Posts Tagged ‘90039’

I feel too busy for everything these days–getting the dog groomed, going to the dentists, buying a new pair of running shoes. It all gets filled under: Stuff I seriously need to do but…
My New Balance shoes were starting to feel like a 7 layer dip with all the store-bought inserts and arch supports I used to keep them trucking along for a few more miles. And then my ankle started bugging me, and then my knees and lower back started to ache. So before I got a real injury, I knew it was time for new shoes!

Today, I finally headed into A Runner’s Circle in Atwater Village, and I am so glad I did. It’s hands-down the best running shoe store I’ve ever experienced. It’s not huge inside, but they have a good selection of running gear, a lot of which was on sale. I was immediately greeted by Joe, the owner, who was super friendly. He asked me how frequently and long I run, where I run, and then asked me to walk for him and to stand on one foot, so he could check my balance and find out if I overpronate or underpronate. He then measured my feet, and I realized my old running shoes were a half size too small. That’s why I was having pain in my toes! Oops.
Once Joe had thoroughly analyzed everything, he brought out four pairs of shoes. I tried them on, walked around the store, and even took my two favorites out for a spin down Los Feliz Blvd. I ended up with a great pair of Brooks, a brand I wasn’t very familiar with and probably wouldn’t have even tried on, if it hadn’t been for A Runner’s Circle.
Overall, this shopping experience was A+. The customer service was awesome. Joe was so knowledgeable and helpful and really took his time explaining everything to me. I learned a lot about running shoes and even got some great running tips!
A Runner’s Circle is also very active in the running community, and they have a ARC Run Club, which meets on Thursdays at 6 PM at the store. To be updated about A Runner’s Circle’s sales and events, you can connect with them on Facebook at A-Runners-Circle.
A Runner’s Circle
3216 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 661-8971

2235 Lake Shore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
1 BR, 1.5 BA
$499,000
The listing agent calls this a “one of a kind offering” and I would have to agree. You don’t see many one bedrooms for $499,000 very often! But before we scoff at the idea of buying a one bedroom at that price, let’s look at what else you get: a fireplace, stainless steel appliances, a detached studio, a full basement with bonus room, great views, multiple patios, a koi pond and a large terraced lot with room to expand.
Whew! OK, those are a lot of nice touches so maybe this is a winner after all. Here are some more photos to help you decide:



So what do you think – worth it or not?
For more photos and info click here.
Last night I attended my first Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee (ModCom) general meeting at the Peter Shire Studio in Echo Park. It was a great experience. The Committee meets once a month to discuss any post WWII residential and commercial preservation issues. It’s basically a room full of people who are very passionate about Los Angeles architecture and it was very inspiring to listen to them discuss the issues. Among them:
Each issue is tackled, assessed and given a plan of action. It’s nice to know that there is a group of people who are dedicated to preserving the historic architecture of Los Angeles.
In April the Committee will be organizing a 1960s residential architecture tour of Brentwood as part of the year-long “The 1960s Turn 50″ celebration.

We also got a tour of Peter Shire’s amazing studio and learned about his family’s rich Echo Park history. I will definitely be back for next month’s meeting!
For more information on the Modern Committee click here.

2348 Cove Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
2 BR, 2BA
$1,299,000
In 2005 architect George Mimnaugh reinterpreted Rodney Walker’s original 1953 glass and concrete design by updating it for modern living. The renovation earned the home a Los Angeles Historical-Monument designation in 2007 and now the home is on the market for a hefty price tag. According to Curbed, this home has been a tough sell as it has been on and off the market since the restoration.
Located on a flat lot up in the hills on the east side of the Silver Lake Reservoir, this is the kind of mid-century modern that we all lust over.

