Simple. Elegant. Refined. Buy this Silver Lake house now!

1973 Redesdale Avenue, 90039

Another Josef Van der Kar, AIA hit the market this weekend. This wonderful Silver Lake home exemplifies the renowned architect’s point of view… And by point of view, I mean aesthetically, not politically.  For an interesting read about Van der Kar’s amazing connection to cold-war-era politics, click here.

Purchased for just $275,000 by its current owner in 1995 it is listed today at $1,070,000 after what seems to be extensive renovations, repairs, care and a devotion to Van der Kar’s original vision for the home.

With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in 1,840 SF it sits back from the street overlooking the reservoir. The 8,451 SF lot is being maximized for true California outdoor living.

 Offered by Barry Gray of Deasy Penner & Partners

Are you in the market for a home?  If so, give me a call at 310-991-3808 or shoot me an email anytime.

MINTZ

Community Theatre

I’ve been a fan of Dan Bern for years. If you are not familiar with his music, I urge you to check him out.  He is an amazingly prolific songwriter possessing an unusual ability to weave comedy into poignant lyrics with a voice & attitude akin to Bob Dylan. Why is this relevant to eastsidedigs?  Because I dig Echo Park, and I now have one more reason to espouse its virtues.

Dan.

I had the rare opportunity this week to sit in a comfortable chair, surrounded by other Dan Bern fans in a room decorated slightly more quirkily than, but in the same vein as, the rec-rooms I recall from the 70s.  The venue was wedged into a commercial space in Echo Park next to a very cool frame store. In this uncanny space, I was treated to an amazing acoustic set, sans amps and mics. Dan performed a few feet away from me with an awesome group called Common Rotation. 

Common Rotation

Being a fan, I get an email every once in a while from Dan’s headquarters alerting me to his concert schedule.  It seems that even though he lives in LA, he doesn’t often play here.  I missed his last performance at the Bootleg, but noticed that he was going to be showing up at this enigmatic venue: The Echo Country Outpost. I arrived early and, to my surprise, found a no-cover, no frills room filled with chairs  and  couches from just as many yard sales.  I was offered a beer at no charge and took my seat.  Where the hell was I?  No line?  No duchey door guy? No cover?  Free beer?  Friendly, engaging people lacking the typical vapid, annoying attitude you might have also have come to expect from our city… Utopia?  No.  Echo Park... If you have the opportunity, go see a show here.

It was in incredible evening.  I left the event bolstered by a feeling that there is an unusual sense of community developing in EP.  Once known for its roughhewn edges, it’s now considered one of the up-and-coming hoods in our city.  Gone are the days when you would only go to Echo Park to see a baseball game and then just as quickly get the hell out!

Echo Park: It’s not just for baseball anymore!  Now you can push your stroller down the street, see live music for free, eat well and feel safe.  I was at The Echo a few Sundays ago... during the day!  There were several decent bands performing... and young children running through the crowd.  


If you are in the market to buy and haven’t considered Echo Park, you might be surprised by the steadily increasing home prices.  Take a walk on Sunset near Alvarado on any night of the week.  The energy is palpable.  The feeling of community is growing.  The neighborhood is alive and vibrant!  Don’t be surprised if you get back in your car and think, “hey… I want to live here!”

As for Dan Bern, Common Rotation and the Echo Country Outpost, put them all on your to-do list. 

Of course if you want to add Echo Park to your home search, I can help you with that!  Give me a call or email anytime! (310) 991-3808

MINTZ

Great new crop of houses were open today on Caravan...

Inventory is definitely picking up on the East Side!  There were some spectacular properties on Caravan today.  It was great to be able to tour so many wonderful homes in one day.  The highlights for me were:

3434 Waverly Dr.

4 Bedrooms. 2.5 Bathrooms. $1,345,000

A storybook country manor nestled into the hillside.

This house has many special moments among it's many twists and turns.

2448 Glendower Ave.

3 Bedrooms. 4 Bathrooms. $3,429,000

Massive Mid Century compound in Los Feliz behind gates and up a long winding drive.

 

This house is like a time capsule. Not updated and yet doesn't need it!

 

This kitchen is often emulated today.

3896 Clayton Ave.

5 Bedrooms. 3.5 Bathrooms. $1,268,000

Epic views abound!

 

2373 Kenilworth Ave.

3 Bedrooms. 2 Bathrooms. $1,049,000

Mid Century Modern above the street and over the lake!

1957 Rockford Rd.

3 Bedrooms. 3 Bathrooms. $1,399,000

I wrote about this house last week.  Finally got to see it inside.

Amazing opportunity to own a rare Silver Lake Gem.

1124 Echo Park Ave.

3 Bedrooms. 2.5 Bathrooms. $679,000

New construction utilizing the small lot subdivision. Great space. Both the interior and exterior have been executed aesthetically with aplomb. Look out for the precarious stairs that are way too short, way too steep and lack a banister.

