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Celeb R.E.: Possible Former Richard Pryor Home in Northridge Listed As Short Sale

Monday, April 28, 2014 / No Comments
Images courtesy California Trust Realty
According to the deep databases of the Movieland Directory, the late comedian Richard Pryor either owned or lived in a modest (by celebrity standards) Northridge home located at 17425 Marilla Street. For the young folks reading this, Pryor was a living legend who paved the way for other great comedians like Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, George Lopez, and Martin Lawrence to name a few. 

This home should not be confused with the infamous Parthenia St home also located in Northridge where Pryor burned himself almost to death after a night of hardcore drugs and alcohol (the flammable type) in June 1980. You can read more about that incident on this site which also discusses the Parthenia home as well as his last residence in Encino.  

I wasnt able to verify if Pryor truly owned this home as the property records only go back to 1988. The Movieland Directory lists this home as his 80's residence which conflicts with the Parthenia home because he was living there in the 80's as well. So I am thinking that he either lived in the Marilla home prior to acquiring the Parthenia home, or it was an income rental, or used for family, or used as home to getaway from all the madness of parties and constant flow of people visiting the Parthenia home, or simply this was never his home and this is being reported in error. So hopefully the Movieland Directory is correct which they normally are. 

The home measures 5 Beds/3 Beds on 2,904 sqft on a total lot size of 0.37 acres built in 1961. The home is currently listed for sale on April 24, 2014 for $640,000 as a short sale with the last sale on April 26, 2005 for $988,000. The home is listed as a major fixer but the extent is not known. If the home can be upgraded for around $50,000 to $75,000, then this can be a great deal with good profit potential based on comps especially if its marketed as being the former home of Richard Pryor assuming that doesnt bring a negative vibe due to his wild ways. The listing description states:
This beautiful 5 bed/3 bath home is located in desirable Northridge neighborhood. It boasts a large entryway with expansive spaces through out, a cozy fire place in the living room, and double sinks in both upstairs bathrooms. Needs major TLC. This is a Short Sale all terms and conditions subject to lender approval.
You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here.

Celeb R.E.: Toni Braxton Calls Calabasas Home After Bankruptcy

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Images courtesy Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty
I am extremely late on this one but better late than never. The celebrity gossip juggernaut, TMZ, first revealed  back on January 28, 2014 that six time Grammy R&B singer-songwriter, Toni Braxton, purchased a Calabasas mansion for $3 million. The other startling headline is that Braxton just got out of bankruptcy 6 months with $50 million in liabilities prior to purchase which is amazing in itself. At the time of this writing, property records and real estate listings dont reflect any sale transactions for anybody so I am wondering if this is the wrong house claimed by TMZ or simply just an incorrect rumor or some funny business going on. 

The home measures 4 Beds/4.5 Baths on 5,323 sqft on a total lot size of 0.39 acres built in 2005 in the infamous guard gated The Estates at the Oaks in Calabasas which is home to many other celebrities and executives. The listing description states:
Exclusive Estates at The Oaks~French Country Inspired single story. A private courtyard entry welcomes you to this 4 bedroom (could be 5) storybook home. Elegantly detailed with fine designer finishes thruout. Gleaming wood floors, custom beam ceiling & built-in cabinetry accentuate the formal living area. The magnificent chef's kitchen w/ Sub Zero & Wolf professional stainless appliances, granite counters & Walker Zanger tile work & custom hand distressed/rubbed finished cabinetry. The elegant private master suite features a sitting area, dual walk-in closets & sumptuous bath with limestone floors, spa tub, designer tile shower, water closet & vanity. Lushly landscaped gardens surround this treasure. The serene private rear yard incs a salt water pool/spa, loggia, multiple fountains, & outdoor fireplace.
Its not known where Braxton was living prior to this new purchase but she may have been living with her sister and brother-in-law, Tamar Braxton & Vincent Herbert, when they lived in Encino and Hidden Hills and now currently they live in the same gated community in Calabasas that Toni Braxton purchased. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here

