Are Warren Buffett's Neighbors Trying to Force Him to Buy Their House?
Warren Buffett's across-the-street-neighbors in Omaha, NE are not above using their celebrity-adjacent location to help sell their home. Actually, "not above" is quite the understatement—the neighbors, Phil and Anne Huston, have created a website called www.livenexttowarrenbuffet.com (complete with photos labeled "THIS IS WARREN'S HOUSE") and their asking price is 10 shares of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett's company. The message seems clear. Either Buffett can buy the house, for more than it's probably worth, or the Hustons will sell to one of his fanatical shareholders who will spend all day pretending to mow the front lawn in hopes of being able to engage the Oracle of Omaha in conversation. It's the rare case of real life turning out to be even worse than an Onion article.
First Look at the Mixed-Use Makeover For the Arts District's 1913 Ford Factory
The stretch of Santa Fe Avenue in the southern Arts District where the old Ford Factory sits has already changed a lot since developer Shorenstein Properties bought the property and announced that they were converting it into creative offices and retail storefronts. Since we last heard from the lovely 1913 factory, SoHo House has revealed plansto open a location a few blocks to the south and announcements have been made about a to-be-decided development on a SoHo-adjacent site and live/work lofts just a block away from that. A fitting gateway to all that action, the buffed-up former factory (for cars, then toys) will soon be showing off a stunning brick façade instead of that old blue paint, plus a rooftop with Downtown views and outdoor spaces with fire pits and basketball hoops.
Los Angeles's Tens of Thousands of Vacant Lots: Mapped
There are still plenty of empty lots in Los Angeles—thousands of them, actually—that are just sitting around fenced off and collecting trash. Many of them are even publicly owned. As part of their effort to try and do something good for the communities with some of those lots, LA Open Acres has created a map of all the vacant parcels in Los Angeles, from the Valley to South LA. The map is searchable by neighborhood council area, community plan area, and city council district, as well as according to the kind of development the empty lots are zoned for and the size of the spaces.
1959 Model Home in a Gated Mid-Century Modern Tract on an Encino Hilltop Asking $1.6 Million
On nearly one acre of hilltop in Encino sits this 2,655-square-foot Mid-Century Modern packed with classic features like clerestory windows, walls of glass, beamed ceilings, stone floors, and teak built-ins; outside, there's a pool and a generous lawn. The dwelling's vantage point offers "panoramic, unobstructed views" of the surrounding valleys, the listing boasts, and the spot has a nice bit of architectural backstory too: "In 1959 award winning builder/contractor Stanley Martson and young Ed Fickett created this stunning see through glass house. Situated on a private, gated street of only 10 Martson built houses, 4552 was the premier model of Martson's development." (It was supposedly even photographed for LIFE magazine.) Last sold for $1.12 million in 2013, according to PropertyShark, it's now listed for $1.595 million.
Sorry, New Yorkers, You Cannot Rent a Los Angeles Dream Home For $1,250
New York Times coverage of Los Angeles has always been willfully clueless, because it makes New Yorkers feel better about themselves to sniff at LA, but lately it's become very troubling in a different way: rather than patting New Yorkers on the back for their smart decision to live in terrible New York, recent stories have suggested that Los Angeles might actually be palatable for young, rich, white New Yorkers. This past weekend, an article in the notoriously trolling Sunday Styles section went ahead and said it, in the worst way possible:
Bearded young New Yorkers can snap up brioche tarts at Proof Bakery in Atwater Village, visit gallery shows at Shepard Fairey's Subliminal Projects in Echo Park, or settle in over barrel-aged rye cocktails at Bar Stella in Silver Lake, and scarcely realize they are more than a stroll away from McCarren Park, except for the 70-degree sunshine tickling their cheeks in February.
Newport Beach Feels the Need to Ban Jetpacks Apparently
Newport Beach had the future in their harbor and they threw it away. Water-propelled jetpacks, which are attached to a boat via a leash-like hose, have been under fire in Newport for about a year, because residents are worked up about the noise and danger of the activity (but mostly the noise, it seems). Back in February, the city council was leaning toward regulating jetpacking operations in Newport Harbor, but instead they voted last week to draft an ordinance that would ban jetpacks and other "water-propelled vessels" from the harbor.