If you want to see any of these houses for yourself, let me know!

MINTZ

464 pages. 1 Architect. Beautiful book.

Taschen has assembled an incredible retrospective of Richard Neutra's work.  It's HUGE!  I almost missed my movie last night at the Arclight.  I did go there to see a movie after all... not to read a book!

If you have a coffee table in need of some style, pick it up (if you can).

Buy it at Amazon: Click Here

Spanish For "Wood"

Hitting the market this week is the best Atwater property I've seen all year!  Okay, so the year is only 12 days old... but still... GREAT HOUSE!

If you are looking for a totally "done," move in ready, exceptionally,  and tastefully renovated Atwater bungalow, you will definitely want this house.  The pictures tell the story.  If you want to see it, let me know.  Act quickly because it won't last long.

2 Bedrooms. 1 Bathroom. Huge, 6,750 SF flat lot. Built in 1923. Renovated in 2010.  Asking $599,000.

email me if you are interested:

MINTZ

Ivy League

Perched on a hilltop with intimate canyon views, this Echo Park bungalow took the prize today. It is priced perfectly at $599K but will likely sell for more as inventory is low and properties of this caliber are far and few between. There are a few recent comps within 1/2 mile in the $630k-$640K range.

For a house in the hills, the terraced yard is surprisingly expansive with mature foliage and much sought after seclusion, a covered patio and charming pathways. The home features updated systems mixed with 1920s charm. A wall of windows maximizes the view of the canyon beyond. Even though it was an overcast, gloomy day, the home was filled with light.

This house will sell quickly, so if you are interested in seeing it, you will have to act quickly!

Let me know! See This Echo Park Home In Person!

2126 Princeton Ave.

2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathrooms

1,224 SF

6,350 SF Lot

Built in 1928

Asking: $599,000

Do you regret not getting into Berkeley?

Well now you can!  And it’s only going to cost you $788,000.  But don’t expect a diploma. Up for sale this week is an amazing home, perfect for either a freshmen homebuyer or those who have graduated to the next level.  This unique property can be used for many purposes:

·      2 separate houses (one to live in and the other to signify the beginning of your new career as a landlord)

·      A compound for your mini-militia

·      A house so close to your office, you can walk to work in your slippers

·      A great way to keep your Mother-In-Law at arm’s (or in this case: yard’s) length

2419 Berkeley represents the best that the East Side has to offer.  For the price of admission, you get a meticulously maintained California bungalow, set back and way above the street for optimal privacy, plus a second 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow, equally as quaint and purposefully restored as the main house. Between the two is a mini-sanctuary replete with sustainable landscaping and relaxing serenity.

Upon entering the charming 2+2 it is clear that although built in 1924, it has been optimized for modern living.  With a great flow and a warm, inviting aura, one can’t help falling in love with the place.

One attribute I find particularly compelling about this property is that although there is a bit of a walk up the stairs to the front door, it will only be your guests who have to suffer the minor workout.  The garage is accessed from an alleyway on the same level as the houses themselves.  Thus, the property is very secure, and private; a safe haven in the midst of this cruel city.

This home will sell quickly.  Let me know if you want to see it! www.mintzre.com

2419 Berkeley  Ave.

2 Bedrooms + 2 Bathrooms

1 Bathroom + 1 Bathroom

1,260 SF

7,971 SF Lot

Built in 1924

Asking: $788,000

Afraid Of Heights?

According to the ancient Greeks, the Elysian Fields were the final resting place for the souls of heroes and the virtuous. Elysian Heights in Echo Park, however has existed eternally for the living. Having been home to many notorious animate souls since the hills were settled in the teens, the area has been a refuge for artists, political radicals, architects, filmmakers and writers. Will that tradition continue with you. Do you have what it takes to live in Elysian Heights? Are you that hip?

If you want to find out, then I want to show you a great house that was on Caravan today. Not only was it special from a location, amenity, and usable land standpoint, but it comes with a very cool history as well. The house was built in 1910 and sat comfortably in the flats for decades. But, like many of us Angelinos, this house spent its days, longingly looking up at the twinkling lights of the hills above Los Angeles; year after year wishing for a more grandiose existence. Well, the house got its wish in 1952 when it was literally moved to its current address at 1917 Baxter St., high atop the city on one of LA's landmark streets. Baxter certainly puts the "heights" in Elysian Heights!

Having been lovingly updated, the home comes replete with a hip, urban vibe that pays homage to the neighborhood and the house’s venerable roots. It is quaint, adorable and ready for you to move in! It has a flat lot with an amazing backyard and if you can believe it… a pool! Priced right at $649K, some very wise hipster will snatch up this wonderful enclave before you can say, “did I put my parking brake on?”

If you want to see it, let me know! www.mintzre.com

1917 Baxter St.

2 Bedrooms

1 Bathroom

1,260 SF

7,550 SF Lot

Built in 1910 then moved in 1952

Asking: $649,000