Hal Levitt: Sophisticated Compound Retreat, 1969 - Trousdale Estates

1810 Rising Glen Rd, Los Angeles - Hal Levitt, architect, 1969 - $7,195,000

High above Sunset Plaza in the Hollywood Hills at 1810 Rising Glen Rd, you come upon a 1969 single-story mid-century modern design by architect, Harold 'Hal' Levitt.  The gated and private five bedroom and five bathroom design is perched high above the road.  It is more than an exquisite house, it is an exquisite property.  What is appealing is its position in the hills.  This is a compound with a main house and elegant pavilions up on the hillside. With a design background, Levitt was never shy in showing dynamic expression through architecture. He understood the impact his design would have.  He enjoyed working with large surfaces, demonstrated with this particular design, while allowing nature play the softer role. Just look at the curve of the driveway wrapping around nature as you head upward.  Not a bad entry, I'd say.         If you are a qualified buyer and would like more information, contact modern homes los angeles.

Levitt's love with nature harmonically merge the outdoors with the indoors. This mid-century love affair with the outdoors and environment were a concern within the philosophy of mid-century modern architecture.  With a strong background in design, Levitt took it upon himself to go big.  A prime example is the photo above of the entry to the home.  Here, Levitt uses large mass to hold the fort while a large plate glass wall allows a seamless flow to bring the outdoors into the interior.  It is as though the design becomes a gateway to nature.

The living room is quite extraordinary with its walls of glass, terrazzo floors, and exquisite finishes to present a tranquil and sophisticated design. Levitt extends the interior fireplace wall through plate glass and outdoors, creating a garden wall.  Again, wonderful mid-century design.  By now, in 1969, the movement was strong and thriving.  Levitt had been refining his skills by this point.  Surrounded by lush verdant period landscaping on a very private lot of approximately an acre of prime hillside land.  The pride of ownership shows in this pristine one-story turn key home that has been updated with the finest fixtures and finishes.  This mid-century modern architectural by Hal Levitt is being offered for $7,195,000.  

The kitchen is a clean and crisp design and equally as understated as the rest of the home.  With a wall of sliding glass, the pass-through from the kitchen to the outdoor patio around the pool completes the functionality of how the kitchen and its position within a home plays a dramatic role, especially with those who entertain. 

The master bedroom has a beautiful fireplace to keep you cozy on those chilly evenings and a private garden retreat through sliding doors. The master bathroom is like a spa retreat with the finest in resources and finishes and again nature is easily accessed through fenestration.  This modern geometric design is an all together clean design with a touch of International Style, Bauhaus and Modern philosophies incorporated throughout this home. The pavilion-like qualities in the architecture throughout the estate are quite something.  

The sleeping areas are serene and peaceful with gardens and nature through large sliders. Again, how Levitt uses walls of glass and minimizing the envelope's need for anything other than glass is apparent in another of his bedrooms.  Beautiful light shimmers its way into the clean and tranquil interior as you can escape through the sliding doors and out onto a private garden. 

Abundant outdoor seating areas and retreats are found throughout this tasteful design.  It was the late sixties so the pool was synonymous with Southern California modern architecture and living.  Here the pool becomes the central focus as the family room opens itself onto the pool deck and pool area.  Plenty of room to entertain and relax with friends while passing through walls of glass in and out of home and nature.  

The property imbibes park-like grounds with mature plants and manicured gardens. The setting of this modern design is an experience all unto itself.  This home happens to position itself on one of the larger lots at the upper end of Rising Glen Rd.  Imagine owning an acre of land, let alone a parcel with a gorgeous mid-century tasteful architectural design by Hal Levitt.  The feeling of being in a forest reserve is high while amongst the lush and lovely hillside landscape. 

Positioned above the home are two modern pavilion-like structures.  These glass boxes could easily be utilized as an office, gym, studio or meditation area.  Anyone looking for the finest in design and wants to be close to the action down below on Sunset Blvd, but still wants a relaxed home lifestyle, than this home should be yours.  Serenity and peacefulness play on your senses in this home.

The second pavilion being used as a gym.

Above the property rests a grassy knoll with western exposure allows one to admire views and take in the sunshine.

Private entry gate to the Hal Levitt compound.

Public record shows the home consists of 3,726 square feet of interior living space, making this home cost $1,931 per square foot.  Along with this being a turn-key and pristine architectural treasure.  At note, this home changed hands in 1997 for a price of $1,465,000.  It just so happens that mega producer Darren Star was the buyer.  In 2005, it landed in the hands of a denim mogul who purchased the mid-century modern home for $4,650,000 leaving a nice profit for Star. Currently, the home is once again listed after on-again off-again market listings since 2013. It was first offered at close to $10 million for the property at that time.  My instinct tells me this Hal Levitt design will sell this time around at or above the . 