Study: Los Angeles Keeps Poor Kids Poor Their Whole Lives
Los Angeles County is a pretty bad place to be a child in a low-income family, according to a new study by two Harvard economists. Low-income kids who grow up in LA are likely to make even less money as adults than low-income kids growing up in neighboring Ventura or Kern Counties, says the New York Times, discussing the new findings by Raj Chetty and Nathaniel Hendren, who "have long been known for their work on income mobility." With this latest report, "the researchers are no longer confined to talking about which counties merely correlate well with income mobility; new data suggests some places actually cause it." And Los Angeles seems to be one of those places causing it.
LEED-Certified Sunia Home in Echo Park Asking $1.265 Million
Open House: Sunday, May 3, 2015 between 2 PM - 5 PM
1902 North Alvarado St., Elysian Heights
Price: $1,265,000
Beds, Baths: 3 beds, 2.5 baths
Floor Area: 2,170 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "Newly constructed modern dream home nestled in the quiet hills of Elysian Heights. Built by Sunia Homes, this LEED certified home features a unique first-floor entry that winds through spacious living and dining room areas. Oversized LaCantina bi-fold doors open up and erase the division between indoor and outdoor living, bringing you out onto the expansive deck to enjoy the hillside views of Echo Park. Wide plank french oak hardwood floors throughout. Energy efficient Bosch appliances. Cement tile flooring. Many green features including roof mounted solar panels, EV charging, drought tolerant landscaping, rainwater harvesting, all combined with a highly insulated building envelope (SIP panels) make for a reduced carbon footprint along with lowering your home energy bills."
Beds, Baths: 3 beds, 2.5 baths
Floor Area: 2,170 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "Newly constructed modern dream home nestled in the quiet hills of Elysian Heights. Built by Sunia Homes, this LEED certified home features a unique first-floor entry that winds through spacious living and dining room areas. Oversized LaCantina bi-fold doors open up and erase the division between indoor and outdoor living, bringing you out onto the expansive deck to enjoy the hillside views of Echo Park. Wide plank french oak hardwood floors throughout. Energy efficient Bosch appliances. Cement tile flooring. Many green features including roof mounted solar panels, EV charging, drought tolerant landscaping, rainwater harvesting, all combined with a highly insulated building envelope (SIP panels) make for a reduced carbon footprint along with lowering your home energy bills."
Hmmmm...well, the adjectives Sunia Homes' website uses to describe its residences are "modern," "sustainable," "affordable," and "fast," which don't all seem to apply in this particular instance. But the views look very nice!
1BR Condo in Historic Bank of Hollywood Building Asking $665K
Open House: Sunday, May 3, 2015 between 2 PM - 5 PM;
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 between 11 AM - 2 PM
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 between 11 AM - 2 PM
6253 Hollywood Blvd #306, Hollywood
Price: $665,000; HOA dues: $995/month
Beds, Baths: 1 bed, 2 baths
Floor Area: 1,380 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "One of a kind 2 story loft living at its best in the heart of Hollywood at the corner of Hollywood and Vine. All you ever wanted for a luxurious Hollywood lifestyle with high end modern finishes, Viking appliances, designer furniture, polished concrete floor, soaring ceilings and tons of natural light throughout the day. Bedroom/office area located downstairs which leads up to an open living/dining area and bedroom. This modern NYC style loft also offers views of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Capitol Records building. The building provides 24 hour doorman, rooftop patio and valet parking. Walk to everything! Across the street from W Hotel, Katsuya Pantages Theater, Trader Joe's and the Metro Station. With Barry's Bootcamp, Soul Cycle and Equinox slated to come on line soon, this is urban style living in the heart of LA's entertainment district. Earthquake insurance included in HOA Dues. Furniture is available at an additional cost."
Beds, Baths: 1 bed, 2 baths
Floor Area: 1,380 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "One of a kind 2 story loft living at its best in the heart of Hollywood at the corner of Hollywood and Vine. All you ever wanted for a luxurious Hollywood lifestyle with high end modern finishes, Viking appliances, designer furniture, polished concrete floor, soaring ceilings and tons of natural light throughout the day. Bedroom/office area located downstairs which leads up to an open living/dining area and bedroom. This modern NYC style loft also offers views of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Capitol Records building. The building provides 24 hour doorman, rooftop patio and valet parking. Walk to everything! Across the street from W Hotel, Katsuya Pantages Theater, Trader Joe's and the Metro Station. With Barry's Bootcamp, Soul Cycle and Equinox slated to come on line soon, this is urban style living in the heart of LA's entertainment district. Earthquake insurance included in HOA Dues. Furniture is available at an additional cost."
