It's fun to go and explore other cities, but what about your own? Especially here in Los Angeles there are so many nooks and crannies that you've probably never checked out. We have such amazing architecture, and not just mid century either. Jump below to check out our favorite buildings to visit when we pretend to be on vacation:
El Alisal in Highland Park. This area was a wash filled with stones and water when it rained, which explains why there are so many houses made from the stones.
Victorian House built in 1894 in Angelino Heights. Some of the first homes built by people moving west were in a Victorian style, a hold over from the East Coast. Probably our favorite houses to admire. Find pockets of them all over the city: around USC, in Korea Town and in Highland Park and Angelino Heights.
The Gamble House built in 1908 in Pasadena is the most well known house in the Arts and Crafts style which sprung from a desire to go back to the land and make things by hand, as opposed to the industrial machine era that was overtaking the world. Lots of craftsman style homes in the Ocean Park area of Santa Monica, in Pasadena and Highland Park.
The Art Deco Sunset Tower Apartments built in 1930. The golden age of Hollywood can be seen in this Early Art Deco Style. The building is now the Sunset Tower Hotel and couldn't be more glamorous.
Encounter Restaurant at LAX built in 1961, and being rebuilt now. A great example of Googie architecture, this space age building is a landmark in LA and a restaurant. Spend an afternoon checking it out, watching the planes take off and having lunch.
Eames House in the Palisades. A testament to what we call modern architecture. Built as a prototype house for a style that could be built easily and affordably with pre-fabricated elements specifically to meet the housing crunch after the end of WWII. These elements can be seen in today's prefab homes.
Find pockets of Eichler homes and a great guide to the different architecture all over Los Angeles on the website you are here. Each building has an address, so you can look it up and plan a route for a sunday afternoon.
[Images courtesy of you-are-here.com except for The Gamble House which is Matt Jalbert]
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Would eat be totally hard to get in, as in park just to go to the restaurant at LAX? Anyone been there, is it good?
view atomicranch79's profile
Ya can jus park and go in. The food is ok, but a little pricy, you can hang out at the bar!!!
view umithepumi's profile
Opps, what I wanted to say is thanks for this insight into the less obvious beauty and history in LA. This eclectic, diverse and experimental town deserves a closer look in order to really understand it origins and attitudes. A look into all of LA's excentric inhabititants, architects and builders really pays off. Thanks again and lets see more below the surface exploration.
view umithepumi's profile