Contact modern homes los angeles for more information.  

Appointment only.  Qualified buyers only. 

Harold W. Levitt Archive:

Harold "Hal" Levitt is perhaps best remembered for the homes he designed for Hollywood’s elite, including Walter Mirish, Steven Spielberg, and Lew Wasserman. Mr. Levitt started his practice in the early 1950’s after working for the famous residential designers Roland Coate and Burton Schutt. Mr. Levitt’s work reflects the best modern design philosophies of mid-century Los Angeles. The intermixing and re-interpenetration of the indoors and outdoors was used extensively in his projects. Large glass surfaces, interior courtyards, and surprising entry sequences exist throughout his residential work and blur the boundary between the interior and exterior. In many of the homes, Mr. Levitt designed a solid large-scale door that appears from the street as the entrance to the home, but the door will lead instead to a protected courtyard. Mr. Levitt’s natural graciousness combined with his artistic vision made the ideal combination for a residential designer, and over his half-century career Mr. Levitt built long lasting relationships with many of his clients. Mr. Levitt also designed many notable commercial projects such as the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas and the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences Building in Los Angeles. Harold Levitt was born in San Francisco on July 26, 1921. He earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts at Stanford University and an architecture degree at University of Southern California. He retired from his own practice and moved to Reno, Nevada at age 79, and died from natural causes two years later. - Levitt+Moss Architects

Listing and photos courtesy Richard Ehrlich, WEA and Levitt+Moss Architects.

Edward H. Fickett, 1954 "800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building" Now Los Angeles HCM No.1047

"800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building", architect Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A, 1954 - HCM 1047

The Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. 1954 design 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building is now officially Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM) No. 1047.  I have been working on this nomination for 8 months, and thrilled to have Fickett's building noted by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Office of Historic Resources.  HCM No. 1047 received approval by City Council on August 12, 2014.

Minimal use of applied ornament, creating a streamline and industrial appearance.

I always am grateful for my close friendship with Joycie Fickett, the widow of the famed architect.  A few years ago, she brought to my attention a beautiful design her late-husband created and suggested I drive over there at some point to check it out, as she knew I would appreciate the mid-century design of 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building. I fell in love upon first sight...

Two-story curvilinear wall made of troweled joint brick on the west-facing façade.

The building is an exceptional example of the Mid-Century Modern school of architecture. The 9-unit office building was commissioned by L.H.L. Corporation in 1953 and completed in 1954. The building meets two of the criteria for the designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Specifically, the building:

• is a notable work of a master builder, designer or architect whose individual genius influenced their age; and
• embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type specimen, inherently valuable for a study of a period style or method of construction.

Architect / Builder plaque

“I remember getting out of my car on Robertson having seen this sinuous brick wall slotted into a sweep of delicate glass, wondering ‘who designed this building?’ ... and was lucky to spot the plaque indicating it was one of Ed’s!” - architect, Stephen H. Kanner, F.A.I.A

Fickett won the Los Angeles Business Council Urban Beautification Award for Low-Rise Commercial Building for 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building in 1955.  Fickett worked with contractor, Barnett B. Poles to create the building.

Mechanical Brise-Soleil on the upper and lower windows on the west façade.

2-Story "Peek-a-Boo" Window Detail

As mentioned earlier, 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building is a fine example of the Mid-Century Modern style of architecture. Mid-century modern architecture was adopted in America in the mid-1940s and lasted through the late 1960s. It was a trend in American modern architecture and industrial design, which was sleek and sexy with a strong influence from the earlier coined movement known as the International Style. Architects incorporated rhythm, balance and scale within their themes for design, which sought the clarity of form and geometry in design.

Original Illustration - Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. - Courtesy of USC Archives.

As with the earlier International Style, which was stark and void of ornamentation, the Mid-Century Modern movement was a manifestation of the future, with no thoughts of the past. It was an optimistic time, when the sky was the limit with the usage of new technologies and building materials. It was a period that embraced the “new.” People wanted buildings that not only represented people’s social and community life and provide more than functional fulfillment.  Mid-Century Modern architecture allowed for thoughts and aspirations for the future.

Two-story plate glass window wall on the north-facing entry.

