Thursday, November 24, 2011

Victor Shertzinger Residence, Mark Daniels, Architect 1921

Architect Mark Daniels designed the Mediterranean Revival style house for Film Director Victor Shertzinger in 1921. Shertzberger directed many films, beginning in the silent era, including the "Road" pictures, featuring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. Born in Pennsylvania, he studied music at Brown University and the University of Brussels. A well-known concert violist and symphony conductor, he got his start in the movie business by composing the score for the film, "Civilization" in 1916. By the time of his death in 1941, he had directed 87 films and written thirteen musical scores in addition to numerous screenplays.

Shertzinger lived the celebrity life to the hilt. He drove a Duesenberg, while his wife could be spotted in a chauffeur-driven Pierce Arrow. He was credited with bringing music to the silver screen, composing the first accompanying score for "The Tick Tock Man of Oz", followed by "Pretty Miss Smith", "If I Had You" and "My Daddy Knows". He later turned to directing; among his many stars were Dorothy Dalton, Pauline Fredrick and Mabel Normand.

Located at 4120 Cromwell Avenue in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Dr. B.C. Coleman Residence, Harry H. Whitely, Architect 1926

Architect Harry Hayden Whitely designed the Spanish Revival style house for Dr. B.C. Coleman in 1929. It is currently the home of actor Danny Bonaduce. The architect also designed the John M. Blank Residence at 1950 N. Edgemont Street (1928); the Captain Harry M. Rubey Residence (1920) on Commonwealth Avenue, the McGowan House for Film Director Robert F. McGowan located at 1928 N. Western Avenue (1929) and.a home for Ceramicist Laura F. Anderson on Edgemont Street in 1928.

Located at 4039 Cromwell Avenue in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

2060 N. Edgemont c.1949

2060 N. Edgemont c.1949 by Michael Locke
2060 N. Edgemont c.1949, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

The English Tudor Revival style had its greatest period of popularity in the 1920s, however it remains one of the three most preferred styles of architecture in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, outflanked only by Spanish and Mediterranean Revival. This "latecomer" built in 1949 is a good example of its enduring popularity.

Los Feliz United Methodist Church, Claude A. Faithfull, Architect 1938

Originally designed by Architect Claude A. Faithful as the Mount Olive Methodist Episcopal Church in 1938, the church later became known as the Los Feliz United Methodist Church. Today the church operates as the Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles; the Fellowship has a specific outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families and communities. Located at 1901 N. Kenmore Avenue in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Villa de Liones c.2000

Villa de Liones c.2000 by Michael Locke
Villa de Liones c.2000, a photo by Michael Locke on Flickr.

Villa de Liones, a Beux-Arts Tuscan-style villa would appear to have been built in the 1920's during the heyday of classical architecture in Los Feliz, however it was built in 2000. An impressive monument in the 'Hearst Castle manner', the home boasts a two-story entry, six bedrooms and 6.5 baths, wood-paneled library, magnificent public rooms, a home theatre, pool, spa and gazebo, with plenty of classical balustrades and statues thrown in for good measure.

As of April 2006, it was listed for sale for a whopping $6,280,000. As of November 1, 2011, the house has been re-listed for sale for a (mere) $4,950,000! Located at 4601 Dundee Drive in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.