A Merry Night...

Here are just a few of the Gaylord residents who made their way down to our annual Christmas Party for the tenants, last night. Background music was subtlety & perfectly provided on piano by our very own Dan and the festive spread by the HMS Bounty was enjoyed by all (especially the sweets). Thanks for the photo Myesha.

As everyone departs for their holiday destinations or welcomes loved ones into their homes, may you all have safe journeys & enjoy the spirit of the season.

MERRY JINGLE!  

Jingle Bells...

Gaylord Residents, don't forget...

Wednesday, December 19th

6:00- 10:00PM

The Gaylord Christmas Party

with music provided by our very own

Daniel Bruinooge

catered by the HMS Bounty

Come & Enjoy & Be Merry!

("Sunset Through the Gaylord Christmas Wreath," photo by Myesha Coleman)

We Have Now Been...

... Festooned! Thanks to our Jules & Olivia who took upon the laborious task of untangling a multitude of holiday light strands. The tree & Gaylord lobby are now ready for a festive Christmas. Folks, come on by and take a peek to get yourself into the holiday spirit (especially at night when it just glows). Have a Merry!

Shall We Festoon...

Gaylord Residents, your Christmas Party will take place this year on Wednesday, December 19th, from 6-10:00pm. Come on down and enjoy the company of your fellow tenants and a festive spread catered by the HMS Bounty. The xmas tree should be fully festooned by then!

The Magic Has Begun...

Our Santa's elves, Jules & Olivia have begun adorning the holiday joy in our stately Gaylord lobby, so... it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The xmas tree should be arriving very soon for the finishing touch. Enjoy the holiday season.

Yes, I Know...

Yes, I know it has been over one month since the last posting, but no apartments have become available and we have otherwise been busy.

The photos above were taken this past weekend up in Big Bear. It was a Winter Wonderland. With the temperature at 31 degrees at 3 o'clock in the afternoon! We realized no chains were required on your tires to go up this past Saturday, so we took advantage of the weather and enjoyed the day in the snow. Coming down from the mountain was another story with the thick fog in the evening and the winding road, you needed to take your time. Nonetheless, well worth the trip.

This upcoming weekend should be another clear one up in Big Bear and after this week's storm hits on Wed/Thursday, there should be even more snow on the ground... so take yourself up and have some fun in the snow & sip a hot chocolate. It only takes an hour and a half to get there.

& Then There is This...

Everybody is sending us this post now. This person isn't even a Gaylord tenant! But, we are loving their appreciation of our "G-lo." Many props to you & thank you!

Happy Halloween...

All photos were taken at the Silverlake Dog Park Halloween Costume Contest on Sunday, Oct 28th.

Enjoy the Gaylord Spirits

&

Have a Happy Halloween!

Boulevard Closure, Again...

Coming up this Sunday, October 28th, Wilshire Boulevard will be closed again, from 5:30- 11:30am. The "Rock 'n' Roll" Half Marathon will be taking place. Gaylord residents & neighbors, you may be rudely awakened early on this Sunday morning, as it looks like they will have a live music venue set up across the boulevard (so make sure you put your earplugs in when you go to bed on Saturday night).

Do not have your vehicle parked on Wilshire Boulevard. It will be towed.

Long & Winding Road...

Yesterday, I took a Sunday drive up to Wrightwood to catch a glimpse of some Autumn color. This is near the Mountain High ski area. The drive was beautiful up into the mountains, near the 8,000 feet elevation with temperatures in the mid-50's and lots of people out hiking on this clear, gorgeous day. Wrightwood is only an hour and a half from the Gaylord and a good day trip if you are looking to escape.

Grandeur...

Not too long after the Ambassador Hotel opened to much fanfare on New Year's Day in 1921, The Barcelona Apartment House (above) was proposed to be constructed on the 3440-3460 block of Wilshire Boulevard, one block west from the future Gaylord and where a rose nursery once flourished. The Barcelona was to be a magnificent 12 story co-op apartment house, with 344 high end units, sitting on 10 acres, the entire block.
Just imagine if we could have views of this stately structure everyday, instead of the 3 mid-rise office towers that sit there today (below). It would have definitely changed the dynamic of the neighborhood had it been built and still existed. Should of, could of, would of... ho hum.

A Walk Down History Boulevard...

Here from late 1924, looking south, you see the L-shaped Gaylord near the center of the photo. Notice, there is no rooftop neon or swimming pool in back yet. Across the boulevard & expansive well groomed lawn, on the right, is the large Ambassador Hotel complex. Sitting in the top left corner is the Talmadge Apartments. Notice also, there is no Immanuel Presbyterian Church next to the Talmadge or Brown Derby to the west of the Gaylord yet. Just empty fields & residential houses. My how the boulevard has grown up!

and the Art Keeps Coming...