Fickett’s curved entry wall at 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building is as if to greet the public with open arms. The exterior elevations adhere to the minimalist style of simplification and the elimination of ornament true to the Mid-Century Modern style of architecture. The clean lines and simple patterns suggest the coming of a new age in architecture. A moveable Brise-Soleil on the upper and lower windows on the west façade exemplify the effects from the mechanical industrial age, while providing protection from the Southern California environment and the influx of natural light.

Building entry and two-story Lobby/Atrium

The main entry off Gregory Way features a 2-story plate glass wall.  There are several styles of fenestration, which the building features that exemplify the Mid-Century Modern style architecture and Fickett’s vernacular, such as, a skylight, a "Peek-a-Boo" window, walls of glass, jalousie windows, plate glass, fixed glass and sliding glass doors and windows.

Steel mullions on the north-facing plate glass window walls.

 The two-story wall of glass on the north façade is flush with the roof line and features steel mullions that extend above the roof line.  Glass walls meet at a 90 ̊ angle at the northeast corner of the building. The west and north brick walls have a parapet extending above the roof line. Deep overhanging eaves on the east and south façades cantilever and provide shade with the underside having stucco application.

The orientation of the building provides optimal protection from solar gain while providing maximum efficiency in natural light. Fickett takes advantage of the northern exposure and utilizes a two-story glass wall on the northern façade, allowing natural light to filtrate the lobby/atrium and main hallway. The west façade has minimal windows to help reduce solar gain with mechanical Brise-Soleil over the upper and lower fenestration. The south façade features walls of sliding glass doors which lead to individual enclosed suite patios on the 1st-story and strip fenestration on the 2nd-story above, allowing for maximum solar gain to provide ample natural light.

An indoor-outdoor planter passes through plate glass.

Custom iron railing and open string staircase by Fickett

With this low-rise office building, we see Fickett’s ability to seamlessly bring the outdoors in through his use of glass and architectural features such as extending the exterior brick wall of the Facilities area, through glass slotted into the brick, and into the lobby/atrium area. The curvilinear wall also features a two-story “peek- a-boo” glass window, to “tickle the imagination of what may lie within” as it slots seamlessly into the brick creating an undisturbed line allowing for as much outdoors to envelop the interior space. Nestled under the custom iron railing and open string staircase, his indoor planter in the lobby/atrium extends seamlessly through glass from the exterior landscape providing a fluid invitation in “bringing the outdoors-in”, which was a theme in his work. 

Beveled cement stairs with colored pigment (Now painted)

Custom open-string stairway with steel hand railings and angled balusters.

There is a custom designed open-string staircase abutting the curvilinear brick wall at its half-landing in the two-story lobby/atrium. The staircase features beveled concrete risers that extend over the indoor planter and up to the 2nd-floor cantilevered platform. The risers featured red pigment in the concrete to contrast the greenery of the indoor/outdoor planter. The risers have since been painted red. The open string staircase also features custom handrails and angled balusters made of steel.   

2nd-Story Skylight Above 1st-Story Interior Planter

Natural light was always an important architectural feature for Fickett, as it allowed the outdoors-in.  Plate glass rising from floor-to-ceiling, skylights above emitting natural light over indoor planters, sliding glass walls shifting to allow the outdoors to meld with interiors...  He loved his high ceilings and walls of glass. 

2nd Floor Mezzanine Overlooking Indoor Planter

The interior consists of nine separate office suites featuring floor-to-ceiling, clear and obscure glass paneled walls.  The 1st-floor suites have outdoor patios through sliding walls of glass.

1st-Floor Main Hallway

1st-Floor Main Hallway

With the orientation of the building, Fickett took advantage of the northern light to allow for maximum solar gain through the hallways and into the office suites using floor-to-ceiling plate glass walls.

2nd-Floor Main Hallway

2nd-Floor Main Hallway

The 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building embodies the distinguishing characteristics of Fickett’s work, and thus meets the criteria of Sec. 22.130 of the Los Angeles Administrative code. The building is an example of the Mid-Century Modern style, which was exemplified by master architect, Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A.

Aerial

Map

"800 S Robertson Blvd Office Building", architect Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A., 1954 - HCM 1047
Steve Ward is responsible for writing and submitting the application for 800 South Robertson Boulevard Office Building by architect, Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A.

