DayTrippin'

For those of you thinking about moving to LA and those of you already here... it is a great city to live in for the access to the surrounding multitude of activities and adventures provided by living here. There are many day trips to take advantage of.

This past Saturday, after completing a move-in inspection, I hit the road at 1 pm. Drove 40 minutes north on the freeway and exited to the back country roads. Took myself through beautiful mountains and pastures to Ojai, a quaint town with some wonderful shops and a TOTALLY laid back atmosphere. Back in the truck, around Lake Casitas and up to Santa Barbara, after a quick stop in Summerland to check out the antique shops. A early, delicious supper sitting outdoors on State Street in Santa Barbara. A stroll afterwards just taking in the lushness of Santa Barbara. Back in the truck again to head home with a pit stop in Ventura, to give my good friend, Eric a smooch and a hug. Onward down Pacific Coast Highway and back within the environs of the Gaylord by 9 pm.

Go south to San Diego, east to Palm Springs and the desert or hit the slopes in the local mountains still. All within a few hours drive. Or hit the beaches from the South Bay to Malibu. Just get out there and experience the various lifestyles afforded by living in Southern California!

Tricky Dick's Place

... or as you may know him more formerly as, the 36th President of the United States, Richard M. Nixon. For a time, before he became President, Richard Nixon stayed in the Gaylord. The unit he lived in will soon becoming available! A magnificent TWO BEDROOM with original architectural details.

Live within the CLOAK & DAGGER infused dwelling of one our most talked about presidents! A great conversation starter for that housewarming party you will surely have.

More Glorious Detail in Our Lobby...

Imagine the warm glow we will receive once complete and the cast iron and brass details are waxed up to a beautiful finish. (Like sun on your face.)

Seeing the Difference...

After decades and layers of ridiculous concealing paint the intricate details are slowly revealing themselves. In these before and after photos you can now see what a gem we are living within. (Though I believe most of you living here already thought so.)

Taking Advantage...

... of Gaylord In-House Promotions.

Residents,

Our esteemed Kenny Lyon is soon to be rewarded with not one but *TWO* $150.00 Rent Credits for getting associates to move into the Gaylord this April.

Let's see which individual tenant can surpass Kenny's tally and possibly get THREE units rented. This is a great way to give yourself some rent relief in these tough times.

The competition begins...NOW!

New Dash of Color!

If you are strolling along the Kenmore Avenue side of the Gaylord, take a moment to stop and enjoy all the new impatiens planted along the sidewalk. A bright spot of color to lift your day and spirits.

A Saturday Evening in LA...

So I went and had some more ink done on my chest this evening (how many Property Managers do you know that come out with that comment?), sat for 2.5 hours for it and was in some desperate need of protein (as in meat) afterward. Took myself to Cafe Metropol in the Arts District and had a killer Filet Mignon and a nice glass of wine while listening to a live jazz performance. Doesn't get much better than that.

But let us not forget! The great Petite New York Steak at the Bounty, especially when Tony is working the grill and the jukebox with it's vast array of classic tunes. Put another quarter in.
Enjoy your weekend!

More Good Eats...

Looking for somewhere to eat this weekend? A wonderful spot in the Arts District downtown is Cafe Metropol on E. 3rd St. I have never been disappointed with a meal here and was thinking of taking myself again. A great bistro atmosphere with delicious dishes and live performances. Extensive wine list with wine suggestions for your meal on the menu. Check it out and then go a few blocks over and stroll through nearby Little Tokyo for treasures and good deals.

Exciting News...

More brass inlay was uncovered by Martha today on the cast iron and glass screen! When this restoration project is complete the intricately detailed screen will bring a warmth and glow back to our beautiful lobby. Give Martha some encouraging words and a nod of gratitude as you go by while she is working on this project. More photos to come soon.

A Beautiful Past Revealed & Taking Shape Anew!

Exciting news on the restoration project of the cast iron & glass screen...brass inlay has been uncovered! While working today on stripping the cast iron Martha discovered beautiful brass inlay. A single row of cylindrical discs in brass. This pattern is repeated in several places on the screen. You can now see the depth & warmth this project will bring to our classic lobby once completed. Be sure to stop and look at the details as this project proceeds. It is a learning experience for all.

...another STUNNER.

You really have to live here to appreciate the beauty and scents.
Thanks for the pics Martha!

This weeks beauty of the lobby...

