CA – Page 14 – Here in Van Nuys

Magnolia near Riverton, North Hollywood, CA

November 12, 2008November 6, 2014Posted in North Hollywood, Van Nuys and the ValleyTagged CA, Magnolia, north hollywood, Riverton, San Fernando Valley, ShopsLeave a comment

Magnolia near Riverton, North Hollywood, CA, originally uploaded by Here in Van Nuys.

Bold colors and imaginative storefronts in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA.

Maybe It’s Time to Build Simple Again.

October 3, 2008November 6, 2014Posted in Architecture, Van Nuys and the ValleyTagged "12101 Emelita St.", Architecture, CA, Studio City, Van Nuys and the ValleyLeave a comment

12101 Emelita St., originally uploaded by Here in Van Nuys.

I passed this building near Laurel Canyon and Oxnard today and stopped to take a photo.

It represents, to me, a lost art of simplicity that once characterized buildings in mid-century Los Angeles. You see the plain, direct and strong shapes that are open to sunlight, the outdoors and a sense of neighborliness. The horizontal shape of the apartments are set against the tall vertical palms.

We’ve been through quite a few years (now ended) of garish construction in Los Angeles. The San Fernando Valley is the epicenter of the ugly, ornate condominium covered with cheap ornament.

In places like Studio City, whole blocks have been demolished to make way for the monsters. Buildings like the one in this photo are survivors whose contribution to the well being of our city is hard to quantify.

But the sub-prime scams, the condomania and the rush to construct big and ugly behemoths is now mercifully over.

Cantura St. Studio City, CA

April 8, 2008November 6, 2014Posted in ArchitectureTagged CA, Cantura Street, Studio City8 Comments

Cantura St. Studio City, CA, originally uploaded by Here in Van Nuys.

This is one of the most scenic and charming streets in Studio City, if not the entire SF Valley. Small houses, well tended gardens, a canopy of trees.

Why could developers build like this 60 years ago, and today we have to endure Santa Clarita?

1938 Butler Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

April 4, 2008November 6, 2014Posted in ArchitectureTagged "1938 Butler Avenue", CA, Links, Sawtelle1 Comment

1938 Butler Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, originally uploaded by Here in Van Nuys.

This is a house in the Sawtelle neighborhood in West Los Angeles.

I had dinner in this area tonight.

Walking around here, I’m amazed at the old homes that are not fancy, but simple, well kept and humble. This area is home to many older Japanese-Americans, and one sees their influence in the gardens, the topiary and the well tended rose bushes.

There are more and more expensive houses, but they tend to be modernistic and experimental looking. The onslaught of super-slick architecture will eventually change this district from its present old time feel.