Separated at Built

Located on Vermont Boulevard, and once moved to accommodate the construction of the neighboring Ralph's supermarket, this Eclectic, Dutch-Romanesque with its sprightly paint job, arched windows and daring trim has long been an eye-catcher along a mostly commercial stretch.

I've written previously about copy cats and slight variations, house plan books and the preservation value of duplicates (see Nightwalking Part 2/1620 Oak 6-26-2007), but seldom is there a match for something so unique.

The book end (albeit with the entry flipped) resides a mile away near Jefferson & Grand. Same passionate symmetry, same fleur-de-lis details (note the bands above and below the second story course), a remarkable survivor similarly encroached by non-residential uses.

Owl Decoys

There's something laudable about owl decoys, a popular form of pigeon control. Simple genius I suppose, a comic ruse, the scarecrow re-cast.

Most are stationed in shadowy eaves, atop knee braces, or at a gable's peak.

Largely made of molded or inflatable plastic, many are fastened at a base, others are tethered, and sway with the wind.

By all accounts the ploy works, though often only for a time, as even pigeons eventually get wise to an unchanging owl. Accordingly, some homeowners move their great horned helpers around, or employ multiple models (a parliament, as the collective noun goes).

In neighborhoods where home prices are higher, the owls may be high-tech, battery powered models with motion detectors, a swiveling head and lit eyes.

Other home owners favor plastic snakes.

Either way, a pretty green solution.

Not So Smart Buildings (Part 1)?

Many have railed against the "dumbing-down" of America. In popular versions of the argument, educational reform, narrow casting, and poppycock mysticism are faulted, while the built environment garners little mention. Yet we increasingly occupy, emulate, and sanction buildings with little complexity or singularity, and our renovation culture often obliterates delicacy and nuance. But are those buildings and tendencies "dumb-ing," or rather minimal and pragmatic, a justified expression of time and place? Am I equating simplicity with stupidity, and is this the snotty bias of my inner critic?

For starters, great, form challenging, expressive works are still executed (such as Gehry's Disney Hall). A few of the ultra wealthy commission residences of great ambition, and here and there, low-budget whimsies charm (see the Swiss Cheese apartments). Nor is this an attack on the International Style and the expulsion of detail. But in my opinion, the track house de jour among others is a sorry hand me down from yesteryear's creative clutch.

The defenders of the neo-bland will cite the democratization of building (or some such claprap), the cost impracticality of quality materials and specialized labor, as well as different programming demands (like the attached garage).

Certainly the lens of time better allows us to assess buildings. That historical diaphragm may now enable us to view less prejudicially the 1970's: the skyscrapingest skyscrapers, late brutalist works, the shed aesthetic, dingbats; and, recognize lots of wonderful stuff....and lots of dreck. Lots of dreck that we're likely stuck with, littering our sightlines, thoroughly un enlivening architecture (that sadly often displaced more idiosyncratic structures), like blank canvases at a gallery. And things didn't get better in the 1980's, or '90's.

Maybe I'm still recovering from grad school at CalArts (in Valencia), surrounded by miles of neo Mediterranean eclectics, monuments to mass building efficiencies, and developer profit rather than design thoughtfulness, with elements crudely applied--not as post-modern kitsch, or even deliberately false historicism; but, rather as a degenerate set of mannerisms.

End of Part One

New Frontiers

I've ventured a bit further afield lately, working with a buyer in the Foothill communities, and a seller in Anaheim (more on this later). Last week I rummaged through the inventory in Monrovia, and took these stills.

Image 1: A Craftsman style house clad entirely, nauseatingly, in pink marble squares. Note the landscaping, roses what else?

Image 2: Beam ends wrapped in copper sleeves, an interesting preservation strategy.

Image 3: Dear Craftsman connoisseurs, a Tifal Brothers is for sale! (see Clinkers, Tifals...Clifals! 5/5/08) Snazzy built-ins, split granite fireplace, distinctive hardware, lousy kitchen update, walking distance to Myrtle (but not in the Wild Rose Historic District).

Image 4: Interior Tifal Bros. detail: fireplace hearth.

Casa de Meo

Antique addict Jim De Meo has opened a shop, Casa de Meo, in Silverlake.

Jim's period of concentration is early twentieth century, from Art Nouveau to Monterrey, with plenty in between.

Jim's current inventory is especially strong in Spanish Revival era light fixtures.

Casa de Meo
2876 Rowena Ave (corner of Rowena & W. Silverlake Blvd.)
Tu- Sat 11 - 7
Sun 1 - 5
(on Mondays, Jim buys like crazy)
323-660-9922
www.casademeo.com

The Thin Grey Line

Seldom are architectural alterations or improvements comprehensively chronicled. Building and safety permits may document some changes, but mostly the house archaeologist is forced to analyze style clues and discontinuities.

Concrete may be the great exception amongst materials. Driveways, pads, and patios, steps, curbs and porches, even foundations sometimes feature elucidating inscriptions. Many are likely the work of untamed youth, but other imprints are clearly for the record, almost formal.

Because projects are often conjunctive, these inscriptions can help pinpoint other ventures. A backyard pad, for example, might coincide with the installation of french doors. A "wet patch," or a section of concrete repair, might accompany plumbing work. A garage needs a driveway.

For the Record

My clientele may not encompass the broadest range, dominated by persons with college degrees, oftentimes secondary degrees. I haven't, for example, represented many retirees. I also work with a higher percentage of foreign born buyers than is the norm, though Los Angeles may account for the unusually cosmopolitan mix.