Celeb R.E. Former Home of Johnny Cash and Johnny Carson in Encino Sold

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 / 3 Comments




 Images courtesy Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 
Johnny Carson and family in front of Encino home. Image courtesy Roadshow Revival News.
Johnny Cash and family in front of Encino home. Image courtesy LA Times
The former home of Johnny Carson and Johnny Cash recently sold on April 16, 2014 for $1,854,000 which was previously purchased on March 27, 1998 for $700,000. Cash purchased this home in 1958 from Carson for $75,000 according to the book, Johnny Cash: The Life by Robert Hilburn, 
When Johnny Carson told Cash he was selling his Encino house to move to New York, Cash bought it on the spot for $75,000. Encino was a trophy-house suburb of Los Angeles, just minutes from Hollywood and favorite of film stars, notably John Wayne and Clark Gable. The house at 4259 Hayvenhurst Avenue, was just up the street from where Michael Jackson's family would later make their home. 
The date and amount that Carson purchased this home is unknown but its possible Carson purchased brand new as the home was built in 1951. Cash would only live in it for 3 more years later moving to Casitas Springs in Ventura County in 1961 to escape the Hollywood life. 

The home measures 5 Beds/4 Baths on 3,652 sqft on a total lot size of 0.43 acres built in 1951. The listing description states:
SOUTH OF THE BLVD STUNNING RANCH HOME, just blocks from acclaimed Lanai Road Elementary School. This single level move-in ready home is appointed with the most stylish upgrades. The traditional kitchen boasts crisp white cabinets, Carrera marble counters and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, 2 dishwashers and a Viking range. Complimented with wood floors, moldings, and an abundance of windows and French doors, this house is flooded with natural light and lends itself to indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. With 5 bedrooms and 3 and a half baths, the tranquil master retreat offers a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and a spa like bath with large steam shower and soak tub plus an extra large walk in cedar lined closet. Upgraded with the automated thermostat ?Nest? system, newer water heater, brand new roof, beautiful tile and stone bathrooms, built-in cabinetry plus new paint inside and out. Located on an extra large sweeping corner lot, this property offers tons of privacy, lush landscaped grounds, stone patios and walkways, sparkling swimmers pool with new tile and plaster and triple water feature, ? sport court and large grassy areas in the front and back yards. This is one you won?t want to miss!
You can view more SFV Celeb. R.E. here.

Celeb R.E. Hip Hop Star Akon Settles Down in Woodland Hills

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[Update July 10, 2014]: Akon listed this home for sale on July 10, 2014 after only living in it for 11 months. You can read more here

[Original Post]:








Images courtesy Rodeo Realty
Back on April 7, 2014, the all knowing gossip juggernaut, TMZ, revealed that hip-hop artist, Akon, purchased a Woodland Hills modern home on September 12, 2013 for $1,950,000. 

Akon rose to fame in 2004 with his hit single, "Locked Up" from his debut album, Trouble. Akon's career took off from there being the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice, four songs certified 3x platinum, three songs certified as 2x platinum, more than 10 songs certified as 1x platinum and more than 10 songs certified as gold in digital sales. And the list of accomplishments and hits keep growing providing vocals as a featured artist with more than 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs. Akon's real name is Aliaune Damala Bougo Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam or sometimes simply goes by Aliaune Thiam was born on April 16, 1973 which for a time was unknown but since discovered by The Smoking Gun. You can catch Akon's hit song, "Smack That" and "Sexy Bitch" below. 



The home measures 5 Beds/6 Baths on 4,098 sqft on a total lot size of 0.42 acres built in 2004. The listing description states: 
Custom, Elegant and Beautiful. The art of fine contemporary architecture can be found in this warm and inviting home. A one-of-a-kind design features high ceilings, walls of glass, concrete floors, chef's kitchen and a sprawling entertainers yard with pool andspa and a complete outdoor kitchen in an elevated stylish cabana. The privacy is amazing and the views of the home overlooking the grassy area and pool are stunning. This home features refined design, spacious living and glass walls that open to invite the exterior in. .. Fantastic for entertaining or the active extended family. From an exquisite custom wet bar to a circular formal dining table, to commercial grade appliances, this home has it all. Smooth concrete, textures and volumes of light throughout. Free flowing floor plan, multiple fireplaces, balconies and over 4000 s. f. of living. You cannot ask for more, private & beautiful. Located within walking distance to the Blvd. Enjoy restaurants, shops and coffee with ease. .. .. Too much to list. You won't be disappointed.
Prior to Akon's purchase, the home was last acquired on April 7, 1995 for $375,000 and was completely demolished and rebuilt in 2004 for I am guessing something in the range of $500K or possibly even more. The home was originally listed on May 29, 2013 for $2,150,000 so it looks like Akon successfully saved $200K. Or did he? Because immediately after purchasing the home, Akon added his own touches and modified the interior of the home based on pictures provided by TMZ. Also at the bottom are Youtube videos from his birthday party celebrated at the house. Note, I tried to create a before and after collage based on the listing pictures so some pictures will not match up perfectly. 








