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Encino Ritz Motor Hotel & Apts. Postcard

Thursday, January 31, 2013 / No Comments


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North Hollywood Motel Postcard

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Far East Terrace in North Hollywood Postcard

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Ventura Blvd and Genesta Avenue in Encino

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Starlight Theatre in Burbank

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St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood

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Rancho San Antonio in Chatsworth Postcard

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Rancho San Antonio Postcard in Chatsworth

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / No Comments



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"Untouched" Encino Mid Century Modern Home Hits Market

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[Update June 5, 2013]: This home sold for $1,649,413 on May 3, 2013 which was $249,587 less than the original asking price of $1,899,000.

[Original Post]:
15928 Skytop Road
4 Beds/4 Baths on 3,531 sqft on a total lot size of 0.60 acres built in 1960 available for $1,899,000. According to the listing description, the home is "untouched" and appears that way from the pics. 
This untouched mid-century sits alone on a secluded cul-de-sac in prime Royal Oaks. The home is set up off the street behind a large motor court and the front door is reached by crossing over koi ponds within a gated courtyard. Once inside, the entry hall reveals walls of floor to ceiling glass in every direction and an interior courtyard with views of the pool and oak dotted hillsides beyond. All the main rooms and kitchen flow seamlessly out to the covered lanai and pool area, offering the ideal lifestyle for living and entertaining. Both the large living room and intimate den have striking architectural fireplaces. The generous master with walk-in closet, dressing room and vintage bath opens directly to the pool. All the other bedrooms open to separate outdoor areas. Entirely removed, at the rear of the home, is the large walk-in wine room. Bring your architecture lovers. This is the best of late 50's style on an incredible site. Ready to be restored or thoroughly remodeled.













Images courtesy Rodeo Realty

Celebrity Real Estate: McLovin aka Christopher Mintz-Plasse Purchases Bachelor Pad in Woodland Hills

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Image courtesy Dilbeck Real Estate 
Image courtesy Autoguide.com
According to the folks at Trulia Luxe Living, Christopher Mintz-Plasse better known as "McLovin" from the hilarious flick, Superbad (was heavily filmed on location in the SFV including my favorite part where the police cruiser is blown up at a CSUN parking lot), has just purchased a Woodland Hills home. 

The home was purchased on January 9, 2013 for $515,000 which measures 2 Beds/1.75 Baths on a tiny 924 sqft on a total lot size of 6,252 sqft built in 1949. The listing description states:
Gorgeous remodeled home in prime Woodland Hills location! Charming curb appeal and large front lawn with used brick walkways. When you enter this home you'll find rich wood floors, beautiful moldings, recessed lighting and an open feel. The kitchen is stunning with custom built cabinets, black granite countertops, newer kitchen appliances, tile floor, french door and views to the rear grounds. The incredible master suite is complete with huge walk in closet with custom built ins, french doors facing out to rear yard, remodeled master bath with double sinks and a large stall shower. The second bath was also remodeled. The amazing backyard is complete with fantastic redwood deck, used brick areas, large lawn/play area and great detached bonus room! Other improvements include upgraded 200 watt electrical panel and tank-less water heater. Too many upgrades to list!
Mintz-Plasse is no stranger to the San Fernando Valley as he was raised in West Hills (shown below) with his parents, Ray Plasse and Ellen Mintz. This home was  purchased on March 24, 1992 for $220,000 which measures 4 Beds/2 Baths on 1,865 sqft on a total lot size of 7,546 sqft built in 1957 not too far from the Fallbrook mall.

Image courtesy Google Maps
Mintz-Plasse attended the prestigious Academic Decathlon powerhouse El Camino Real High School from 2003 - 2007. Its a good thing he didnt hang out with the wrong crowd from the West SFV who are now behind bars. According to Wikipedia, McLovin got his big break randomly:
Mintz-Plasse acted in drama classes from first grade until his senior year in high school. He auditioned with two high school friends for the part of Fogell (aka "McLovin") in the film Superbad. He had no professional head shots before the audition and just took one with his camera phone. His mother was required by law to be on set while filming his sex scene in the film because he was only 17 years old at the time.
Its always awesome to see a SFV native reach success and proudly representing the SFV by continuing to call it home and not move over to the dreaded Westside. 

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Images courtesy Dilbeck Real Estate

Westfield Begins Preparation for The Village at Topanga

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 / No Comments

In case you missed it back on January 22, the Daily News reported that 'Preliminary Work Begins on The Village at Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park' which surprised the heck out of me that I had to visit this location in person late at night. I was rather shocked considering that the Woodland Hills homeowners filed a lawsuit back on April 16, 2012 which in turn caused the Woodland Hills/Tarzana Chamber of Commerce to kick that group out since the Chamber is huge proponent of this project; really, you dont say! 

The good news is that this 'preliminary' work is only to remove trees and no other projects are scheduled at this time. At any rate, big corporations always win (courtesy of fancy dinners with the city council) and I expect this project to proceed as planned. I mean how can anyone say no to this project that is going to bring so much tax revenue and jobs but yet we cant get historical status for Henry's Taco stand in Studio City on top of other historical sites that closed in 2012

So what concerns me is the fact that there are two items of significance on this site that I believe will be demolished. The first is a cool little creek at the corner of Victory and Owensmouth that you dont normally see in this concrete jungle and I dont think many people walking by even notice.



The second item is a Millard Sheets inspired mural by Marlo Bartels and Astrid Preston designed in 1989 for the Home Savings Bank. There are other examples of these murals throughout the Valley and SoCal as well as the rest of the nation. These are unique pieces of art that you dont see anymore with the 'big box' and strip mall designs. I hope this mural is saved because its a piece of Valley history depicting Woodland Hills back in the late 80's. 



My other concerns are the massive apartment development in this tiny area of the West Valley. In addition to the The Village, there will be 2000 new apartment units added which I talked about previously taking place nearby the Orange line, at the former Valley Music Theatre (click here for updated pic), and former Catalina Yachts manufacturing site which are all shown in the map below. 


View Woodland Hills Development in a larger map

Good luck to the significant jump in traffic, the decay of small business, and a glut of available housing!

Below are more pics of the site. I am trying to remember what used to be here which I believe was the Topanga Theatre, Yankee Doodles, Coco's, and Black Angus. I know there were others but I cant remember. Anybody want to chime in?






Image courtesy Google Earth showing  October 2007