Silver Lake Are Homes and Information

Most Los Angeles locals are familiar with Barnsdall Art Park in Hollywood. The park is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock house, weekly Farmer’s Markets and a variety of activities throughout the year. I was at Barnsdall Park myself last Saturday enjoying Taste of the Eastside, with great food and libations from a variety of local restaurants and vendors for the benefit of the Rose Scharlin School. If you missed the fun, watch for it in early May next year.

Also located on the park grounds is the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. The art gallery’s mission is to “promote, interpret, and present the art of emerging, mid career and established artists from culturally diverse South California”. What that means? The 10,000 gallery is a great place to see a variety of art from area artists ranging from sculpture, photography, painting etc. as well as performance art and installation works.

Amazing as it may seem, admission to the gallery is actually free. The gallery is open Thursday–Sunday from noon to 5 pm and on first Fridays from noon to 9 pm. Of course, behind any such endeavor you’ll find a group of volunteers working to provide funding and keep the operation open.

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Associates

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Associates (LAMAGA) is a private non-profit corporation that was founded in 1951, with the goal of promoting the museum and serving as advocates. LAMAGA helps support the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery with grant writing, special exhibits, public relations, and of course, fundraising.

Saturday, May 12 at 7:00PM, LAGMA and the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation invite you to their biannual benefit in Barnsdall Art Park: Eat.Drink.Art. This event is a celebration of art where guests can dance, drink and mingle with artists, gallery supporters, curators, civic and cultural leaders and of course, friends! Admission is $25 and includes a 4 drink flight. There will be DJ’d music, food trucks, wine and beer tasting and performances, installations and demonstrations by multi-talented artists. Come out for a great evening and support the Los Angele Municipal Art Gallery at the same time. Tickets to Eat.Drink Art are available online. Please note that this is and adults-only affair, so no one under the age of 21 will be admitted. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Barnsdall Park - 4800 Hollywood Boulevard (323)-644-6269

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 I hope to see you there!

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
LA Property Solutions
213-215-4758

The Tam O’Shanter is Los Angeles’ oldest restaurant operated by the same family in the same location. ‘The Tam’ as it’s known by locals, is celebrating its 90^th birthday! Lawrence Frank and Walter Van De Kamp, founders of the Lawry’s Prime Rib chain, opened the Tam O’Shanter on a dusty dirt road between Hollywood and Glendale in 1922.

This historic restaurant and tavern in Atwater Village has become a bit of a Los Angeles Icon.  Near the early movie studios of the area, the restaurant was frequented by many stars including Fatty Arbuckle, Mary Pickford and John Wayne. Walt Disney and his staff were such regulars there that the Tam was coined “The Disney Studio Commissary”! The Disney connection is obvious by a look around the restaurant interior where you’ll find sketches of Mickey Mouse and framed drawings autographed by Walt himself. The lobby is a bit of a Los Angeles history museum!

The Tam O’Shanter looks like a Scottish country inn.  The inside is dark and inviting, warmed by a fireplace in the front lobby. Throughout the restaurant you’ll find framed pieces of tartan plaids labeled by clan and the wait staff dresses in Scottish-inspired attire.

As part of the Lawry’s chain of restaurants, The Tam is famous for its Prime Rib but you’ll still find hearty Scottish-inspired items on the menu like, braised beef short ribs and Toad in the Hole. Make sure to leave room for dessert – their chocolate soufflé with fresh whipped cream needs to be ordered with dinner so it’s ready when you are!

If you are a scotch drinker, you won’t be disappointed as their list of available scotches is impressive. Occasionally there will be scotch-tasting events in the restaurant’s bar.  As much as I love to sit down to a prime rib dinner, I’m actually quite fond of the Tam’s Ale & Sandwich Bar where a chef whips up hand-carved prime rib, roasted turkey, corned beef, and brisket sandwiches with your choice of sides. I highly recommend the cole slaw with peanuts! Sandwiches are available starting at 4pm and I’ve been known to pick up a few sandwich plates for outings at the Hollywood Bowl. Enjoy live music in the Tam’s Ale & Sandwich Bar Friday & Saturday Night starting at 8:00 PM, or stop by for Trivia on Tuesday nights at 7pm.