Masterful "Hong Residence" - 1968, Hovers Over Market

The "Hong Residence", Roger Hong, A.I.A in association with Buff and Hensman, F.A.I.A., 1968

It was about a year ago when I went to visit the "Chang Residence" across the street from the "Hong Residence" in Los Feliz Estates.  Since I had my camera with me, I took the opportunity to shoot some exterior photos of the "Hong Residence" which is a collaborative design by Buff and Hensman, F.A.I.A., along with the newly appointed associate architect, Roger S. Hong, A.I.A. who had just graduated from the University of Southern California School of Architecture.  It was Hong's vision, while the master architects, Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman fine-tuned the Asian-inspired architectural treasure designed in 1968 with completion in 1969.  The beauty of this mid-century lies, not only with the thoughtful piece of architecture, but within the history surrounding the people who lived there with their cultural influences infusing the soul of the home.  It is this combination of events which makes this home a spectacular treasure. 

With the front pavilion as the neck and head and the southern elevation the wings and tail, it isn't hard to envision a bird in flight with it's wings catching air. Hong set out to design and build a home for his family, Mr. and Mrs. You Chung Hong, in mind.  It was a "gift" for Roger's mother; an architectural testament of love.  Writer, Dan McMasters, mentions the home's post and beam architectural elements as, 

"...a mother hovering protectively over its nest."

- Los Angeles Times Home Magazine, 1969 

Roger's father, Y.C. Hong was a prominent immigration attorney who was responsible for helping usher in over 10,000 Chinese immigrants that entered the Country.  It is said that Y.C. Hong was the first Chinese American person to pass the California State Bar exam. Not only was Y.C. Hong a prominent lawyer, but he was an extraordinary developer.  He was instrumental in the development of Los Angeles' New Chinatown back in 1938 when the Old Chinatown was leveled to make way for the city's central train terminal, Union Station.  Roger's family owned multiple properties in the Chinatown area.

You can see how the collaboration with the duo of Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman worked for Roger Hong.  The post and beam marvel of mid-century modern design is truly a stunner.  Perched on the hillside on a corner street-to-street lot with views of the Griffith Park Observatory in the front and head-on views of the city from the back, the Asian influenced design is worthy of historical distinction. 

When I departed my visit with the Chang's (see bottom photo), I scooted across the street to snap some photos of the stellar architectural design of the "Hong Residence", noting some architectural details of the exterior.  The "Hong Residence" is now on market, but not on the MLS.  The asking price is $2,699,000.  Please contact me if you would like to set up an appointment to see this architectural gem. 

The spacious 4 bedroom and 3 bathroom 3,016 square foot interior provides an open floor plan home with meticulous and careful updates including charcoal terrazzo floors, wide-plank wood open frame stairs and subdued period lighting.  The very symmetrical layout is balanced by living room / dining area and den / study which straddle a spacious kitchen with original oil-rubbed walnut cabinets, updated Caesarstone counter tops, central island with prep sink and high-end appliances.  This home is worth every penny and I do not expect this to last long without a new owner.

As you pass through an inner garden behind stucco wall and a wooden gate, you enter the home with a 20 foot high vaulted ceiling with exposed wood beam.  Floor-to-ceiling glass walls are throughout the home showcasing the stunning Southern and western views from downtown to the ocean.  With an abundance of sliding glass doors, your lifestyle welcomes the outdoors in and vice versa.  The home's pool wraps around the back with pebble stone surround.  The western private garden area behind stucco wall has a custom wood platform conversation deck. 

Below are some vintage interior and exterior photographs of the home from 2007's first offering on the MLS where the home sold for $2,150,000. 

 The Hong Residence Architectural Details:

The arched cross beams are capped with copper and beaded glass, while the downspout is a subtle function, as water cascades to a garden below. 

The private enclosed side yard garden area is perfect for outdoor dining, intimate gatherings and a safe place for kids to play.

 The second story sleeping pavilion also acts as a two-car port.  There is no garage. 

The auto port area is scantily enclosed by the use of a wood shade screen, which is one of my favorite mid-century elements.

The use of shadow boxes around the pavilion give architectural nuance while sunlight creates interesting shadows and texture.  Original exterior lighting designs are still intact.

"Chang Residence", Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A., 1974

Biographical Notes

Roger S. Hong (September 23, 1941 - October 27, 2006) 

Born in Los Angeles.  Hong earned his Master of Science degree in City and Regional Planning in 1968.  Hong worked at several firms: Buff & Hensman; Bodrell Joer'dan Smith; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Stone, Marracini & Patterson and John Carl Warnecke & Associates.  Hong also did work under his own name, and as a consultant to other firms.  After working at several firms, he co-founded the architectural firm Arechaederra/Hong/Treiman Architects (AHT Aechitects) in 1981. Hong retired from his firm in 1993 and devoted himself to preserving the Hong family history, the restoration and preservation of Los Angeles’ Chinatown, and various charitable and community causes.