Oh jeez holy cow, this looks like a Fifty Shades of Grey-themed condo! Is that actually a thing? Should anyone be curious about the 1929 building's origins, its Historic-Cultural Monument documents can be viewed here (pdf).
POPULAR
Upscale Cottage With Separate Guest Cottage in the Hollywood Hills Asking $799,000
Open House: Saturday, May 2, 2015 between 2 PM - 4 PM; Sunday, May 3, 2015 between 2 PM - 5 PM
6977 Sunnydell Trail, Hollywood Hills
Price: $799,000
Beds, Baths: 2 beds, 1.75 baths
Floor Area: 906 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "Light, bright, and airy Napa-style retreat nestled in the heart of the Hollywood Hills. This 1940 gem's features include vaulted ceiling w/ exposed beams, inviting fireplace, character hardwood floors, and stellar updates throughout. Entertainer's kitchen w/ custom cabinets, Carrara marble counters, and Bosch, NXR and Liebherr appliances. Beautifully remodeled bath features Lefroy Brooks hardware and a Duravit sink. Multiple sets of French doors, gracious decks, and mature landscaping help create a magical indoor/outdoor experience that is perfect for relaxing with friends or dining under the stars. Guest cottage features a half bathroom and high ceilings. It's perfect for out-of-town visitors, a home office or an afternoon nap. Two-car carport plus additional off-street parking spot. A stone's throw from the crest of the Runyon Canyon hiking trail."
Beds, Baths: 2 beds, 1.75 baths
Floor Area: 906 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "Light, bright, and airy Napa-style retreat nestled in the heart of the Hollywood Hills. This 1940 gem's features include vaulted ceiling w/ exposed beams, inviting fireplace, character hardwood floors, and stellar updates throughout. Entertainer's kitchen w/ custom cabinets, Carrara marble counters, and Bosch, NXR and Liebherr appliances. Beautifully remodeled bath features Lefroy Brooks hardware and a Duravit sink. Multiple sets of French doors, gracious decks, and mature landscaping help create a magical indoor/outdoor experience that is perfect for relaxing with friends or dining under the stars. Guest cottage features a half bathroom and high ceilings. It's perfect for out-of-town visitors, a home office or an afternoon nap. Two-car carport plus additional off-street parking spot. A stone's throw from the crest of the Runyon Canyon hiking trail."
If you didn't get into Yaddo or MacDowell this year, this bucolic compound might make a decent micro-writers' colony. It last traded hands almost exactly two years ago for $720,500, and looks to have been nicely upgraded since then.
1917 Craftsman Near Occidental College Asking $859,000
Open House: Saturday, May 2, 2015 between 1 PM - 4 PM; Sunday, May 3, 2015 between 1 PM - 4 PM
1454 Armadale Ave, Eagle Rock
Price: $859,000
Beds, Baths: 3 beds, 2 baths
Floor Area: 1,664 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "Quietly nestled in a robust hilltop location within steps to Occidental College, this fully restored, authentic (c) 1917 trophy Craftsman is loaded with original details and updated beyond expectations into an exquisite showpiece. Boasting nearly 1,700sqft on a 7,000 lot, this 3BD/2BA has original restored hardwood floors, a formal dining room leading into both the kitchen and kitchenette, grand library room, and restored chef's kitchen. Staircase leading upstairs features two generously sized bedrooms with ample closet space. Natural light envelops nearly every corner of the interior, most notably off the kitchenette where two sets of French doors welcome you to the professionally landscaped backyard with an array of drought tolerant plants. Enjoy warm summer nights entertaining in the oversized flat lot with an added private garden area behind the detached garage. 1454 Armadale has most notably been used in a series of film and television shows."
Beds, Baths: 3 beds, 2 baths
Floor Area: 1,664 sq. ft.
Per the Listing: "Quietly nestled in a robust hilltop location within steps to Occidental College, this fully restored, authentic (c) 1917 trophy Craftsman is loaded with original details and updated beyond expectations into an exquisite showpiece. Boasting nearly 1,700sqft on a 7,000 lot, this 3BD/2BA has original restored hardwood floors, a formal dining room leading into both the kitchen and kitchenette, grand library room, and restored chef's kitchen. Staircase leading upstairs features two generously sized bedrooms with ample closet space. Natural light envelops nearly every corner of the interior, most notably off the kitchenette where two sets of French doors welcome you to the professionally landscaped backyard with an array of drought tolerant plants. Enjoy warm summer nights entertaining in the oversized flat lot with an added private garden area behind the detached garage. 1454 Armadale has most notably been used in a series of film and television shows."
