford Residence, Robert Kennard, Architect, 1964

Garrett-Hansford Residence, Robert Kennard, Architect, 1964
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

Much admired post + beam located at 2076 Redcliff Street in the Moreno Highlands. The sweeping curve of the east facing glass walls provides dramatic views of the reservoir from every room. A terrace divides the public rooms from the bedrooms.

Glendale/Hyperion Viaduct, John C. Shaw, City Engineer, 1927

Glendale/Hyperion Viaduct, John C. Shaw, City Engineer, 1927
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

The Glendale/Hyperion Viaduct, popularly known as the Hyperion Bridge, was completed in June 1927. It was built by Salih Brothers, Contractors, during the term of George E. Cryer, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. During its construction, H.J. McGuire was President of the Board of Public Works and Merrill Butler served as the Engineer of Bridges. It spans the Los Angeles River between Atwater Village and Silver Lake and Los Feliz. This picture was taken from the eastern (Atwater Village) side.

Silver Lake California : SILVER LAKE ARCHITECTURE

Silver Lake California : SILVER LAKE ARCHITECTURE

Silver Lake California : Los Angeles California Neighborhood Information & Events

Silver Lake California : Los Angeles California Neighborhood Information & Events

Neutra Lecture at Silver Lake Library Draws Standing Room Only Crowd

A standing-room-only crowd greeted Dr. Raymond Richard Neutra, youngest son of architect Richard Neutra and his wife Peggy Bauhus on Saturday, February 13th as the two presented “From Vienna to Silver Lake: Why Richard and Dione Neutra decided to be Americans” in a lecture at the new Silver Lake Library.


Dr. Neutra, with wife Peggy Bauhaus read from letters written by his parents, during the time that his father first came to America to explore its possibilities, while his young bride stayed home in Vienna. Afterwards, participants were invited to tour the VDL Research House. Architect Dion Neutra gave a fine lecture on the house that he and his brothers called home during their youth.



The VDL Research House, located in Silver Lake, is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. The house was bequeathed to California Polytechnic University at Pomona after Richard and Dione’s deaths. It is administered by the Cal Poly Foundation, and managed by the College of Environmental Design.

The BuzzCut Blog - Los Angeles Magazine

Los Angeles Magazine's Chris Nichols sent me this short video, expressing his love for the "City of the Angels"  Enjoy!
The BuzzCut Blog - Los Angeles Magazine

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

Silver Lake Library Dedication & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Architects Barry Milofsky & Thomas Michali acknowledge cheers from the Grand Opening Crowd at the Dedication of the new Silver Lake Library, November 16, 2009

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony dedicating the new SILVER LAKE Library was a very special affair with not only a huge contingent of neighbors but a virtual "Who's Who" of public officials, including Mayor Antonio Villaragosa, City Council President Eric Garcetti, District 4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Dr. Tyree Wieder, President, Board of Library Commissioners; Cynthia Ruiz, President, L.A. Board of Public Works, City Librarian Martin Gomez; and Friends of Silver Lake Library President Michael Saint-Onge.

The new library is the city's 72nd branch and the first to have a state-of-the-art automated materials handling system, using an automated conveyor belt, the system automatically checks in and sorts materials.  Self-checkout starions allow patrons to check out multiple items and pay fees by cash or credit card.

The building was designed by the architectural firm Milofsky, Michali & Cox (M2A Architects); the design pays tribute to Silver Lake's Modernist architectural heritage.

Martin Schall is Coming to Town!

Martin Schall, creator of "You-Are-Here", the now famous website that explores the architecture of our fair city (Los Angeles), arrives a little later this year (his usual fall tour takes place in October).  After a few days staying at Dominic's in Chinatown, he'll be out house guest in Los Feliz!

(Martin with Architect Barbara Bestor at her home in Los Feliz during Martin's 2008 tour).