I was rather surprised to learn that international start, Akon, chose sleepy suburban Woodland Hills of all places for what appears to be his first LA pad. However, in addition to this home, Akon also owns the following: 
  1. An Alpharetta, GA mansion measuring 4 Bed/8 Bath on 8,697 sqft over 4.60 acres built in 1998 and purchased on January 25, 2008 for $1,650,000. You can view pictures of the mansion at Celebritydetective.com
  2. An Atlanta, GA mansion measuring 10 Beds/10 Baths on 14,994 sqft over 2 acres built in 1990 and purchased on February 13, 2007. This home is co-owned by Darrick "Devyne" Stephens who is Akon's longtime contributor and business partner. 
  3. A Lithonia, GA home measuring 5 Beds/4.5 Baths on 3,642 sqft on 0.41 acres built in 2005 for an unknown price and date. 
  4. A Dacula, GA home measuring 5 Beds/4 Baths on 3,488 sqft on  0.31 acres built in 2005 for an unknown price and date. 
  5. A Glenside, PA home measuring 3 Beds/2.5 Baths on 1,900 sqft on 0.37 acres built in 1920 and purchased on February 25, 2010 for $300,000. 
Literally next door to Akon is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell as well as the Van Dekker Residence by R.M. Schindler, and Bud Abbott's former home. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here.

Mid Century Modern Church In Canoga Park Demolished for 118 Condos

Monday, April 7, 2014 / No Comments
[Update April 21, 2015]: The original plans for 132 condo units have been changed to 77 single family homes with more details found here

[Original Post]:

The latest casualty of the ongoing SFV development is the Reginald F. Inwood designed mid century modern church formerly located at 20600 - 20620 Roscoe Blvd Canoga Park which was last home to the Filipino International Christian Church and will soon be the home of 118 condominiums. 

I was not surprised by this demolition but rather saddened that reality took place as I knew this demolition was going to happen based on published meeting minutes from the City Planning commission which I blogged about back on July 17, 2013. You can view more details about the church architecture, history, and photos taken at the time showing the last days of the church here

One positive thing to note is that this property is also home to a 500 yard year old oak tree which is still standing today. Its not known if the developers plan to demolish this tree too or keep it as part of the property grounds.  

As they say "change is good or needed" but I will miss seeing this unique church as I drive down Roscoe Blvd. Cant wait till here about the next demolition! (sarcasm)

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here







Edward Fickett Mid Century Modern Home in Sherman Oaks Hits the Market

Friday, April 4, 2014 / 1 Comment
Images courtesy Sotheby's International Realty
15573 Briarwood Drive
3 Bed/2 Bath on 1,945 sqft on a total lot size of 0.26 acres built in 1955 in Sherman Oaks. The Fickett home is listed for $1,199,000 on April 2, 2014 and was last purchased on October 9, 2009 for $779,000.

According to the listing description, this home was designed by notable architect, Edward Fickett, who was dubbed the "creator of the San Fernando Valley" and the "Frank Lloyd Wrigt of the 50's." He has designed more than 60,000 structures including the pool complex at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, the extension of the Nethercutt Antique Car Museum in Sylmar, the original Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the passenger and cargo terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Police Academy, and devised the master plans for the Edwards and Norton Air Force bases (LA Times and Daily News). 

I wasnt able to verify this home being specifically designed by Fickett but he designed so many homes if the SFV that there is a good possibility that this is a Fickett home. However, I was able to verify Fickett designed homes in the Sherman Oaks area located at 3461 Cody Road, 3676 Meadville Drive, 3695 N Scadlock Lane, 14145 Mulholland Drive (Fire Station #99), 3755 N Woodcliff Road, and in the Encino area at 16605 W Oldham Street (possible altered) and 16642 W Oldham Street through SurveyLA (Encino and Sherman Oaks). So buy with caution. 

The listing description states:
Palm Springs in Sherman Oaks! Edward H. Fickett, FAIA designed mid-century architectural with a pool and panoramic city views. Sophisticated 3 bedroom, 2 bath house, incredible windows, beams and fireplace with a fantastic indoor-outdoor feel. Perfect for entertaining. Lovingly restored while maintaining the integrity of the architect. Easy access to 405, 101 and Westside. A true gem and rare opportunity.
You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here