The stilt home is between Cal State Los Angeles and the University of Southern California’s Health … [+] Science Campus.
As California’s fortunes rose and development boomed after World War II, Los Angeles offered a proving ground for new ideas about architecture and design. Reflecting the optimism of the atomic age, the Mid-Century Modernist school of architecture is known for clean lines, geometric shapes, and functional materials with an emphasis on steel, glass, and concrete. One striking variation of the typical modern aesthetic was the stilt home, designed to take advantage of small hilly lots otherwise deemed “unbuildable.”
Seemingly gravity-defying, these homes are built on supporting stilts over which the home seems to float. About 1,500 of these striking houses were built in California during the 1950s and ‘60s, but very few are still standing today.
The home offers unsurpassed views, including the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign.
The listing of one of these unique homes for $1.599 million provides an opportunity to own a piece of LA history. Located in the City Terrace neighborhood, the home was built as a case study for the engineering program at Cal State University, Los Angeles in 1962. In 1995, it served as a shooting location for Michael Mann’s crime drama Heat, starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, considered one of the most influential films of its genre. The property served as the home of Danny Trejo’s character in the film, which the actor has called the favorite role of his career.
The kitchen features hand-fired orange tile, decorative stained glass and a wine refrigerator.
Featuring an expansive 60-foot wooden deck, the home offers sweeping panoramic views that stretch from Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign to downtown LA and all the way to Catalina Island. Multiple sets of sliding glass doors and ample windows showcase the views and bring in lots of natural light. High-beam ceilings, bright white walls and hardwood floors provide a classic style, retaining original mid-century elements.
The 2,000-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The floor plan is perfect for entertaining.
The 2,000-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The primary bathroom is a highlight, with a separate shower, dual-sink vanity and soaking tub. The kitchen has hand-fired orange tile, decorative stained glass plus KitchenAid appliances and a wine refrigerator. Well appointed for entertaining, the home offers a spacious living room area plus a minibar. The .25-acre lot features a putting green, a 200-square-foot enclosed carport studio and a second lower deck and yard. The property combines two parcels and includes the opportunity to construct a second dwelling on the lower level.
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino during the 1995 Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
The stilt home is between Cal State Los Angeles and the University of Southern California’s Health Science Campus. Nearby options for entertainment include the Monterey Park Golf Club and City Terrace County Park. A short commute leads to the bustling entertainment zones of downtown Los Angeles. City Terrace is an up-and-coming East Los Angeles neighborhood known for its numerous murals and Latin American heritage. Not yet popular with celebrities, it is the birthplace of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, according to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
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Los Angeles is undoubtedly home to some of the largest and most impressive properties in the United States, having been host to countless sprawling, luxurious homes over the years. One of the most iconic of these residences is a 4,400-square-foot stilt home located in the city’s Venice district, which recently hit real estate market for a cool $1.6 million.
The home, which has been renovated and partially restored to its mid-century modern glory, may look familiar to movie fans due to its starring role in the 1995 Michael Mann Crime Thriller ‘Heat’. The 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom home, which is currently occupied by actor Val Kilmer, was previously owned by the late ‘Heat’ producer, Arnon Milchan.
Set on pilings 25-feet from the ground, the home offers sweeping views of the city, along with several other unique features, such as its retractable staircase, a sauna, and a ‘floating’ office area with paint-glass walls. The home also offers direct access to a riverfront bike path, making it the perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.
For those looking for an iconically Los Angeles home with a Hollywood twist, this property is the perfect opportunity. With its unusual structures, stylish design, and idyllic location, this stilt home truly is a one of a kind find.
