Palmer & Krisel Designed Mid Century Modern Home in North Hollywood Hits The Market

Images courtesy Post and Beam Real Estate

12748 West Hartland Street

5 Beds/3 Baths on 2,085 sqft on a total lot size of 7,478 sqft built in 1954 in North Hollywood. The home first hit the market at $499,000 on January 15, 2014 and is already in escrow. The listing description states the home was designed by notable architects William Krisel and Dan Palmer who designed mid century modern homes for the Alexander Construction Company.  They designed throughout Los Angeles primarily in Palm Springs and San Diego. However, they also designed the Corbin Palms (and here) community in Woodland Hills off of Victory and Corbin. Some of their Woodland Hills examples have been featured on this blog here,, here, and here as well as in Van Nuys by Krisel here. The listing description states:

This mid century modern home was designed by visionary architect William Krisel and his partner Dan Palmer. Krisel emphasized livability and devised this airy dwelling with windows opening onto the bright expanse of the surrounding pool and drought tolerant landscape. Krisels' visionary style that defined the sensibility of modernist design in Southern California can be witnessed in this home's open living space and clerestory windows. Permitted additions, done with respect to the original style in the early 1960's, include an upstairs master suite and spacious dining room. The fifth bedroom has been converted into a cozy den that flows into the generous living space. Upgrades include a newer roof, central A/C, copper plumbing and double paned windows. Situated on a cul de sac in an enclave of Krisel designed homes, this property is a stunning example of what he called psychologically pleasing homes.

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here. 

Albert Van Dekker Residence by R.M. Schindler in Woodland Hills Back on the Market

[Update January 22, 2014]: This home sold for $700,000 on December 31, 2013. Cant wait to see the restoration. 

[Original Post]:

Images courtesy Architecture & Design Collection, University Art Museum, UC Santa Barbara

Above images courtesy LA Curbed

19950 Collier Street

4 Beds/3 Baths on 2,518 sqft on a total lot size of 0.47 acres built in 1940 designed by world renowned architect R.M Schindler in Woodland Hills available for $799,000 (Schindler also designed the Laurelwood Apartments and Goodwin House both in Studio City).  The price might seem like a good deal but the home needs major restoration work as the home has been neglected for many decades. 

The home was originally commissioned by Albert Van Dekker who was a stage and screen actor best known for playing 1940's Dr. Cyclops and evil villain Dr. Soberin in Kiss Me Deadly. Dekker later sold the property to Al "Buzz" Bezzerides, screenwriter for Kiss Me Deadly, who lived in the property up until his death in 2007 where it remained in neglect for close to 50 years. In 2009, the home was nominated for HCM status (and awarded in 2010) meaning it could never be tore down without special consideration and review and was purchased by Josh Gorrell who planned to restore the home to its former glory on October 16 for $580,000. Gorrell, so far, has replaced the roof and removed the septic tank and instead connected to the city sewer system but is now selling to focus on other endeavors. Since this home needs a lot of work, it appears that this home will need to find a special buyer who has the upfront cash, time, and desire to restore to its original condition which means it will probably be sitting on the market for awhile. You can read more about this home at LA Curbed and check out the latest renovation pictures in 2010 here and here. The listing description states: 

Your chance to own a piece of History. Built in 1940 and designed by the renowned master architect R. M. Schindler for Albert Van Dekker. This 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath three-story is situated on almost a half acre South of Ventura Blvd and exhibits character-defining features of Modern style and architecture. These features include but are not limited to: tightly interlocking volumes, folded planes, an asymmetrical roof, sloping walls & ceilings, polygonal windows, butt-glazed corners, exposed wood interiors, flagstone patios & fireplaces. Major repairs are required to preserve this historic landmark for future generations. (Sterling Realty)

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.

The Derby House by Lloyd Wright in Glendale Hits The Market

[Update January 22, 2014]: This home sold for $1,590,000 on December 18, 2013. 

[Original Post]:

Images courtesy Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living

Images courtesy Google Maps

2535 East Chevy Chase Drive

5 Beds/2.75 Baths on 3,281 sqft on a total lot size of 1.53 acres built in 1926. The home is located in Glendale which hit the market on November 14, 2013 for $1.65 million. The home was designed by architect Lloyd Wright known as the Derby House who is always quoted as the son of the world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright has designed many homes in Southern California but the only other building in the SFV designed by Wright that I know of  is the Mat House in Reseda unless there are others. If you know, please do share. 

According to the LA Times, this home was commissioned by businessman James Derby, his wife, and two sons. By the time the home was completed, the Derby's separated and "only Mrs. Derby and the children eventually lived within its mysterious walls." The article goes on to state the home was purchased by Michael and Carole Dougherty in 1974 for an unknown amount which helps explain the ridiculously low 2012 property taxes of $1,508. Gotta love Prop 13. A review of the property records at Zillow show the home was sold for $46,000 on October 28, 1986 but that seems to be an error because Blockshopper shows that Dougherty's still own the property. It appears from the Redfin, that the Dougherty's tried to sell the home back in the summer of 2002 but that could also be some kind of weird error. This home was declared a landmark on the National Register of Historical Places meaning the house cant be torn down or modified without obtaining special permission which will most likely be declined. 

The listing description states:

The Derby House was built in 1926 and was designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright. This well restored residence is one of Lloyd Wright's strongest achievement. His genius at integrating nature and building is evident; the garage gates, fireplace grates, French door grills and closets are abstract renderings of the yucca plants growing on the surrounding hills. The Derby House is on the National Register Of Historical Places. Except for one bathroom and the designer kitchen, the house is basically unaltered. A double-storied living room features a fireplace with eight foot high wrought iron gates & overlooks mature oak trees in the garden. The redesigned kitchen with it granite counters, oak floors, leaded glass panes & cabinets compliment the original style of the house. Hexagonal dining room with floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Four adjacent lots which make the total lot size 1.5 acres are included in purchase price.

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.