I am looking forward to seeing Martin; he knows more about Los Angeles than most Angelinos!  We'll spend many quality days exploring the city together, cameras in hand.  Sometimes it takes an "outsider" to help us appreciate what a marvelous place we call "home".  Welcome back, Martin!

620 N. Kenwood Street, #209, Glendale, CA 91206 - presented by Jelmert & Locke Michael, Donna & Andy

Donna's mom (Lorrain) has listed her Glendale condo for sale! It's an exceptional value; check it out!

620 N. Kenwood Street, #209, Glendale, CA 91206 - presented by Jelmert & Locke Michael, Donna & Andy

Memories of Glendale: Where I Grew Up

My dad, John Locke, moved our family from Portland, OR in 1957, to accept a position as Chief Engineer at Van de Kamp's Holland-Dutch Bakery.  We lived for a few months at a motel along Riverside Drive (near the Mulholland Fountain) while we waited for our house to close (in the Rossmoyne neighborhood).  Here are some (architectural) memories of Glendale!

Filmmaker ERIC BRICKER Presented "Julius Shulman Communication Award" at Woodbury University, October 11, 2009

Filmmaker ERIC BRICKER was presented with the Julius Shulman Communication Award at Woodbury University, Sunday, October 11, 2009.  The award was presented by LILY TOMLIN, who received the award in 2007.  Bricker devoted seven years of his life to making the film, "VISUAL ACOUSTICS:  The Modernism of Julius Shulman".  The film documents the great photographer and how his images portrayed and promoted the idealistic "California Lifestyle".  I was deeply honored to be one of the presenters at the ceremony, along with Michael Stern and Jonathan Weedman. 

The beloved photographer died in July 2009, just a few months short of his 99th birthday (10-10-1910).  Pictured are members of the cast and crew, including Shulman's daughter Judy McKee (on the left) and Julius Shulman standing with Eric Bricker on the far right.  The photo was taken earlier at the Landmark Theater at an early showing of the film.

What's a Million $$$ View Worth?

I just listed a fabulous townhouse in Echo Park; it's at the "Lago Vista", a Bauhaus-inspired condominium complex located high on a bluff overlooking the lagoon of Echo Park Lake.  Designed by famed architect Allyn E. Morris in 1973.  Mr. Morris' work has received wider attention as a result of the publication of "Forgotten Modern", highlighting the achievement of his first residential design, the "Bubeck House" in Eagle Rock (1956).  The complex demonstrates the architects vision for dynamic design instead of the minimalism seen in most architecture of the period.  The multi-level, interlocking shapes and contours give a great sense of freedom.  Now you can own a piece of great architecture, and did I mention the view?

To learn more, please visit http://www.1701clintonstreet.com/.

Looking for Mr. Parkinson, the "Architect who designed Los Angeles"

I recently received a FACEBOOK post from SCOTT FIELD, Director of the Parkinson Archive in Galveson, Texas; informing me that JEREMY RYAN-AINSLIE, Great Grand Nephew of JOHN PARKINSON, the "Architect who Built Los Angeles" was in town, and working on a documentary film of his famous uncle, and would I like to show him around?

I met Ryan-Ainslie this morning at his downtown hotel. While the GPS system on my Toyota Siena mysteriously decided to stop working, I worried about how we would find our way. Our itinerary took us to the C.E. KUSTOR RESIDENCE in West Adams, an eclectic Victorian/Craftsman/Shingle house designed by Parkinson in about 1911 (and recently purchased by my friends ROB & JENNY WEI); then on to WOODACRES, the Parkinson family home in Santa Monica. We were met at the Parkinson Estate by DRU ALPHSON, (husband Howard was taking a nap). The Alphsons are only the second owners of the fabulous property that the Parkinsons called "home".

After a few precious hours at Woodacres, we traveled across town to FOREST LAWN in Glendale, to visit the PARKINSON crypt in the GREAT MAUSOLEUM; the Master Architect' final resting place.