Recent Gaylord Lobby floral arrangement

One of the great amenities at the Gaylord is to come home to the weekly fresh flowers enhancing the lobby.

Another beautiful Gaylord sunset

At Your Fingertips...

Our recent vibrant move-in, CoCo, was just telling me today about her eventful jaunt with her equally vibrant granddaughter, Poppy. (They are quite the pair! Catch them when you can.) They had hopped on the Metro Red Line at the Wilshire & Vermont station and 8 minutes later were unloaded at beautiful Union Station downtown. From there they crossed the street and went to explore Chinatown and Olvera Street.

Remember, these cultural places of interest are all easily accessible from the Gaylord. So in the spirit of CoCo & Poppy...GET OUT THERE AND EXPLORE!

Visual People...

...do you need some inspiration? Check out www.inspirationresource.com. It just might be the kick start you need. No matter what kind of visual you work with it will make something click in your head. The brains behind this wonderful resource...Michelle McCormick. Thank you!

Restoration Project has Begun!

The grandeur of our classic lobby will soon return to its original beauty. Restoration work to the cast iron and glass screen at the front of the lobby has begun. Under the careful guidance of Martha Wilson, the stripping of layers of paint from over the years is in process. Once complete, the natural glow and warmth of the cast iron will be restored back to the way it was meant to be. Keep an eye out for the progress on this exciting project.

"Daze of the Orb"

A week from Saturday, March 13th at midnight, our very own Aaron Potter will have the LA premiere of his film, "Daze of the Orb"! Viewing (Only a $5.00 admission! 21 and over) will be at the iO West Theatre, located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd. This film is 'a wild and crazy musical about a giant orb that comes from space to enslave the minds of humanity.' Mark your calendars and come support and join in on the fun and madness. Hosted by Sam!
west.ioimprov.com

Fun Tidbits...

When the Gaylord opened in 1924, the Los Angeles Times referred to it as 'one of the largest and most pretentious apartment houses in the country.' I do believe our current residents would be proud of that moniker and continue to live up to that standard! Shine on Gaylord!

In early publicity for the Gaylord one finds this ditty, 'Located in the heart of the fashionable Wilshire District of Los Angeles, the Gaylord offers prestige of address at rates in harmony with the times (Still does!). This ultra-modern thirteen-story fire-proof structure faces the beautiful gardens of the Ambassador Hotel (We miss you Ambassador, but are looking forward to the new public park.) on one side and the lofty Sierra Madre Mountains on the other (Still standing majestically there to view.).
Wilshire Boulevard , "The Fifth Avenue of the West," is the main articular (Articular!?! My those were heady times.) from Los Angeles to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Beaches, and is lined with smart shops, cafes, theatres, night clubs, etc.' (Times have changed, but still exciting as ever to get out there and explore.)

I will continue to search for more historical tidbits and bring them your way. ENJOY!

Great Living Accomodations...

The Gaylord has great Bachelor & Single units available at this time. They start at $725.00 for Bachelors and go up to $1200.00/month for the top Singles. Rent does include utilities.
If you would like to be added to our Waiting List for a One Bedroom, please email us at thegaylordlosangeles@yahoo.com or call us at (213) 389-4161.
AND, if you are looking for that special Two Bedroom, we have it for you! Just over 1200 square feet of magnificent living space. Do not miss out on this rare opportunity!

A Good Dinner

I was thinking about where to grab some dinner and it hit me, one of my all time favorites in LA. Angeli Caffe on Melrose (7274) near the corner of Poinsettia. I have been going to this Italian institution of LA since 1990. If you are looking for a good, down home, comfort food, Italian meal take yourself here. I am always inclined to order the risottos because I have never found better anywhere else and it just warms the body & soul. In the early 90's I used to go here for lunch and dinner 3-4 times a week. Then in '94 I had to return to NYC for work, but when I moved back to LA in '98, alas, it was still here and going strong! One mainstay item on the menu, the pollo arosto is also a pleaser. This half roasted chicken with rosemary is just so succulent. And don't forget the warm, wonderful bread you start off with and great wine list. Other than the 80's decor, I find this place low key and relaxing. When you get a chance, listen to chef/owner, Evan Kleiman's food show on KCRW. Go take yourself out!

A Very Special Day

Today, March 1st, 2010, is the 75th birthday for our delightful tenant, Doris. Doris has been residing with us here at the Gaylord for 15 years now and always ready with a quick laugh.
Have a Very Happy Birthday Doris! Enjoy your day.