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Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway changed the landscape forever


Chateau Rossmore, Mauretania Apartments, Jack Haley -- and the Truth
The iconic apartment buildings on Rossmore Avenue share an interesting architectural past.
Jul 26, 2024


Beachwood Canyon Artistic Apartments
In 1925, Hollywood pioneers John and Delia Hill built the Moorish apartment house at 2260 Beachwood Drive.
Dec 29, 2023


Pearl Park: Whitley & Franklin
“The prettiest spot in Hollywood” was at the corner of Franklin and Whitley avenues: Pearl Park. In 1916, Stephen Willis built the...
Apr 21, 2023


A Tale of Two Castles
A man’s home is his castle. But for Dr. A.G. Castles, his home was quite literally a castle: The eccentric art collector built a pair of...
Jan 25, 2023


Hollywood Center Motel’s Seedy Past
Over the past century, 6720 Sunset Boulevard has seen murder, prostitution, rockstars … but it all began with a wife-swapping scandal!...
Dec 7, 2022


The Fontenoy
When The Fontenoy on Whitley Avenue was built in 1928, it was advertised as “the first of its kind on the Pacific Coast”—and it remains...
Sep 2, 2022


The Montecito
On the corner of Franklin and Cherokee sits “10 stories of luxury and comfort”: the Montecito. Ahead of the residential hotel’s 1931...
Sep 2, 2022
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