Though the Tam O’Shanter is a Scottish-themed restaurant, you’d think it was Irish based on their annual St Patrick’s Day affairs!  This year’s festivities take place on March 17 from 11am to midnight.  There will be traditional Irish dishes, music, dancing, Guinness pints, Jameson shots and green beer abounding. The restaurant erects a party tent and provides live music all day with no cover charge.  This year’s lineup includes: Slugger O’Toole, 29 Mules, Ploughboys  and the ever popular Bagpipers.

For those visiting Los Angeles, it should be on the map as a place to see when you are in town. If you are planning on dinner, reservations are highly recommended.

The Tam o’Shanter is located at 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Atwater Village.

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For more information on things to do in Los Angeles and information on buying or selling property in , Atwater Village,  Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
Jenny@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2012 By Jenny Durling * The Tam O’Shanter- One of Los Angeles’ Oldest Restaurants*

Kitten Rescue was founded in the spring of 1997. This is a private, non-profit rescue group in Los Angeles run totally by volunteers. Kitten Rescue is devoted to finding loving new homes for unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens.  They are also dedicated to providing information to the public on responsible pet ownership, how to care for their pets and the importance of spaying and neutering to manage overpopulation problems.

Since 2006, Kitten Rescue has operated the Casitas Hotel for Cats, a private, no-kill shelter and boarding facility in Atwater Village. Kitten Rescue purchased the facility in March 2006 and it houses approximately 150 cats at any given time.  Many are adoptable and waiting for good homes. Others may have chronic illnesses, or are elderly and less likely to be adopted. All of the animals at the shelter are safe, loved and taken care of by both staff and volunteers. Though the shelter enables Kitten Rescue to help many cats in need, the organization relies heavily on their network of volunteer foster homes. I adopted one of my kitties who had been living in a foster home for more than a year!  She was well cared for, spayed, had her shots and was even microchipped!  Kitten Rescue volunteers place nearly 1,000 cats and kittens into new homes annually. More than 10,000 cats have been rescued and placed in loving homes since the inception of Kitten Rescue.

Are you a cat-lover like me? How about adopting a cat or two? Or if you have the time and space at home, you can volunteer to be a foster parent and bring some cats or kittens into your home temporarily while they wait for permanent homes . If that’s not an option, you can volunteer to help out at the shelter – there’s always something to do. Socializing kittens is NOT a bad way to spend some time. Good for the cat and relaxing for you too.

You don’t have to sponsor or cat – you can simply go online and make a donation via Paypal in any amount you’d like. Donations to Kitten Rescue are tax-deductible and receipts are available upon request.  Even simpler than that, you can donate to Kitten rescue just by registering your store loyalty cards and credit cards! Participating merchants contribute each time you make a purchase using your free grocery loyalty or debit/credit cards that are registered with eScrip. Just enter your card numbers and you can help the shelter without doing anything other than your regular shopping!

March 11- Kitten Rescue welcomes its volunteers, adopters and supporters to the Kitten Rescue Sanctuary for their “St. Catrick’s” open house. There will be food, fun, green beer and lots of cats! The festivities run from noon until 6pm. The Kitten Rescue Sanctuary is located in Atwater Village. They don’t publicize their address to prevent people from simply dumping cats on their doorstep but if you would like to attend this event, rsvp to openhouse@kittenrescue.org I attended the event last year and expect I’ll stop by again this time.

Check out the Kitten Rescue website for information on cat rescue, care, and adoption for animal lovers all over the world.

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

6216 Primrose Ave
Hollywood Hills, CA

There is a new listing in Beachwood Canyon and on the surface, it’s a steal! In January of 2007, the house at 6216 Primrose Ave. sold for a cool $1,165,000. It was quite a lovely home in a nice location with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. What you might expect for that price of a home in the Hollywood Hills. Apparently the most recent owners had their own idea of what the place should look like and attempted a completed overhaul. Most likely they ran out of money in the process as it is currently bank owned and back on the market. The original hardwood flooring has been replaced with dark, engineered wood floors throughout. The kitchen has taken on an odd shape and the downstairs is quite frankly a little creepy! There are open walls and unfinished rooms but the house has potential. I counted 2 bedrooms, 2 baths – a possible 3^rd bedroom downstairs and a half-completed powder room on the main floor. I don’t know what happened to the 4^th bedroom!

So how much should a house in Beachwood Canyon around 2000 sf go for? Read the rest of the story

2760 Pelham Place,
Hollywood Hills

Every so often a Hollywood Hills Post and Beam hits the market. Some of them mid-century homes need alot of work and others are ready to move right into. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom gem definitely fits into the latter category! Located up a long drive at the end of a cul-de-sac on a knoll providing panoramic views from downtown to Catalina Island.

