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Filming Locations: Blast From The Past (1999)

Friday, December 28, 2012 / No Comments


Blast from the Past is a 1999 American romantic comedy film based on a story and directed by Hugh Wilson and starring Brendan FraserAlicia SilverstoneChristopher WalkenSissy Spacek, and Dave Foley (wikipedia).

In 1962 an eccentric scientist who, like so many people at the same, thought that a nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was possible, built a bomb shelter in his basement. During the Cuban missile crisis, when he thought things were going escalate took his pregnant wife into the bomb shelter. When a plane flying over lost control, the pilot bailed out and the plane crashed into their house which activated the shelter's locks (designed not to open for 35 years). She gives birth to a boy whom they name Adam. So Adam grows up being taught and exposed to all culture up to 1962. When the locks open, they're shocked to see how the world has changed they decide to stay inside. However their supplies have run out, so Adam goes out to get some more but gets lost and is helped by a girl called Eve. (IMDB.com)


7216 to 7222 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park: a strip of storefronts in the Valley, used as the tacky shops encountered by Brendan and his dad when they first emerge from the fallout shelter. "Mom's" diner was probably at 7222 Topanga Blvd., while the adult video store was at 7218 Topanga. (These were mostly empty storefronts at the time - there was no actual porno store in the area.)

Image courtesy T.Hoffarth Flickr
Image courtesy T. Hoffarth Flickr
Image courtesy T. Hoffarth FlickrYou can view the locations above where Brendan Fraser walks out of his bomb shelter and onto the corner of Topanga Cyn Blvd and Sherman Way in the video below:


Also from seeing-stars.com:


9036 Glen Oaks Blvd., in Sun Valley: the Public Storage garage where Eve helps Brendan stash his survival supplies (in unit G-101) after a day of shopping. 
Image courtesy Google Maps
You can view the movie trailer below:


You can view more SFV Filming Locations here.

A List of SFV Sites Closing in 2012

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It should be of no surprise to readers of this blog and SFV residents that every year we are confronted with the closure of popular and famous hangouts mostly due to a lack of economic viability. The SFV almost lost two of its historic state parks, Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino and the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park in Chatsworth which were fortunately saved this past year.  Below are a list of notable SFV sites set to close at the end of this year or have already closed in 2012. Its possible that I may have missed some sites, so please let me know and I will update accordingly. 
Phil's Diner in North Hollywood. Image courtesy NoHo-Tolcua Lake Patch
JC Penny's in San Fernando Mall
Hostess Bakery in Chatsworth. This closure was part of a bankruptcy filing of the entire company so  all Hostess sites across the country were shut down. 
Henry's Tacos in Studio City. Lease has been extended to January 10, 2013 with a new lease currently in negotiation so it may stay in business. Image courtesy LA Daily News
Sierra's Mission Burrito in Canoga Park. Image courtesy Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Facebook
Family Fun Arcade in Granada Hills. Image courtesy Yelp
Commonwealth Savings Building in North Hollywood. Designed by Gerald Bense in 1961. Image courtesy Craig Clough/NoHo-Toluca Lake Patch 
However, usually the closure of one site means something new is on the way to replace it some form or another like the much anticipated and dreaded The Village at Westfield Topanga or the former Valley Music Theatre site turned residential apartments


Stevens/Harnell Residence by Robert Harvey Oshatz

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 / No Comments
3 Beds/4 Baths on 3,668 sqft on a total lot size of 0.25 acres built in 1985 Studio City. The home was originally designed in 1983 and completed in 1986. The home is currently owned by voice-over actor Jess Harnell who is known for the voice behind Roger Rabbit and Animaniacs' Wacko who purchased in 1998 for $975,000. This home is loosely known as "The Spaceship House" and consequently associate this home with William Shatner since he lives nearby but that is clearly not the case.

Nestled in the Los Angeles hills, this home rises above trees and utility lines to engulf a spectacular view of the valley. The view from street level had been obscured by tall trees across the street and interfered with by a multitude of utility lines. To capitalize on the view it was necessary to raise the living room 35 feet to be above the trees and use exterior projecting fins to shield the utility poles and lines from the interior. The cantilevered living room gives one the feeling of floating in space and creates the sensation of being a participant of the view rather than simply looking upon it.





Above images courtesy Robert Harvey Oshatz
This home was also featured on the HGTV show Home Strange Home:





Above images courtesy HGTV
You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.