Folks, this coming weekend, the bi-annual Brewery Artwalk takes place, near downtown L.A. The Brewery is considered one of the oldest & largest artist colonies in the world. More than 100 artists will be opening their studio doors to the public to come and explore, discover & buy art. This place is like a treasure hunt & maze all wrapped up in one and you never know what you will find around the next corner.
For more info go to, breweryartwalk.com.

The Weekend Abounds...

If you're in need of something to do this weekend, tomorrow, Saturday, Oct 6th, from 12-6pm, the Culver City Art Walk takes place. Nearly 30 galleries along LaCienega & Washington Blvds, all the way down to the historic Helms Bakery will participate in this event. This is a thriving art gallery scene with lots to view. For more info, go to culvercityartsdistrict.com/artwalk.
...and for Sunday, it's the monthly Flea Market at Pasadena City College. Go early to get the best finds. So, have a fun weekend exploring & discovering!

Now Completed...

***RENTED**There, on the 5th floor, right side, is an AVAILABLE Single unit, 550 sq ft, east facing, $1500/month, now complete.***RENTED***

And don't forget, coming AVAILABLE;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 5th floor, 720 sq ft, north facing, $1900/month, for October 12th.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 12th floor, 550 sq ft, east facing, $1580/month, for October 26th.***RENTED***

ALL CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED (photo of the Gaylord from 1922).

Sunday was Funday...

Thousands came out yesterday to celebrate the Centennial of the Los Angeles Philharmonic with CicLAvia. The day long event along Wilshire Blvd was a festive atmosphere, beginning with being woken up by the Roosevelt High Mariachi Band performing directly across the street from the Gaylord at 8:30am! I know our tenants were not prepared for that. There were all sorts of musical performances along the entire route and later in the day I saw many of our tenants out on their bikes participating. There should be more of these events to bring together Community!

HUGE...

Folks, this Sunday, Sept 30th, a HUGE event will be taking place along Wilshire Boulevard and other area streets... the Centennial celebration of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 100 years! It all starts at Walt Disney Concert Hall and in partnership with CicLAvia, from 7am- 6pm, Wilshire Blvd will be closed on this day to vehicular traffic from Grand Avenue, downtown, and as the route passes by our Gaylord to Western Avenue, it will then meander it's way to the Hollywood Bowl (please see map) for a free concert with Gustavo Dudamel, Herbie Hancock & others.

There will be live performances taking place all along this route as you stroll or ride your bike. One of the bands performing will be the Dustbowl Revival band, which a number of years ago gave a rousing, spectacular performance in our Gaylord lobby that surely woke up the spirits, as well as our tenants from their afternoon naps. So get out there on Sunday and enjoy this wonderful event celebrating our LA Phil!

Attention: DO NOT PARK ON WILSHIRE, starting at 1:00am. Your car will be towed as they prepare for this HUGE event.

For more info, go to laphil.com/celebratela and ciclavia.org.

Throwback Wednesday...

Here from the 1930's, looking east along Wilshire Boulevard is the Chateau La Martine apartment building (left), on Normandie. Today, the view of the Chateau is blocked by the Line Hotel. Behind the Wilshire Christian Church you can see the KFAC radio towers and just to the right is the Auburn/Cord dealership. Those familiar with cars know that Auburn/Cord were high end automobiles at the time. The dealership building is now the home for the Consulate of Indonesia. And on the far right side is our Gaylord.

Mid- Late October...

Here, we have the Brown Derby, from the 1950's, with the imposing Gaylord next door and the Evanston in view, behind on the left. The London Shop, a men's store, was located in the space now occupied by EyeMax Optical store on the ground floor of the Gaylord.

Whoever approved the strip mall construction where the original Brown Derby once stood should have a firm talking to for completely obliterating the views our tenants in units #202 & #302 had at one time, looking west. Just utterly shameful.

AVAILABLE for mid-late October;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 5th floor, 720 sq ft, north facing with views of the "HOLLYWOOD" sign & Griffith Observatory, $1900/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 12th floor, 550 sq ft, east facing, $1580/month.***RENTED***

Moving Parts...

Are you in the mood for something "trippy"? Here's a format for a play I have not seen before and our Mary is an Associate Director on this work. Performances begin this Thursday, Sept 27th and run through Oct 6th, at LACC Theatre. For more info and to get tickets, go to theatreacademy.lacitycollege.edu. Go and take yourself for a car trip! It's nearby.

Go Saturday...

Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept 22nd from 4-10pm, the Frogtown Artwalk takes place and the event is free!

Now folks, Frogtown is not some section of Disney's Toontown, where frogs & toads have created their own animated, self-contained & self-governed society, so don't get confused, but it is one of Los Angeles pocket neighborhoods along the L.A. river. Over recent years, Frogtown has become a vibrant area of artists & restaurants, so go tomorrow and explore this neighborhood. Who knows, maybe you will see Roger Rabbit! See you there.

For more info on this event go to, www.frogtownarts.com.

Seeing Double...