I love the true open floor plan, the floor-to-ceiling walls of glass and the stone backdrop.
Read more…

2423 Lanterman Terr
Los Angeles, CA 90039
3 BR, 3 BA
2,900 square feet
$1,650,000
This is one of the more expensive homes to hit the market in Silver Lake in a while. While it certainly has size and location (bonus for being in the Ivanhoe School District) going for it, is this a “unique masterpiece of architectural design” that justifies the hefty price tag? I’ll wait until I see it in person this Sunday at the open house to judge.
Designed by architect Tony Unruh, who clearly took a lot of inspiration from mid-century modernism, this house has large expanses of glass that blur the lines between the inside and outside living areas. I particularly like the ceilings:

And the glass separating the inside from the deck is very impressive:


The Mews
4254 – 4310 Perlita Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
3 BR, 2.5 BA
Starting at $599,000
People are buzzing about The Mews, a new single-family home development being built in Atwater Village. These 23 solar-powered Eco-friendly homes range from 1500 to 1600 square feet and contain a 2-car garage, high ceilings, open floor plan and courtyards. But what has people excited is their claim that the homes are “20% bigger than homes in the area and yet priced lower than similar-sized homes in Atwater Village and Silver Lake.” Also, since this is technically not a condo, no HOAs! (just a small $50/month fee)

I have yet to see the homes in person (Phase 1 was only recently completed) so I can’t comment on the size of the units, but if the design is as sleek and enticing as their Web site leads me to believe, then this could be a great opportunity for first-time homebuyer or those looking to upgrade their current living situation.

Jerry Hoffman, the Realtor handling the sales, has been keeping a very extensive and informative blog about the whole process. Check it out here. The grand opening is coming soon and sales and previews start this month. Visit their Web site to learn more.

Richard Neutra’s presence is felt all over Silver Lake. From the iconic homes that adorn the neighborhood to the work of the young architects whom absorbed his style and carried on his legacy, Neutra is often the first name people bring up when talking about “Silver Lake architecture.”

And while many think of the brilliant homes he designed, one of his most famous works is the Neutra Office Building on Glendale Blvd. For 20 years the building served as Neutra’s studio until his death in 1970. This building is the last surviving example of a Neutra commercial design which probably explains the hefty price tag when the building was listed for sale earlier this year. According to Neutra.org the building is still for sale but it does not say for how much. Curbed LA reported $3.5 million but that may have changed.

The Neutra Office Building is listed as a Historic Cultural Monument on the National Register Of Historic Places. The building’s rear apartment was being rented out by Dion Neutra, Richard’s son, earlier this year as well – “only for true Neutra fans” it advised. Would you have made the cut?
Neutra Office Building
2379 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

There’s a great event going on this Sunday, December 6th that anyone interested in the environment and/or architecture should take note of: The Eastside Eco Tour is a self-driving tour of ten forward-thinking Silver Lake, Echo Park and Los Feliz homes that can teach us all practical ways to lessen our carbon footprint.
According to the Web site, each home demonstrates a commitment to a sustainable future for our community through water conservation, energy efficiency, alternative energy generation, organic gardening, non-toxic paints, finishes and cleaning products.

This great event is totally free and lasts from 12pm – 4pm. Simply hop in your car and check out the homes! To find out more about the homes and to download a map, click here.

I had heard a lot about Canelé before I tried it out – local residents of nearby Silver Lake and Atwater Villge love this little spot and for good reason: it’s pretty much the perfect example of a sophisticated local restaurant. Smart without being smug, Canelé clearly is run by some food-savvy cooks and you can feel the good vibes from the moment you walk in.
In the front of the space is a big communal table and stretching for most of the length of the restaurant is a big open kitchen. If you like watching chefs at work, you’ll want to snag a seat at the bar where you can watch them up close.

I tried the duck confit (delicious) with the Tahitian squash soup (very tasty). My dining partners (parents and girlfriend) loved their dishes as well. There is a definite French-American trend going throughout the menu and you should definitely be in a slightly adventurous mood if you want to take full advantage of what Canelé’s chefs have to offer.

Canelé is located on the very random stretch of Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village – walking distance for many local residents but street parking was abundant.
Canelé
3219 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
4045 Edenhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
2 BR, 1BA
$710,000 $675,000 (12/10/09)
I feel like most of the houses I see in Atwater Village are bungalows so this house is a nice change of pace. Located in walking distance to dining, shopping, golf and Griffith Park, this house is in the right spot to be priced at $710,000 for a two bedroom. The pool, newly tiled kitchen and overall good condition help as well.
There’s also a garage that could be converted into an office or pool/guest house. I like how the kitchen opens up to the living room – it definitely looks like they put all of the 1,362 square feet to good use. The open house is this Sunday from 1-4pm and I will definitely be stopping by. Will you?
To see the rest of the photos, click here.