This year marks Richard Neutra’s 120th birthday. Earth Day, April 22, will mark 42 years since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, just a week after Neutra’s death. To recognize this event, the Neutra Institute is sponsoring the Neutra 4k-8k run/walk for Health on Sunday, April 22, 2012. The event will be held at the Silver Lake Meadow, across from the Richard and Dion Neutra VDL Research House II.

The morning’s activities will include a 4K individual run, children’s walk, family walk, 20K bike run, award ceremony and closing ceremony. Later in the day, there will be a self-guided tour of the VDL Research House, which is open to all. A wine reception, dinner and other evening events are reservation only and have limited space, so sign up early!

Your participation and/or purchase of any of the events of this day, aggregating $50 or more, will entitle you to a year’s membership in the Institute. All proceeds will go towards causes of preservation. For more information and to find out about volunteer opportunities, go to neutra.org.

751 North Ogden Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90046
3 BR, 2 BA
$1,040,000

I’m excited to give Take Sunset readers a sneak peek into another stunning transformation by ModOp Design. This Spanish architectural was built in 1928 and has only had two prior owners. Conveniently located in West Hollywood and close to the restaurants and shops of Melrose and Fairfax, this 1,480 square foot home features many original details along with modern updates for the discerning buyer.

Known for their thoughtful renovations of mid-century modern and bungalow homes on the east side, a Spanish style house in West Hollywood is a change of pace for ModOp’s Greg Steinberg and Alexandra Becket. But this was a project they couldn’t pass up: “The minute we stepped inside the front door of this home, we fell in love with its original character,” Alexandra says. “The wood beams took our breath away, and we saw tremendous potential in restoring its original charm.” Greg agrees, adding, “We had been looking in the neighborhood and passed up a few, but this one stood out.”

The West Hollywood neighborhood is an area that the couple knows well. Their own home, which Greg has lived in for over 20 years, is located only a few blocks away. ”I’ve always liked that the neighborhood is so centrally located and walkable,” Alexandra says. “And since the Grove opened, the neighborhood has improved tremendously. So many great businesses, restaurants and stores have opened. We never have to drive, if we don’t feel like it!”

Some of Greg and Alexandra’s favorite places to go in the neighborhood? “The Melrose Place Farmers Market on Sundays, walking to Whole Foods, the Coffee Commissary, Lindy & Grundy, or grabbing lunch at The Golden State, V Cafe or Froma,” Alexandra says. “Favorites neighborhood activities are Thai massages at the new PaliHotel, City Yoga, Runyon Canyon, and the new West Hollywood library. In the evening I love to walk to the Fairfax Farmers Market for dinner at Short Order and see a movie at the Grove!”

Cook for family and friends in the brand-new kitchen featuring Viking appliances, and dine in the light-filled breakfast nook or in the large dining room.

Three large bedrooms offer numerous possibilities, including options for a home office and guest space.

Upgrades include brand-new air conditioning and heat, upgraded electrical and plumbing, reinforced chimney, 2-car garage, and new oak hardwood floors.

Both baths feature lovely Granada floor tiles. The master bath offers a claw foot bathtub and double vanity sinks with Caesarstone counter tops. In fact, Alexandra says one of her and Greg’s favorite features about the house is this master bath. “We dream of soaking in the claw foot tub!” she says.

There is a fully enclosed backyard where you can relax in the sun.

The yard is fully hedged and gated and includes a video intercom system for an even greater sense of privacy.

As always with ModOp Designs, no detail was missed. This home is a true treasure and will certainly be appreciated and loved by its lucky new owner! Be sure to see it now before it’s too late.

As always, email me or call me at 323-775-6305 to set up a showing.

More information and photos of 751 N. Ogden Dr.

Co-listed with Matthew Morgus, Keller Williams Realty-Los Feliz.

SMALL: John Oddo’s 495 square foot house designed by Good Idea Studio was featured in the Los Angeles Times last year as an example of inspired design in a small space. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size; its thoughtful design maximizes the space.

MEDIUM: Simon Storey‘s Eel’s Nest is just 960 square feet. Even more remarkably, it’s on a 780 square foot lot. Check out how Storey manages to make a house just 15 feet wide feel remarkably spacious.

LARGE: You might remember the side-by-side townhomes dubbed Dick+Jane from when we wrote about them on Take Sunset last March, and Rob ended up selling one of them as well. They are about 1,600 square feet each and on the tour, you’ll be visiting one of them, developed by brothers Kevin and Harde Wronske of Heyday Partnership.

X-LARGE: The first model of designer/developer Jerome Pelayo’s newly debuted sustainable and modern Sunia Homes is in Echo Park–a 2,000 square foot home featuring green amenities such as solar panels, grey and rainwater harvesting systems, a wood pellet stove, and bamboo flooring.