Light spills into the living room, dining room and back bedrooms through walls of glass opening onto a flat yard and lovely views. The floorplan is open with the post and beam ceiling and corner fireplace serving to divide the living room from the dining room. Beyond the dining room is the updated kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, making this Hollywood Hills post and beam home a perfect place for entertaining.

The kitchen has been updated with slate floors and stainless steel appliances and includes a built-in eating corner eating area with under-seat storage. Plenty of windows provide natural lighting in addition to the recessed lights.

The house itself is 1,757 square feet of living space. However, the property includes a second, flat lot totalling up to 14,510 square feet. That's plenty of room to expand the house, add a pool or simply just enjoy as it is. The outdoor entertaining area also brings in the city view and provides a feeling of privacy and seclusion.

That same spot provides this breathtaking view of the L.A. skyline and city lights below. I would certainly have no trouble living here myself! The home is currently listed with Deasy Penner & Partners for $1,249,000. Call me at 213-215-4758 if you'd like to see this love Hollywood Hills post and beam.

For information on buying or selling property in  Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2012 By Jenny Durling * 1950's Hollywood Hills Post and Beam*

1372-1374.5 Edgecliffe Drive, Silver Lake, CA

Looking for a modern home near Sunset Junction? Green City Building Co has put the small lot subdivision ordinance to good use with 4 new homes on Edgecliffe Drive in Silver Lake. Green City built these 4 Silver Lake homes as a “Modern interpretation of mid-century modern Aesthetic”. Basically we are talking about cool new homes with corner glass windows, bi-fold exterior doors and steel exterior accents. The homes are eco-friendly with, passive solar orientation & thermal chimneys, solar electric systems, tankless water heaters, and low & no-voc finishes. VOC stands for ‘volatile organic compounds’ which continue to release toxic emissions into the air for years after application. Obviously, the lower the VOC, the better for the environment. These homes also include energy star appliances and pre-wiring for electric car charging – how’s that for green building?!

Read More About Small Lot Subdivisions in  Silver Lake, Los Feliz and around Los Angeles

 

 

 

 

 

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2012 By Jenny Durling * Silver Lake Small Lot Subdivision – 4 New Modern Homes Near Sunset Junction*

3007 Angus Street, Silver Lake, CA

This Silver Lakecontemporary home closed as a trust sale in May 2011 for $705,000. If you had seen it before and you see it now, you would never know it was the same property! Talk about positive changes! What was once a tired traditional is now an ultra-modern 2-story home in prime Silver Lake. You’ll fine 3 Bedrooms and 4 baths in 2,400 Square feet of living space is just a hop skip and a jump from Silver Lake’s coveted Ivanhoe Elementary School.

Walls of glass let in the natural light and bring the outdoors. The lovely living room with its updated fireplace is wide open to the dining area and kitchen. And what a sleek, modern kitchen it is with its stainless appliances, recycled counter tops and custom bamboo cabinetry. The white oak floors throughout add to the brightness of this Silver Lake home.

You’ll love the giant master suite with its walk in closet, sitting area and cool architectural bath. It also opens onto one of two view decks. What’s not to love about that?

To top it off, the this Silver Lake home is equipped with "Smart House" technology, allowing the owner to control light, sound, video and even the alarm system from their smart phone.

The front entry courtyard includes fire pit while the two decks along the back of the house provide for great views and indoor outdoor flow, perfect for entertaining. Don’t miss the bonus studio with its own separate entrance.

3007 Angus Street, Silver Lake, CA

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This Silver Lake contemporary home sits on a 7,666 square foot lot and is currently listed with Sotheby’s for $ $1,289,000. If you’d like to see the lovely re-do in person, give me a call and let me know what day and time works for you: (213) 215-4758. 

For more information on buying or selling property in For information on buying or selling property in  Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2012 By Jenny Durling * Silver Lake Contemporary Home Near Ivanhoe Elementary School*  

Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz is one of the top-rated elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. It's in a great location in Los Feliz and parents and the children are huge supporters of the school. They refer to it as a village with the slogan "It takes a village to raise a child".

greatschools.org, a popular school rating site,  lists Franklin Avenue Elementary as being among the few public elementary schools in California that has received a Great Schools Rating of 9 out of 10. Based on reviews of 44 school community members, Franklin Avenue Elementary School has an average Community Rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The rank places the Franklin Avenue Elementary in the same category at Silver Lake’s coveted Ivanhoe Elementary School.