Pleasantly, I've yet to have a client enter foreclosure as a direct consequence of their purchase financing. (One client endured foreclosure, but for reasons unrelated to his purchase loan.)

Many of my home buyers utilized now demonized creative financing instruments: stated income, adjustable rate and interest only products. A few put no money down, and even wrapped closing costs into principal financing. But all planned accordingly, some re-fied in a timely fashion, others were prepared for higher payments. In short, they acted responsibly.

I know predatory lending existed, and probably, misrepresentations were made, particularly to less sophisticated Spanish language speaking immigrant purchasers. Some parties may deserve federal intervention.

But as a guide backpacking through the REO wasteland, I also see the failed flips with grotesque great rooms and porno showers. The high-lifers, who exhausted their generous equity lines, on boom-boom machines, and tables at the Tropicana. Even the shirkers, without the slightest tingling of obligation, unwilling to service--regardless of means, a now desiccated investment.

To these and even noble folk over-matched by the obligation of homeownership, assistance should not be forthcoming. The Robin Hood politic is an insult to that greater number of deft, dutiful homeowners.

The Second Obama Mural

A second appearance, appropriately close to USC, with a third on the way?

I spoke to "Zeke" refurbishing The Family Tree in Shaw Park.
"Will Obama be included," I asked.
"Yep."
"Will he enjoy a good position, say next to Bill Cosby?"
"Better."
"Oh yeah," I continued, "next to Malcolm X?"
"Better, next to Magic."
"Next to Magic," I exclaimed.
"Yes," Zeke responded, "next to Magic, 'cause it's winning time!"

Sprinklers

I don't much trust sprinklers. I've heard the party line: properly installed, they're the most efficient means of watering. But what I see is the broken head, a geyser-like spout, water pooling in driveways, and along foundations, spilling over sidewalks, waterlogged, rotten clapboard, a play hazard.

Maybe I'm dissembling--it's about the grass. Everything's about the grass.

I got no beef with drip systems.

The First Obama Mural

Los Angeles has been called the mural capital of the world, counting nearly 1,500 artworks.

Over 100 wall paintings devoted to the African American experience decorate Los Angeles. Many have been maintained, but a few have badly faded or suffered other abuses.


The community mural movement sprang largely from the massive social movements of the late 1960's, though L.A.'s oldest African-American themed composition is likely "The Negro in California History," commissioned by the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1949.

A good number of murals are located near Crenshaw Boulevard, often characterized as the (post Central Avenue) center of African American cultural life. A few of these are inspired by the William Walker Wall of Respect model, depicting a range of African American idols.

Barack Obama has just joined the gallery.

More Barrio Services

The urban commercial landscape is ever changing. The video rental businesses of 15 years ago have been replaced by cell phone stores, the function halls of social clubs now host charter schools, the skateboard shops of the 1970's have been given over to...the skateboard shops of the present?!

Many insiders credit the marketing efforts of the late 1990's with this retail explosion, new skate idols like Tony Hawk and the X-games as well as a law that shielded cities from the liability issues present in skatepark operation. Whatever the case, Skateboards shops (and bike shops) have multiplied, particularly in neighborhoods of mixed color.

The outgrowth of that diversity is on display. A recent issue of Skateboarding magazine featured Asian, Latin, African-American, and Brazilian riders amongst others. Filmmaker Larry Clark's 2006 release Wassup Rockers, followed a group of Hispanic "grommets" or young skaters from South Los Angeles.

For some Hispanic youth, the skateboarding sub-culture has become an expression of rebellion, more American (and more alien to their parents) than beisbol, or rock-and-roll.

The Winchester Mystery Hovel

I look at 15 - 30 houses a week on average. Most with buyers, some on caravans or other opens, a few alone. What I'm seeing depends largely on my stable of buyers, their preferred neighborhoods, price ranges, and features.

I don't often take pictures unless I'm "previewing", or for later review. But occasionally, I record oddities, exceptional features, weird shit.

At least twice a year, I encounter a residence with a chain of additions, each linked to a next; often, cottages distended to fill deep lots, sometimes consuming formerly detached garages.

A few of these rambling wrecks appear to have been built of surplus building materials. As rooflines are butted or foundations joined, ceiling heights change, and some spaces appear sunken as raised foundations drop to slabs. Exterior doors lead to closed spaces, windows act as pass-thrus.

(Please note, the image to the left is not a camera reverse of image one as evidenced by the window position, this despite the checkered floor, another arch and sliding door.)

Attic conversions and even basement digouts occur too, but far less often, likely because their engineering is more daunting and expensive.

Things I Found in September

Two CD's near the corner of 30th ST. and Arlington. A Trip Back to the 80's Rare Modern Rock, and Teena Marie 14 Greatest Hits.

The Teena Marie disc may actually find its way into my meager music collection. I used to own her first record, produced by Rick James, "Wild and Peaceful."

Judging by what I hear in retail environments and what I see loaded onto my client's i-phones, Eighties pop music is really celebrated now. I'll probably slip the Rare Modern Rock disc into a mail slot. Any takers? Featured artists include: When in Rome, Dominatrix, Alphaville, and Dead or Alive.

Tub fixture. Hot water spigot only, outgoing garbage from a house in Wilshire Vista.

One dollar bill, on Westlake in Pico Union. I find change everywhere I go, darkened pennies, a nickel, sometimes Mexican coins, usually the small denominations. Paper money, not so often.

Once I drew the ire of an aggressive pan-handler when I flipped a penny--that lay a short distance away--into his collection vessel. I suppose he judged my gesture as belittling, rather than sympathetic. There are so many ways to offend.