Celebrity Real Estate: Charlie Sheen's Ex Brooke Mueller Flips Former Spice Girls Home in Tarzana

Monday, December 17, 2012 / No Comments
[Update January 9, 2013]: This home sold for $3,150,000 on January 7, 2013 which was completed in roughly two months. The sale represents a $150,000 gain from when Mueller purchased it for $3 million which actually represents a loss for Mueller based on a 6% commission equating to $189,000 or a $39,000 loss. Maybe Mueller worked something out with the listing agent to reduce the commission to just break even. I dont understand why she would buy in March and then sell in January.

[Original Post]:


The always hilarious Your Mama at the Realestalker has just divulged the latest gossip on the former Tarzana home of Melanie Brown who also goes by Scary Spice of the Spice Girls. This home was sold back on March 16, 2012 (which was discussed here) apparently to Brooke Mueller at a $159,000 loss for $3.0 million.

Mueller hoisted the home back on the market on November 15, 2012 for $3,550,000. The only thing that surprises me here is that this home which is currently under escrow was able to garner interest with an asking price that was $500,000 higher than what it sold for barely 8 months ago. Additionally, the previous listing  by Brown mentioned that the home had undergone a $1 million renovation so I am not sure what has changed since Mueller acquired the property especially with the listing pictures looking exactly the same from when Brown listed the property. 

At any rate, I am sure I am missing something and if this home sells at the current asking price, Mueller stands to gain $550,000 before taxes, commissions, carrying costs (if any), and renovation costs. Even if she were to spend $200,000, she would be earning $250,000 which is not bad for several months of work. 
STUNNING, CELEBRITY GATED COMPOUND! ENTER MAGICAL ESTATE THROUGH GATED WINDING DRIVEWAY , TO WHICH INCLUDES A STATE OF THE ART DETACHED MOVIE THEATRE , GUEST HOUSE, RESORT-LIKE GROUNDS , GORGEOUS POOL AND SPA, OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM WITH CHANDELIERS, CABANA AND FLAT SCREENS, INVITING FIRE-PIT , AND MAGICAL VIEWS!!! GRAND DOUBLE DOORS OPEN INTO DRAMATIC 2-STORY HIGH CEILINGS ENTRY, EUROPEAN APPOINTMENTS AND SWAROVSKI CHANDELIERS THROUGHOUT , CHEF'S KITCHEN WITH PROFESSIONAL GRADE APPLIANCES. BREAKFAST NOOK OPENS TO FAMILY ROOM, EXQUISITE DINING ROOM WITH SMOKED MIRRORED GLASS, FORMAL LIVING ROOM UPSTAIRS TO PRIVATE MAJESTIC MASTER SUITE WITH GRAND MASTER BATH AND WALKIN CLOSET. DOWNSTAIRS INCLUDES PHENOMENAL OFFICE, JUNIOR SUITES. LAUNDRY ROOM AND SEPARATE STAIRWAY TO GREAT ROOM/ GYM . PROPERTY ALSO BOASTS: CAT 6, HDMI WIRING, STATE OF THE ART SECURITY SYSTEM AND TOP OF THE LINE SURROUND SOUND . NO EXPENSE WAS SPARED ON THIS TRULY BREATHTAKING ESTATE!
You can view more SFV celebrity real estate here.







Images courtesy Keller Wiliiams

1950's Mid Century Modern by Cornelius Deasy in Studio City Hits the Market

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 / No Comments

[Update February 8, 2013]: This home sold for $825,000 which was $25,500 above the last list price of  $799,500 but $114,000 below the original list price of $939,000 back in April 2011. This home sale was completely in roughly 10 months. 

[Original Post]:

11100 Valley Spring Lane
3 Beds/2 Baths on 1,696sqft on a total lot size of 9,990 sqft built in 1951 Studio City. The home was designed by notable architect Cornelius Deasy for his family who also designed the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association Building in Sherman Oaks (not sure what this building is today) and the Sylmar Pool (not sure if that is correct). Deasy passed away at the age of 92 on August 14, 2010.  This home is currently listed at $799,500 and was last purchased on November 19, 2004 for $735,000. This home has been on and off the market since April 12, 2011 with an original asking price of $939,000. This home appears to be in all original condition. 

From the listing:
1950's built architectural treasure with zen garden, swimming pool, outdoor patio, large grassy yard, and full guest house! Structure is a Neutra study built by prominent architect Deasy for his family. Cared for by present owner meticulously. Beautiful mature trees and gardens surround this classic home. Not an ounce of 50's integrity has been lost over the years. Open floor plan, post and beam ceilings, ceiling to floor length windows, heated slate floors, lrg. master suite, tons of natural light, artistic feel, peaceful hideaway. Guest house w/ separate entrance, full kitchen, bathrm. Magical blast from the past feeling surrounds the entire property. Home is right near freeway soundwall.
You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.
















Above images courtesy Keller Williams