Franklin Avenue Elementary School Earns High Honors

Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz has been honored by the Department of Education for 2 years running for significantly increasing the academic achievement for all students. At Franklin Avenue Elementary, students have at their disposal a School for Advanced Studies (SAS) program. The faculty receives specialized professional training, to develop a curriculum that engages bright minds and challenges the students.

Franklin’s advanced studies program is designed to meet the needs of the gifted and high achieving students at the school. Regular assessments help teacher recognize the childrens’ special strengths and talents allowing students to enter the program at any grade level in whatever content area is best for them. Open Court Language Arts and Harcourt Math Series serve as a basis for the program but team teaching strategies introduce subjects beyond the core curriculum, allowing children to grow in the directly of their interest. More information on the Franklin Avenue Elementary Schools for Advanced studies can be found on the school’s site.

After School Enrichment Program at Franklin Avenue Elementary School

Enrichments at Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz include music and an after-school theater program taught by “Miss Aimee,” who also guides teachers in how to use art in their curriculum. Plays and music events provide performance opportunities for the children. There is also an orchestra that has been under the guidance of the same teacher for more than fifteen years.

Additional enrichment to the standard curriculum is provided by home-grown in-house Franklin Kids, a parent run after-school program. Students do homework, have a snack and then experience high-quality enrichment in asafe, nurturing setting. Key components of the program include classes in art, theater, science, and physical education. There are also targeted playground activities and creative art projects that are tied to holidays and school events. The latest addition to the program is Farm Franklin's Gardening Club. Farm Franklin was started by a parent and is nurtured by a group of dedicated parents. They have not only beautified the school grounds but are teaching children about environmental awareness.

Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz is focused on learning but also provides a fun environment for the children with events throughout the year like art shows, their annual talent show, Franklinpalooza and the Pinewood Derby.

Search Homes For Sale in the Franklin Elementary Attendance Zone

 

Buying a home in a neighborhood with good public schools can save you tens of thousands of tuition dollars. A home with access to Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz is like money in the bank. If you are looking for a Realtor who is well versed in Silver Lake and surrounding areas,  check out my Silver Lake Neighborhood Facebook page, call me  213-215-4758 or read more of my posts and search the MLS  at  LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2011 By Jenny Durling * Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz

 

1973 Redesdale Ave Silver Lake -The Jenkyns House

The Jenkyns House, at 1973 Redesdale Avenue in Silver Lake was conceived by Josef Van der Kar in 1960.  Currently on its third owners, the The Jenkyns House is a prime example of modernist architecture and carries many of the traits made famous by the architect.  Punctuated by walls of glass, open living spaces and a brick wall fireplace, it is easily recognizable as one of Van der Kar’s works.

 Josef Van der Kar was a second-generation modernist known both for his political activism as well as his architecture. In the early 40’s, “Van” as he was known to friends, collaborated with fellow architect Gregory Ain (some of whose creations can also be found in Silver Lake) on a postwar housing project.  The ‘Community Homes” project was to exemplify utopian ideas but when the FHA imposed covenants to ban sales of the homes to minorities, Ain and Van der Kar refused to comply and project never came to fruition.

Van’s creations are flat roofed, post and beam homes with sliding glass walls that bring the outdoors inside. Interior doors swing or slide away, allowing the occupant to change room configurations for their own purposes- Similar to the Avenel Housing Project in Silver Lake, designed by Gregory Ain in 1947.  1973 Redesdale Avenue in Silver Lake is infused with many of these design elements.

The Jenkyns House at 1973 Redesdale Ave in Silver Lake if as lovely post and beam home, set up off the street with walls of glass providing great views of the Silver Lake Reservoir.  The front half of the house is built over the two-car carport and there is an enclosed garden patio off to side. The outdoor area includes a brick firplace for outdoor entertaining and relaxing.

The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths in 1,840 square feet of living space.  On the first level there are two bedrooms with a shared bath room. On this level you ’ll also find the main living areas of living, dining room and kichen. . Exposed beams and floor to ceiling glass are a signature of mid century modern homes of this period.

