Today we're beginning a new feature here at ATLA. Titled
Complex Love, every week we'll explore some of Southern California's more unique, historical and design notable apartment complexes strewn throughout our city's borders and beyond. We kick off with the
Tahitian Village Apartments in the city of Reseda, an apartment complex whose polynesian pedigree still shines despite its state of disrepair.
Complex Love is a photographic celebration of Southern California's unique apartment architecture history. Live in or nearby an apartment complex of notable or unusual design? Please submit photos and information to gregory (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com.
There's still plenty to love about this polynesian themed complex, from its dual A-Frame entry, wooden entry bridge, porthole windows, lava rock facade, tropical foliage, tiki gods statues (unfortunately the 1994 Northridge earthquake destroyed two of the large entry figures), carved wooden beams, and of course, a wealth of palm trees.
Initially, I suspiciously milled about outside the entryway, wondering how to sneak past the security gate into the courtyard, plotting how to slip through the open gate after an exiting resident. Then I realized the door was open and walked right into an exotic architectural time capsule. Investigative reporting at its finest!
Love these shuttered doors. I'd like to imagine cocktails and Martin Denny tunes await behind both doors.
The courtyard is fairly well intact, with colourful spear and shield emblems adorning the surrounding railing, tiki gods glaring from the corners of the courtyard, and an inviting pool that must have been the place to be during its heydays. It's unfortunate the exterior facade and entry is faring poorly due to neglect, with any empty entrance pond, a patchy and dying lawn that seems equally covered in dog poop than grass, and a roof that definitely has seen better days. But we're glad the
Tahitian Village Apartments survives, a wonderful reminder that apartment complexes can be more than just "affordable housing".
What a fantastic new feature!
view chiffonade's profile
I had 2 friends who used to live in this complex! it was so fun to visit. What a quirky place.
view moepong's profile
Great idea for a feature!
view miu's profile
Awesome archi. That interior poolside view reminds me of The Phoenix Hotel up in SF, sans Tiki elements.
I've been seeing some A-Frame apartments over on the Westside. I'll be sure to snap some shots and send them to ya ASAP.
view Eggs Ackley's profile
There appears to be some cool complexes over on Green Valley Circle in Culver City where I stayed w/ friends for 6 months back in 2002.
I like this feature too. Love to see some of the way cool complexes through out the city.
view ciddyguy's profile
This is a wonderful idea. It would make a great book.
view mgb's profile
This is the kind of feature that may also give landlords a kick in the pants to do a little work on their buildings and spark preservation awareness as well on the more valuable landmarks. What a cool building!
view mcQuaidLA's profile
this is such a great idea! does anyone know the name for that signage that looks to be from the late fifties? it's sort of a cursive font and seems to be on those very boxy apartment buildings.
i have always loved the look of those bright blue apartments on venice blvd in culver city. so odd and pretty
view beachbungalow8's profile
This is now my new favorite feature! yay! Someone should hit up Florida too, for "interesting" complexes. It still has a few.
view lisa2 in austin's profile
This place is great! I love the brightly colored doors. Looks like a fun place to come home to.
view chez shoes's profile
Wow ,almost worth moving to Reseda for!
Thanks for posting all these places.
view polychrome1's profile