Christmas Update Special: Youngwood Court

Christmas has come to the House of Davids (Youngwood Court). I saw the Porsche-washing guy from last time decorating Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the front yard. I took the opportunity to ask him about the crazy lady who pursued me after my first round of photography. He didn't know anything about her and denied that she was a neighbor.
Drive by 304 Muirfield Rd on the corner of 3rd St in Hancock Park.

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.

El Bordello Alexandra

El Bordello Alexandra reminds me of the House of Davids in Hancock Park, the owners share an affinity for mass produced statuary. The pantheon of mythological figures frolicking on the roof and Western wall are relatively new additions, but the gargoyles and the paintings have been there for years. Get out of your car and walk by 20 Westminster Ave in Venice, between Pacific and the ocean.



I called Brian Mylius, who can still be reached at 310.621.7444 (in case you're interested in having him paint your next home, or 80's shag van). He is, apparently, a boardwalk staple (click his name to see his portrait by Perpetually on Flickr). He didn't return my calls.

Bladerunner Door

This entry is straight out of one of the downtown scenes in Bladerunner. Also popular with photographers as a background for headshots. Behind the door is Yerkovich Productions, last responsible for a short-lived 2001 TV show called Big Apple. They should move out and I should move in. I'm desperate for custom doors with serious retro-futuristic security systems.
Check it out at 46 Market St in Venice between Ocean Front Walk and Pacific Ave.



PS- Thanks to all lovely ladies & gents reading Hot Words at March AFB.

Drive-by Architecture: Youngwood Court

I used to call this the House of the Davids, but now I can be more precise: there are 18 Davids lining the U-shaped driveway. And it has a proper name: Youngwood Court. I always imagined the owners were drug lords circa Miami 1986. While I was there, a youngish guy came out and started washing his Porsche, so I asked him if it was alright to take some pictures of the house. He said it was cool, go ahead. I took four, counted the Davids and left. Two left turns later, I was at a stoplight when a mad black woman tapped on my window with her gold rings. I'd seen her get into her black SUV when I pulled away from Youngwood Court, but now she was right here, demanding that I roll down my window and tell her who I was.
"Why are you taking pictures of that house?"
She seemed like she had a lot of authority. And that if I drove away, she might follow me.
"I write a blog about things to drive by around town."
"I want your business card. What's your name?"
"I'm working on the business card situation, actually." And then, "Wait, who are you?"
"Why are you taking pictures of my neighbor's house? What's your name?"
"Erin."
"What's the name of your blog?"
"Hot Words."
"OK, then. Alright."



To see Youngwood Court for yourself, drive-by 304 Muirfield Rd at 3rd St, it's on the SE corner. Just don't take any pictures.

Erin + the Neighborhood: Episode 6

All Angelenos must be familiar with the particular circle of hell that is the Bagel Broker parking lot.