The second story houses the master bedroom and bath and a loft space that works great for an office. The floating staircases add interest to the home’s style and give it a distinctive modernist flair. Currently listed with Deasy Penner & Partners for $1,070,000, the house is sure to draw attention.  Give me a call at 213-215-4758 if you’d like to check out The Jenkyns House at 1973 Redesdale Ave in Silver Lake.

 1973 Redesdale Ave - Silver Lake,CA

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 For more information on local architecture and buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com

Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

 Copyright © 2011 by Jenny Durling * The Jenkyns House at 1973 Redesdale Ave in Silver Lake*

 

 

 

 

The Alcove Café & Bakery in Los Feliz is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The Big Bar, which opened last October is a great addition.  Though there is some indoor seating, most folks opt for the outdoor patio for salads, sandwiches, desserts.  Ah, those desserts!  The establishment is one that has you order and pay at the counter and let a courteous staff member bring you your order when it’s ready.  No problem, but while you wait for your turn to order you will see a delectable assortment of desserts behind that glass counter! Make sure to save room!

No longer missing from the Alcove is the opportunity to imbibe along with that meal. The Alcove added Big Bar to the mix last fall and patrons are happily having a drink with that meal, thank you very much! How nice to have a glass of wine or a beer with that tasty lamb burger, one of my favorite Alcove entrees.  Big Bar is also open to those who’d simply like to enjoy a drink sans meal.

Big Bar can be reached from its own separate entrance from the Alcove patio or directly from inside the Alcove itself via a wide passageway. Big Bar has the feeling of being a part of the Alcove, but also its own thing entirely. The bar has the same relaxed vibe as the Alcove restaurant – come as you are and enjoy yourself. It’s a perfect addition to Los Feliz.

The Big Bar serves a nice selection of beer and wine plus cocktails that tend towards a twist on the classics. You’ll find some interesting mixes like the Los Angeles Cocktail, New Brunswick and the Vie Rose all priced at $12. During happy hour, 4 – 7 p.m. on weekdays, select drinks are $8, well drinks are $7 and $5 will get you a draft beer. You’re bound to find a special or two during happy hour as well. Regardless of when you arrive, you can choose to eat, drink or do both. Big Bar food items are printed on one side of the menu while the Alcove menu is on the opposite side. Patrons can order from either menu at the Alcove or Big Bar making it easy to get what you want all at one time.

If you haven’t been to the Alcove in a while, you might want to try a bloody Mary with Sunday brunch.  Not hungry but would like to enjoy a drink out on the patio? Give the Big Bar a try- you won’t be disappointed.

 

Big Bar: 1927 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz; (323) 644-0100

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If you are looking for a Realtor who is well versed in Silver Lake and surrounding areas,  check out my Silver Lake Neighborhood Facebook page, call me  213-215-4758 or read more of my posts and search the MLS at LApropertySolutions.com
Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com

Copyright © 2011 By Jenny Durling *Big Bar at Alcove in Los Feliz, Cocktails on the Side?*

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Buying a Los Angeles home is no simple process.  Los Angeles is a huge city!  If you are new to the area or planning a move to the area, working with an agent who specializes in the neighborhoods that interest you such as  Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, Echo Park, and Eagle Rock can be of critical importance.  If you have or plan to have children, you’ll want a Los angles real estate agent who can direct you to the best area schools.  Where will you be working?  An experienced local Los Angeles Realtor can help you narrow down the neighborhoods that will make the most sense for your commute to the office.  I am your local resident expert and can be your guide in finding the right Los Angeles properties for sale to choose from that will fit your budget and lifestyle! It is also important for Los Angeles Home Sellers , to work with a local expert. When I list and sell a Los Angeles home for a client, I help them understand the local market and the minds of local agents and buyers alike. My priority is to sell your Los Angeles home for the most money possible in the least amount of time.  When you hire me to list your Los Angeles property, you hire me to market it fully to fellow agents, their buyers and the public both online and in person. Many agents will represent both the buyer AND the seller in a single transaction.  That is not how I operate. I believe that it is my duty to represent only YOUR interests and feel it would be a conflict of interest to represent a buyer for your Los Angeles property for sale simultaneously. When I list and sell Los Angeles homes for my clients, I make the process as smooth and pleasant as possible. You will never have to question where my loyalties lie. You can trust me to take care of the details and keep you informed every step of the way. Please let me know how I can best serve your real estate needs by filling out the online contact form , or better still, give me call today at 213-215-4758.