Drive-by Architecture: Cloverdale

Another deco building by CJ Smale that quietly makes a spectacle of itself. I talked to Philippe (or maybe he said Flip), a resident, who assured me that the apartments are really spacious with high ceilings. Built in 1930, it's been Historic Cultural Monument no 427 since 1989. The penthouse used to be Fred Astaire's dance studio.
Drive South on Cloverdale from 3rd St (one way) to see 364 South Cloverdale Ave.

Drive-by Architecture: 4th + La Brea

From the corner, this building doesn't shine. The ground floor houses a fabric boutique that never interested me. But the ornate side entrance is surprising and romantic. Upon further investigation- my dream of a baroque suite of second story apartments dissipated when I saw the intercom nameplates: Caraventa Inc, Lone Post Inc, Modstar. Great location for a romantic comedy.
Look for Silk Trading Co at 360 S LaBrea, but the door to the office space (for rent!) is 5619 W 4th St.

Village and Isle: 2 for 1

Isle of California (1972) has faded over the years but it's still brilliant and relevant. The LA Fine Arts Squad is responsible: Victor Henderson, Terry Schoonhoven, and Jim Frazin. Find it on the back wall of the Masonic Temple (built in 1922) at 1616 Butler Ave on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd in West LA. The best approach is to take Butler north toward the blvd.
This site has a perfectly adequate list of public art in LA, but check here for street art.

I used to live around the corner and after months of speculation about what went on at The Village, behind the green doors with the telephone box (speakeasy? Eyes Wide Shut sanctum?), one day I saw a sign in the parking lot designating the prime spot for Meat Loaf. Then I realized it was a recording studio. Yesterday, there was a group of engineers standing around outside smoking, who informed me that everyone from the Stones to Ry Cooder to The Shins recorded there.

Erin + the Neighborhood: Episode 5

Drive-by Architecture: Highland

I was instantly attracted to the geometric moldings on the second story of this textile mill at 900 North Highland Ave at Willoughby.

Drive-by Architecture: Waring + Sweetzer

This vaguely Moroccan triplex (with parking) is a few blocks away from this gem I've had my eye on for a while. I heard a rumor from friends who live nearby that there's a dungeon in the unit on the corner. Cruise by 8301 Waring Ave at Sweetzer in West Hollywood.

If home was only Val d'Amour

Val d'Amour apartments were built in 1928 by CW Powers and given historical monument status in 2006. I love the facade and the figures along the parapet. Drive by 854 South Oxford Ave at James M Wood in Koreatown.