Roger Sai-keung Hong, architect  in 2006

Roger S. Hong, architect - Partial Job List:

• Hong Building, 451A and 451B Ginling Way, alterations (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 2002); Hong, Roger (architect)
• Hong Building: Bar and Bistro at Central Plaza, 951 N. Broadway, 425 Ginling Way, proposal plan (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 2000); Hong, Roger (architect)
• Imperial Dragon Gift Shop, 451 Ginling Way, remodel (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 1979-80); Hong, Roger (architect), S. Perlof (engineer)
• Ling Tower: Senior Citizen Residence and Community Commercial Plaza (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 1978); Hong, Roger (architect)
• Mandarin Palace: Garden, hotel and public parking structure (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; undated); Hong, Roger (architect)
• Pergola and stage, design plans (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; undated)
• Residential renovation of 445 Ginling Way for Roger S. Hong (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; undated); Hong, Roger (architect)
• Survey maps (Los Angeles (Chinatown), (Elysian Park), CA; 1990); City of Los Angeles
• United Bank building, 951 N. Broadway (formerly 405, 407, 409 Ginling Way), renovation plans (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 1984); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects), Hong, Roger (architect)
• United Bank building, 951 N. Broadway, fence design and landscape plan (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 1996); Hong, Roger (architect, landscape architect)
• Blossom Garden Hotel and mixed-use project, 900 N. Broadway (Los Angeles (Chinatown), CA; 2000); Laeroc Partners, Inc. (architects), Hong, Roger (architect), Urban Concepts (architects) 
• Chinese Times, The: 686 Sacramento St., remodel. (San Francisco, CA; 1976-77); Hong, Roger (architect)
• Encinitas Hotel (Encinitas, CA; 1989); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects)
• Fitzgerald, Dan and June, residence, 10118 Empyrean Way #102, interior design (Los Angeles, CA; 1991); Hong, Roger (interior design)
• Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital (Wauwatosa, WI; 1977); Stone, Marracini & Patterson (architects), Brust-Zimmerman (architects)
• Hong, Mr. and Mrs. Y. C., residence, 5146 Los Franciscos Way. (Includes many rough sketches.) (Los Angeles, CA; 1967-69); Buff & Hensman (architect), Hong, Roger (architect), Shulman, Julius (photographer)
• Hong, Roger S., residence, 10551 Wilshire Blvd. #1703, interior design. (Includes many rough sketches.) (Los Angeles, CA; 1986-87); Hong, Roger (interior design)
• Hotel at the L.A. Zoo (Los Angeles, CA; 1981); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects), Stolte, Inc. (developers)
• Hotel Nikko, 477 S. La Cienega Blvd. (Beverly Hills, CA; 1989-91); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects), Fong & Associates (landscape architects), Mingis Design (interior design) [Ph]
• KCET building (Los Angeles, CA; c. 1980); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects)
• Kun Lun Hotel, early concepts (Beijing, China; 1980); John Carl Warnecke and Associates (architects)
• Neiman-Marcus (Honolulu, HI; 1988); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architect), The Darrall Partnership (interior design)
• Neiman-Marcus (1979)
• Office building, Ohio Ave. and Sepulveda Blvd. (Los Angeles (Westwood), CA; 1983); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects)
• Pan Pacific Center (Los Angeles, CA; 1981-82); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architect), CCM Financial (developers)
• Park Place (Fluor Properties conversion) (Irvine, CA; 1985-88); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects), Trammell Crow Co. (developers)
• Paseo de los Rosas complex (Pasadena, CA; ca. 1980s); Arechaederra, Hong, Treiman (architects), Trammell Crow Co. (developers), Ahmanson Commercial Development Co. (developers)
• Quong, Chin H. and Mabel C. Hong, Four-unit apartment building (Alhambra, CA; 1948-49); Joseph, B. G. (contractor)
• Ralph's grocery stores (Fullerton (and unknown), CA; c. 1973); Maxwell Starkman & Associates (architects)
• Rossmoor Towers and Life Care Center, Rossmoor Leisure World (Laguna Hills, CA; 1969-70); Bodrell Joer'dan Smith and Associates, Inc. (architects), Lent-Forsum Associates (landscape architects)
• Unidentified residences and commercial buildings (1970-72); Hong, Roger (architect)
• UNLV Sports Arena (Thomas & Mack Center), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV; c. 1984); John Carl Warnecke and Associates (architects), W2C (architects)

Listing courtesy of Rose Ware & Terry Canfield - Pru