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.

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.