Architecture: Casa de Cadillac’s Sensitive Sherman Oaks Renovation

Image courtesy Casa de Cadillac Facebook

The Los Angeles Conservancy has just reported that The Casa De Cadillac dealership in Sherman Oaks just completed a sensitive renovation that included replacing the non-historic windows with those more compatible with the building's original design. This is great to hear especially since a lot of these great architectural sites are disappearing. I am surprised that this building hasnt reached Historical status.

Building Quick Facts

Address: 14401 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks

Built: 1949

Architects: Randall Duell and Phillip A. Conklin

Original business: Don Lee Cadillac

Current name: Casa de Cadillac

Renovation: Non-historic windows replaced with designs more compatible with the original building

Filming connection: Transformers and Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” video

Status: Renovated and operating

Explore: Sherman Oaks and Development & Architecture

The building located at 14401 Ventura Blvd was designed by Randall Duell and Phillip A. Conklin in 1949. The dealership originally opened as Don Lee Cadillac and was the only Cadillac dealer in the Valley up until 1965. The SFV has been losing Cadillac dealerships over the past couple of years like the former Neill Lehr Cadillac dealership in Northridge.

This dealership is extremely popular with architectural enthusiasts and was featured in the film Transformers which can be viewed here and the Tom Petty (longtime SFV resident) music video Free Fallin' (also features other areas of the SFV). This site was probably used for other TV shows and Films but nothing comes to top of my head right now. Do you know of any? Check out cool pics below and from Palm Springs Automobilist.

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.