We topped off the day with margaritas at the LOCKE home in Los Feliz, and after a quick trip to a couple of Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces in the neighborhood (the Ennis & Hollyhock Houses), we dropped Jeremy at the HOTEL CECIL in downtown Los Angeles.

We'll meet up again on Sunday at the SALON OF THE SPIRITUALLY CREATIVE LIFE, hosted by Carol & Richard King before dropping Jeremy off at LAX for the return trip to Birmingham (England). It's been a real privelege meeting a special young film maker who has a keen interest in L.A.!

Pictured are (L-R) Photographer Leland Lee, Jeremy Ryan-Ainslie and Architect Dion Neutra at Carol & Richard King's Salon of the Spiritually Creative Life in Pasadena.

Ted Kennedy: He was very special

During last fall's presidential campaign, I heard that Sen. Kennedy was going to speak at a rally at East Los Angeles College, so I packed my camera and headed over to the campus. There he was, in the flesh, one of the many so-called liberals I had learned to dislike as a result of my upbringing in conservative Glendale (CA). Now, after a long education process, I could see up-close-and-personal, one of our real American heroes! Kennedy was speaking to the large bilingual crowd, encouraging them with the words, "Si se puede!" (Yes We Can!) It was a great moment, one that I will long remember.

Goodbye, Uncle Julius!

Learning of Julius Shulman's death last week came as a big shock: I knew his health had been declining in recent weeks; a denied request to visit alerted me to the situation. We had become friends over the past five years; after meeting him at the Eagle Rock Playground in April 2004, I found myself in his studio just a few days later.

Over the years, I returned to the studio many times, bringing along friends and admirers. Each visit offered fresh revelation and insight, a bit of wit and wisdom that would bring perspective, a "teaching moment" from a master teacher. Along the way, I met many of his friends and admirers, many would become my friends too, a bond forged by our mutual admiration; we were all part of his family. He taught me many life lessons, the greatest by example: treating everyone with dignity no matter their station in life. I will greatly miss him!

3rd Phase of Silver Lake's "Art Cans" Are In!

The 3rd Phase of Silver Lake's famed "Art Cans Project" unfolded this past Sunday, June 7, 2009 as the first "Art Can" adoptions were delivered, first to Trader Joe's Silver Lake, then off to Prestige Motors on Silver Lake Blvd., followed by the placement of a can at the Silver Lake Dog Park.

Here's a few photos that I enjoyed taking at the event; more to come and more details next week, as the second "leg" of adoptions will be delivered on June 14th. Look for updates next week.

Silver Lake Improvement Association Celebrates 20 Years

I had the good fortune to attend the Annual Meeting of the Silver Lake Improvement Association last evening, held at Silver Lake's Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral. SLIA President Genelle LeVin has done an outstanding job in revitalizing the organization; a near-capacity crowd was on hand to celebrate the organizations' 20th anniversary.

Headline speakers, Los Angeles Council Member Tom LaBonge (CD-4) and Council President Eric Garcetti (CD-13)extolled the crowd for their community activism, and reported on council matters, especially the effects of the budget crisis. Long-time SLIA Board Member Ruth Faydich was honored for serving the organization for 17 years as the group's Treasurer.

A highlight of the evening, Councilmember LaBonge led the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to long-time community activist Lucy Jones, who turns 92 this month.

Artist Sam Maloof Mourned

Earlier this year (April 3 2008), my wife, Donna Jean and I hopped on a bus along with members of the Griffith Park Adult Community Center to visit Woodcarver/Artist Sam Maloof at his home and studio. It was my first exposure to the famed craftsman, who passed away this past Thursday, May 21, 2009 at his home in Alta Loma. It was an experience I will never forget. The Artist devoted his life to his craft, turning out some of the most beautiful and timeless pieces of furniture imaginable. What a joy and priveledge it was to meet Maloof and his wife Beverly personally, a great artist who never lost the common touch. (Maloof greeting members of the Griffith Park Adult Community Center on April 3, 2008)