The tour runs from noon to 4pm. After the tour, there will be a happy hour at newly opened Red Hill restaurant in Echo Park. Owner Jason Michaud will be offering food and drink specials to tour ticket holders that day. Tickets are $35 a person and must be purchased in advance. There’s also a limited number of early bird tickets available for $30 a person until March 10th. Go here to purchase tickets. For more information on the tour and to volunteer to be a tour docent, go here.

(Photo Source: Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times, Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times, Heyday Partnership, ©Laure Joliet/Sunia Homes)

As part of Pacific Standard Time, the Los Angeles Conservancy and its Modern Committee are hosting a one-time-only tour exploring the art and architecture of Millard Sheets in Claremont and Pomona, followed by a panel discussion with Sheets’ daughter and artists who worked with him. Sheets was an influential artist, designer, and educator who made an indelible mark on the postwar Southern California landscape with mid-century designs that integrate art and architecture. He’s perhaps best known for the iconic, mosaic-covered branches of Home Savings (later Washington Mutual; now Chase) throughout Southern California. In recent years, his work has grown increasingly vulnerable to demolition and excessive alteration.

Tourgoers will enjoy a curated look at important examples of his work in Claremont and Pomona, as well as the contributions of his many peers and protégés. Tour sites include the Former Millard Sheets Studio (1956-9); Garrison Theater, Scripps College (1963); Pomona First Federal, now American Museum of Ceramic Art (1956); Pomona First Federal, now US Bank (1969); Pomona Mall (1962); and (from the Mall) Home Savings Tower, now Chase Bank (1963).

Guests will also have access to two other Pacific Standard Time events: Common Ground: Ceramics in Southern California 1945-1975 at AMOCA, which includes hundreds of pieces by artists who had direct connections to Sheets; and Clay’s Tectonic Shift: John Mason, Ken Price and Peter Voulkos, 1956-1968 at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College, which explores the role of ceramics in mid-century art in Los Angeles. Following the tour there will be a panel discussion at Claremont United Church of Christ, also designed by Sheets.

Tickets for Millard Sheets: A Legacy of Art and Architecture are $30 for the general public, $25 for Los Angeles Conservancy members, $15 for students, and $10 for children 12 and under. Ticketholders receive free admission to the panel discussion, and tickets for just the panel are $10. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.

Millard Sheets: A Legacy of Art and Architecture
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tour 11:30am – 4pm; Panel Discussion 5pm

(Photo Credit:artinfo.com, Scripps College, Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy)

The deSteiguer House designed by Harwell Hamilton Harris in 1936, and moved to its current location by Leland Evison in 1951, and the Thomson House (shown above), designed by Buff, Straub, and Hensman in 1957, are both part of the Poppy Peak Historic District, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. A Park Planned Homes designed by Gregory Ain in 1947-1948 in neighboring Altadena is part of a unique grouping of mirror-image homes that comprise a single residential block. Harold Zook and John Galbraith received architectural degrees from Cornell University and the University of Washington, Seattle, respectively. Tour houses will be open on Sunday, March 25th from 9am to 4pm. Trained docents will be on site with information about the architects, homes, and original owners.

Before the Spring Home Tour, there will be a champagne reception and presentation at the 1979 King House, designed by Buff and Hensman. Guest speaker Kenneth A. Breisch, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Graduate Programs in Historic Preservation at the School of Architecture, University of Southern California, will give an illustrated presentation on the USC style and its impact on Southern California architectural traditions in the mid-twentieth century. The reception will be held Tuesday, March 20 at 5:30 pm.

To purchase tickets for either event, click here or visit pasadenaheritage.org.

(Image Source: Lander Design, Los Angeles Times)

On Saturday, February 11th from 11am to 3pm, the Pablove Foundation is hosting True Pablove – A Valentine’s Family Celebration with craft booths, live music, silent auction, kid’s activities, Pablove Shutterbugs Giving Tree and great refreshments for all.

At last year’s events, kids had a ball customizing tote bags, hand felting necklaces, decorating cookies and cupcakes and creating Valentine’s Day cards for the inpatient children at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Yo Gabba Gabba, Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang, and popular DJ’s entertained the crowd. Refreshments were provided by some of LA’s best eateries, including Mas Malo, Lark Bakery, Intelligentsia Coffee and Tavern. There are lots of great crafts, music, and auctions in store for the 2012 event, as well!

The True Pablove event raises money for the Pablove Foundation, which fights to spread one simple message: kids get cancer too! Their mission is to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate and empower cancer families, and improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through hospital play, music and arts programs. To read more about the Pablove Foundation’s mission and goals, check out their website.

Tickets for True Pablove are $60 per person. You can purchase tickets, find out about sponsorship opportunities, make a donation, or volunteer for the event here!

