Celeb R.E.: The Kimball Or Triangle House by Harry Gesner owned by actor Joshua Gomez in Tarzana Hits the Market

By Marty McFly - Friday, May 1, 2015 - 2 Comments

The Kimball House. Image courtesy NY Times/Juergen Nogai.

Fresh from LA Curbed is Harry Gesner's "Kimball House" in Tarzana which hit the market on April 29, 2015 for $1,997,000. Gesner is a renowned architect known for his Malibu Wave House which was the inspiration for the Sydney Opera House, the Getty House in Malibu, and The Boathouses in the Cahuenga Pass. And the best part is that he still around and doing everyday normal things like surfing near his Malibu house at the ripe age of 90.

There are several historical facts missing from the Curbed article which I will discuss here. First, Curbed states this is the "Triangle House" which was probably taken from the real estate listing (see below) which conflicts with a 2012 NY Times article stating this home is actually The Kimball House. The Kimball name sounds more plausible since the name of the house is usually named after the owner's last name who hired the architect but there are exceptions to this rule. However, I dont know who originally commissioned it so I am guessing it was somebody with the last name of Kimball.

Parent's Tarzana House. Image courtesy JamesColinCampbell.com

Second, Gesner was from Tarzana who actually built his parent's home in 1954 with a signature slanted stone adobe (shown above). In the late 1940's, Gesner opened a studio in Tarzana that remained for 20 years before moving to Malibu. Unfortunately, I dont know the locations for either the Tarzana studio or parents home but I will make an effort to search.

Image courtesy Wikipedia/Gage Skidmore

Third, this property is currently owned by actor Joshua Gomez (shown above) who is best known for playing Morgan Grimes in TV show, Chuck. Gomez purchased the property on January 20, 2011 for $935,000 and restored it.

Fourth, this property was at one time owned by designer Gene Ewing and her husband Bert Sunkin who were the owners of Gene Ewing Bis which is a clothing company. An April 2, 1989 article by Polly Rayner in the The Morning Call also describes their time in the Tarzana home which they enjoyed as their retreat but later sold on August 13, 2014 for $1.6 million. The original purchase price and date is not known but probably in the 80's.

Fifth, this property has significant historical status which was not covered in the Survey LA findings which is rather surprising considering their thoroughness in reporting other properties in the area. However, some of this might be the result of the inability for the surveyors to see this property behind a large gate set back a large distance from the street. More importantly, this property should be nominated for landmark status to protect it due to its unique architecture.

The home measures 3 Beds/4.25 Baths on 5,278 sqft on a total lot size of 1.35 acres built in 1960. The listing description states:

Renowned visionary architect Harry Gesner AIA circa 1960 "Triangle House, " published, a world class residence restored and upgraded by current owners fulfilling the ultimate Mid-Century modern compound, blended with today's luxury and style. Monolithic gate opens to a long private drive revealing an extraordinary modernist world completely on to its own: with an over 4600 square foot main residence; a miniature replica full guest house; futuristic carport; wine cellar; workshop; and separate pool area with sauna and outdoor Viking entertainment and dining areas. This iconic compound features complete privacy on almost 1.3 acres and unparalleled character and ambiance . Full open plan with newer chef's kitchen; imported designer fixtures and finishes; lavish upscale materials; walls of windows with highest grade glass doors; sunken den with fireplace; sculpted fountains; huge media/family room and treetop views. An exhilarating masterpiece in minimalism, opulent in scale and form.

Images courtesy Sotheby's International Realty

Prior to this home, Gomez was living in another MCM property designed by Richard Banta, AIA, in the Adams Hill, Glendale neighborhood. The property measures 2 Beds/1 Baths on 1,218 sqft on a total lot size of 3,030 sqft built in 1962. Gomez purchased on July 23, 2008 for $570K selling at a $5K loss for $565K on April 29, 2011 probably to jump on the Kimball house. So I wonder if Gomez is moving onto another MCM restoration project in the SFV.

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

You can view more Architecture and R.E. here.