Celebrity Home Designs

Monday, April 7, 2014

Mid Century Modern Church In Canoga Park Demolished for 118 Condos

The latest casualty of the ongoing SFV development is the Reginald F. Inwood designed mid century modern church formerly located at 20600 - 20620 Roscoe Blvd Canoga Park which was last home to the Filipino International Christian Church and will soon be the home of 118 condominiums.

I was not surprised by this demolition but rather saddened that reality took place as I knew this demolition was going to happen based on published meeting minutes from the City Planning commission which I blogged about back on July 17, 2013. You can view more details about the church architecture, history, and photos taken at the time showing the last days of the church here.

One positive thing to note is that this property is also home to a 500 yard year old oak tree which is still standing today. Its not known if the developers plan to demolish this tree too or keep it as part of the property grounds.

As they say "change is good or needed" but I will miss seeing this unique church as I drive down Roscoe Blvd. Cant wait till here about the next demolition! (sarcasm)

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.

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Unknown Canoga Park, Filipino International Christian Church, Mid Century Modern, Reginald F Inwood, St Johns in the Valley United Methodist Church

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Jon Hamm's House

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Unknown 10 Amazing Celebrity Houses, Celebrity Houses, Jon Hamm House

Friday, April 4, 2014

Edward Fickett Mid Century Modern Home in Sherman Oaks Hits the Market

Images courtesy Sotheby's International Realty

15573 Briarwood Drive

3 Bed/2 Bath on 1,945 sqft on a total lot size of 0.26 acres built in 1955 in Sherman Oaks. The Fickett home is listed for $1,199,000 on April 2, 2014 and was last purchased on October 9, 2009 for $779,000.

According to the listing description, this home was designed by notable architect, Edward Fickett, who was dubbed the "creator of the San Fernando Valley" and the "Frank Lloyd Wrigt of the 50's." He has designed more than 60,000 structures including the pool complex at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, the extension of the Nethercutt Antique Car Museum in Sylmar, the original Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the passenger and cargo terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Police Academy, and devised the master plans for the Edwards and Norton Air Force bases (LA Times and Daily News).

I wasnt able to verify this home being specifically designed by Fickett but he designed so many homes if the SFV that there is a good possibility that this is a Fickett home. However, I was able to verify Fickett designed homes in the Sherman Oaks area located at 3461 Cody Road, 3676 Meadville Drive, 3695 N Scadlock Lane, 14145 Mulholland Drive (Fire Station #99), 3755 N Woodcliff Road, and in the Encino area at 16605 W Oldham Street (possible altered) and 16642 W Oldham Street through SurveyLA (Encino and Sherman Oaks). So buy with caution.

The listing description states:

Palm Springs in Sherman Oaks! Edward H. Fickett, FAIA designed mid-century architectural with a pool and panoramic city views. Sophisticated 3 bedroom, 2 bath house, incredible windows, beams and fireplace with a fantastic indoor-outdoor feel. Perfect for entertaining. Lovingly restored while maintaining the integrity of the architect. Easy access to 405, 101 and Westside. A true gem and rare opportunity.

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.

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Unknown Edward Fickett, Mid Century Modern, Real Estate, Sherman Oaks

Thursday, April 3, 2014

INSIDE ELLEN DEGENERES’ AMAZING LOS ANGELES HOME

Widely considered to be the most prized of all the Los Angeles mid-century modern trophy homes, the Brody House is the pinnacle of architectural modernism. Set on 2.3 acres in Holmby Hills adjacent to Hugh Hefner’s celebrated Playboy Mansion, the home is an essay of modernism that exemplifies true LA sophistication and glamour.

Famed Los Angeles architect, A. Quincy Jones was commissioned to design the Brody House in 1949 by art aficionado Frances Lasker Brody along with interior designer Billy Haines and landscape architect Garrett Eckbo. Completed in 1951 and spanning more than 11,000 square feet, the Brody House is an early example of Mid–Century Modernism at an extraordinary scale. This legendary architectural masterpiece has been heralded as a brilliant example of indulgent LA modernistic glamour without equal.

The 11,511 sq. ft. residence encompasses breathtaking interior and exterior living spaces that are both elegant and serene. Walls of glass and vaulted ceilings add to the expansive feel, while smooth-walled interiors, spotless finishes and an eye-opening atrium establish this luxurious residence as a true masterpiece of art and architecture.

The Brody House was recently acquired in an “off-market” deal for the stunning price of $39.8 million in early January 2014 by Hollywood celebrity talk show host and entertainer, Ellen DeGeneres. An acknowledged collector of trophy properties in Los Angeles, DeGeneres paid what is arguably the highest price per square foot the city has ever seen. For Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi, the A. Quincy Jones designed architectural gem, known as “The Brody House,” is now simply called home.