La Fontaine

La Fontaine with it's sedate brick, hipped roof and manicured garden always reminds me of a friend's chateau in Normandy. The profusion of pseudo-French architecture in LA began when WWI soldiers returned stateside and started building replicas of chateaux they had seen in Europe.
Built around 1930 by architect Leland Bryant (also responsible for the Sunset Tower Hotel), it became an historic landmark in 2002. A succession of comedians have inhabited La Fontaine: Steve Martin, John Belushi, and Dane Cook, who was recently evicted for letting his dog defecate in the garden. He's gone now, so feel free to pursue an apartment (around $5,200/month).
La Fontaine at 1285 Crescent Heights Blvd on the SW corner of Fountain in West Hollywood.

El Mirador

El Mirador was built in 1929 by architect S. Charles Lee, who is widely recognized for his deco movie theatres, like the Alex in Glendale. While I was there I met Dave, a three-year resident looking good in his tank top, who gave me some details on the property. You could make the small sacrifice of A/C and a dishwasher for decorated ceiling beams and tons of built-ins, right? I don't know... moving in to El Mirador pretty much makes you a starlet by next weekend.

Drive by El Mirador: 1302 +1310 (side entrance) Sweetzer Ave, on the NE corner of Fountain Ave.



The original street elevation photo from Mott Studios.

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.