According to Redfin, this property—located within walking distance of The York and Cafe de Leche—last changed hands less than three years ago for just $495,000. Redfin also predicts the house, which should look familiar to viewers of IFC's Maron, is likely to trade hands again "in the next 9 days." And so it goes.
Lakeside Megamansion's 22-Car Garage is All About Excess
Built in 2007, this waterfront property in sporty Lake Arrowhead(about 80 miles from Los Angeles) boasts a garage that is bigger than most mansions. At 8,000 square feet, the 22-car garage is similar to Jon Huntsman's Deer Valley behemoth, but the California version contains the highly coveted car turntable. No we're not talking about some sort of automobile-DJ (although that would be cool). Instead, the turntable is at the center of the slate-floored garage to ensure easy parking for your billion-dollar car collection. The garage is also surrounded by a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, adjacent tasting room, and its own bathroom. The rest of the 16,000-square-foot abode contains everything you'd expect from a megamansion: 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, 2 game rooms, and 2 elevators, all with views of your private boathouse and 2 Trex docks. As Lake Arrowhead's most expensive property, it doesn't come cheap at $13,900,000, but that's a steal from its original 2013 listing price of $15,900,000. And although it's been on the market for over a year, listing agent Gwen Banta says that's just because the house is waiting for the right car aficionado. Or maybe it's languishing a bit because the massive building sits on only .36 acres, and right next to another (much smaller) house on the lake.
Sid Caesar's Long-Time Trousdale Home Lists for $4.25M
Comedian and Television-Academy-Hall-of-Fame inductee Sid Caesarwas the host of "one of the most influential programs in TV's golden era." His 1962 home in Trousdale Estates seems like it's from a similarly golden era of residential design. Time-capsule lovers will fall for the four-bedroom house's floating fireplace hearth, very sturdy-looking bar, and kitchen, where many (if not all) original features seem to remain. The pool and minimally landscaped backyard offer city views. Property records show it's currently owned by a trust with Caesar's name. (He passed away in February 2014.) It's asking $4.25 million.
Broadway's Ace Hotel Just Sold for $103 Million
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Since even before it opened, Downtown's Ace Hotel has been responsible for dramatically altering the stretch of Broadway it occupies. But when the United Artists building (which holds the hotel and the theater of the same name) went up for sale for a rumored $100 million last December, marketing materials suggested that new owners could, for a fee, boot the Ace from the building. Now, the LA Timesreports that the historic building has sold for $103 million, and it doesn't look like the new owners want to make any changes.
A Brief History of Los Angeles Neighborhood Naming
This weekend, Heyday Books will launch LAtitudes: An Angeleno's Atlas, with 19 "maps" of Los Angeles (some literal, some impressionistic) accompanied by 19 essays on topics ranging from street grids to fish to missiles to radio DJs. We're exploring one map from the book every day this week.
[Image via Laurie Avocado / Curbed LA flickr pool]
[Image via Laurie Avocado / Curbed LA flickr pool]
Los Angeles has been putting up neighborhood signs since 1963, but officially it has no neighborhoods at all. In his LAtitudes essay "Naming Los Angeles," Rosten Woo asks the reader to imagine they have a set of crime statistics for all of Los Angeles—how would they summarize the findings?
[N]either the city, nor the county, have any official neighborhood boundaries. If your data was for Chicago, your task would be simple. The city publishes a definitive map of all the neighborhoods, so you could tally the number of crimes that happened within the boundaries of a given neighborhood and list the number. … No one has to debate whether or not something happened in Irving Park or Avondale, it's there on the map.But your data is for Los Angeles. So you're left with a mishmash of geographies that you might be able to organize the information into: zip codes, police precincts, community planning areas, census tracts—none of these mean much to most people. You might know your own zip code, but you probably don't have any idea of how big it is or where the next one begins. If your data was for New York, you could say something definitive about a borough. But even the broadest regions of Los Angeles have trouble finding a firm definition. The Eastside? the Westside? Forget it.
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