True Pablove – A Valentine’s Family Celebration
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 11am to 3pm
Quixote Studios East
4585 Electronics Place
Los Angeles, CA 90039

This year, make life easier and shop your neighborhood instead. And (note to self) maybe try to do it before the bitter end. Check out some of Take Sunset’s favorite spots in Silver Lake for gift giving…

HOME DECOR:

Lawson Fenning – There are tons of great gifts at my all-time favorite Silver Lake furniture store, from glassware to hanging terrariums, slate cheese boards, rugs, books and a tons of other tasteful and stylish gifts. 1618 Silver Lake Blvd.

Hemingway And Pickett – This shop offers off-beat housewares like Realax Stools by Cloud that have axe handle legs (perfect for subtly passive aggressive gift giving!) and Rorschach inkblot pillows and tea towels. They also carry art, accessories ornaments and cards. 3208 W Sunset Blvd.

OK – A one-stop-shop for specialty housewares, including dinnerware from Heath and an assortment of ceramics, glass, sculpture, books, jewelry and even kid’s stuff. 1724 1/2 Silverlake Blvd.

Kellygreen Home – The perfect spot to grab eco-friendly items for the home that are still incredibly stylish. 4008 Santa Monica Blvd.

FASHION:

Mohawk General Store – They have scarves and (swoon) shoes from Rachel Comey, A.P.C. and Comme Des Garcons leather bags, jewelry by Samma and so much other brilliant stuff you’ll have a hard time not shopping for yourself. 4011 W Sunset Blvd.

Vivier and Bentley – If you’re shopping for a stylish woman, all you have to do is walk in this handbag and jewelry shop and grab the first thing that catches your eye. Trust me, she’ll love it. 1404 Micheltorena St.

After the break, best places in Silver Lake for gifts in Food + Wine, Health + Beauty and Kids!

FOOD + WINE:

Broome Street General Store – This is the perfect place to pick up a last minute housewarming gift. They carry treats and pastries from Valerie Confections and Cake Monkey as well as an unexpected mixture of housewares, apothecary, letterpress cards and jewelery. Plus, coffee. 2912 Rowena Ave.

Silverlake Wine – My go-to, super-easy spot for gifts the neighborhood is Silverlake Wine. They’ll help you pick out a fantastic bottle or put together a tantalizing gift box. 2395 Glendale Blvd.

Spice Station – For the gourmet in your life, the Spice Station has packaged gift sets with individual tins filled with various spices, salts or teas. Options include a Chile Set, French Spice & Herb Set, Gourmet Finishing Salt Set and many more. 3819 W. Sunset Blvd.

HEALTH + BEAUTY:

The Pilates Bodyshop – For the fitness buff (or anyone who’s stuck in front of a computer all day!) give the gift of movement, focus and flexibility. 2894 Rowena Ave.

The Establishment – What’s better than a stocking full of Aveda products? Or a gift certificate for a brand new ‘do? Not a whole lot. 2894 Rowena Ave.

KIDS:

Yolk – They have lots of stuff for the home too, but I always end up at Yolk when I’m looking for a baby or kids gift. 1626 Silver Lake Blvd.

These are only an assortment of the terrific shops here in Silver Lake. Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!

Tonight, November 30th, is the Beverly Boulevard Night Out. From 5pm to 8pm, retailers along Beverly, including Modernica, Artspace Warehouse, Beige, Lloyd Klein and LA Eyeworks, will open their doors for an after-hours event with deals, food, drinks and more.

As part of the event, Modernica’s Showroom is hosting a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Jay Novak and Frank Novak, the co-founders of Modernica. Stop by, have a glass of wine and meet the brothers! Plus, there will be up to 25% off select Modernica items, selected George Nelson Bubble Lamps will be discounted, and special holiday gifts will be available.

Modernica Showroom
7366 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Amsterdam Modern is having a huge warehouse sale to get ready for their newest shipment arriving soon from Amsterdam. There are deals to be found on lots of great pieces, including stacking chairs, chandeliers, desks, tables, lamps, pottery, credenzas, lounge & office chairs, wall units and more! Get a jump on your holiday shopping, or even better–treat yourself to something! The sale preview is Friday, November 18 from 11am-4pm. Sale day is Saturday, November 19 from 10am-4pm.

Amsterdam Modern – Warehouse Location
14123 Bessemer Street
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 590-9100

Husband and wife team Charles and Ray Eames are widely regarded as one of America’s most important designers. They’re probably best remembered for their obsessively collected mid-century plywood and fiberglass furniture, but the Eames Office also created many other products, from splints for wounded military during World War II, to photography, interiors, multi-media exhibits, graphics, games, films and toys. Their personal lives and influence on major events in American life–from the development of modernism, to the rise of the computer age–has been less widely understood. The new documentary, Eames: The Architect and the Painter, produced by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey and narrated by James Franco, is the first film dedicated to exploring the Eames’ creative genius and work.

Eames: The Architect and the Painter opens in Los Angeles on November 18th at Laemmle Music Hall. For more information on the movie or to find playdates around the country, check out the movie’s website.