Los Feliz
From its beginnings as one of the first land grants in California, Los Feliz has enjoyed a rich history.
Founded by the Feliz family in 1830, Col. Griffith J. Griffith acquired 4000 acres of the rancho in 1882, much of which was later bequeathed to the city of Los Angeles as Griffith Park. Los Feliz residents enjoy the close proximity of the park’s many hiking trails, equestrian facilities, recreation areas, playgrounds and of course its historic 1926 carousel and Stinson Military Band Organ, the largest accompanying a carousel on the west coast. The beautiful art deco Griffith Observatory is still admission-free as the Colonel wished it to be, and has been featured in dozens of films, most famously Rebel Without a Cause. The Greek Theatre offers the best in live outdoor concerts every summer.
Tucked in a lovely niche just south of the Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz is particularly rich in Hollywood history. Walt Disney founded his first film studio here, where he drew the first Mickey Mouse images. A larger studio was later built in Los Feliz, as was director D.W. Griffith’s studio, now part of Prospect Studios. The former Monogram Pictures is now home to KCET television. This historic studio produced such early films as the Joan Crawford classic, Johnny Guitar and Hurricane starring Dorothy Lamour, as well as the Charlie Chan films.
Los Feliz boasts a wide cross-section of celebrated California architecture. The gated Laughlin Park area of Los Feliz is home to the magnificent 2-acre Cecil B. DeMille estate as well as several smaller Spanish- and Mediterranean-style early 20th century estates.
Two historic Frank Lloyd Wright houses are located in Los Feliz: Ennis House and the legendary Hollyhock House. Lloyd Wright student Richard Neutra’s Lovell House is also located here. Los Feliz’ meandering streets also display a variety of mid-century California ranch homes, as well as many fabulous new homes.
Los Feliz village provides exciting and rich cultural opportunities right in residents’ back yards.
World-class restaurants, unique shops and happening clubs can be found in the heart of the village, bordered by Hillhurst Avenue, Prospect Avenue, Franklin Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. Just a few blocks further out is Hollywood and all of its cultural, historic and tourist destinations.
Go just a few short miles and you’re in the heart of Beverly Hills, home to some of the best restaurants on the west coast as well as a dizzying array of shopping opportunities. Continue a few miles past Beverly Hills and you’ll find yourself at the beach, enjoying southern California’s legendary surf, sand and sun.
Observatory & James Dean two rebels in common ,Ennis house by Frank Lloyd Wright a daunting large omnipresent edifice not immediately popular with the neighbors. May have been used as the castle of the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz.