Am I seeing double?! I know I am certainly doing a double-take.There are two Brown Derby restaurants pictured here in this photo taken in the 1930's (courtesy LIFE magazine). You have the original Brown Derby towards the lower left side and the 2nd Brown Derby sitting at the foot of our Gaylord. I had never realized the two existed at the same time at one point. I always thought the original was demolished and then the 2nd was built to replace it. Who knew?

Next Month...

This is one of my favorite shots with the Gaylord, taken from the rooftop of the Langham, in 1930 (photo courtesy USC Digital Library).

Coming AVAILABLE for early-mid October;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 5th floor, 720 sq ft, north facing with views of the "HOLLYWOOD' sign & Griffith Observatory, $1,900.00/month.***RENTED***

Mid- End of September...

The view from this 12th floor unit in the Gaylord, looking west, could be yours mid- late September.

AVAILABLE mid- late September;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 6th floor, 820 sq ft, south/east corner unit, big, bright, great closets, $1950/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 8th floor, 550 sq ft, east facing, $1550/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 12th floor, 670 sq ft, west facing, inspiring open space, great closets, $1675/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Bachelor unit, 9th floor, 460 sq ft, south facing, $1030/month.***RENTED***

AVAILABLE mid- late October;
 
***RENTED***- Single unit, 12th floor, 550 sq ft, east facing, $1580/month.***RENTED***

Friendly Reminder...

AVAILABLE NOW;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 14th floor (the top!), 820 sq ft, south/east corner with views out to Catalina Island & downtown, bright, spacious, airy, great closets, $2175/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 5th floor, 410 sq ft, north facing with view of Griffith Observatory and overlooking our classic cloverleaf pool & patio area, $1500/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Bachelor unit, 12th floor, 380 sq ft, south facing, $1050/month.***RENTED***

Coming AVAILABLE for mid-September;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 6th floor, 820 sq ft, south/east corner, overlooking Wilshire Blvd, bight, airy, great closets, $1950/month.***RENTED***

All units have concrete floors, 9 ft ceilings.

(above photo, from 1924, the Gaylord lounge which was once part of the grand Gaylord lobby, now occupied by the EyeMax Optical store)

Shredded...

What goes on in Los Angeles, is seen by all. One person's art is another person's obsessive compulsive shredding project, as seen one block from the Gaylord, on Wilshire Blvd between Kenmore & Catalina.

AVAILABLE this weekend;

***RENTED***- Bachelor unit, 12th floor, 380 sq ft, south facing with view out to Catalina Island, $1050/month.***RENTED***

Welcome...

The pineapple, the traditional symbol for "Welcome" and the in full bloom now crepe myrtle trees along the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Parkway median (Wilshire Blvd), in front of the Gaylord, would like to lure you in.

AVAILABLE NOW;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 14th floor (the top!), 820 sq ft, south/east corner with view out to Catalina Island, $2175/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 5th floor, 410 sq ft, north facing with a view of Griffith Observatory, $1500/month.***RENTED***

All That Jazz...

Directly across the street from the Gaylord, on Kenmore and next to the Evanston apartments (pictured in the background, right), stood a bungalow house from 1932 to 1956. This was "The Haig, Dinners & Cocktails," a jazz club. All the big jazz names from this time period performed here. Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Wardell Gray, Dave Brubeck, Cal Tjader, Bobby Short, Lila Leeds and the list goes on (Lila was convicted of marijuana possession with actor Robert Mitchum in 1949). Several live recordings took place here also with many of the jazz greats. Just imagine, at the time, walking over from the Gaylord to hear all of these legends play. What a time that was!

We Love a Parade...

Make your way through the crowds and against the parade route to one of these spacious units at the Gaylord. Both with plenty of closet space.

AVAILABLE for mid-August;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 14th floor (the top!), 820 sq ft, south/east corner with views out to Catalina Island, $2175/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- Single unit, 4th floor, 670 sq ft, west facing overlooking our classic cloverleaf pool, $1500/month.***RENTED***

(Photo from 1948. March of Dimes parade along Wilshire Blvd with the Gaylord, center.)

For Now...

AVAILABLE NOW;

***RENTED***- Single unit, 5th floor, 410 sq ft, north facing with view of Griffith Observatory, $1500/month.***RENTED***

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 2nd floor, north/west corner unit, 740 sq ft, overlooking our classic cloverleaf pool, $1800/month.***RENTED***

V.P.'s & Presidents...

After having served as vice president for Dwight D. Eisenhower and having an unsuccessful bid for president, in 1961, Richard M. Nixon returned to California and took up residence at the Gaylord while his Trousdale Estate home (a tony neighborhood of mid-century modern homes in Beverly Hills) was being built.
It is reported he resided in one of our #02 units, the largest of our One Bedroom units, at over 1000 sq ft, with north, south and west facing views. Which #02 unit is up for debate, as we do not have record and several tenants will claim it is their apartment.

I've Saved it All For You...

In 1948, when the "Gay Room Cocktails & Dancing" was installed in a portion of the Gaylord lobby (where the HMS Bounty is today), the "Buddy Worth Trio and Carol" were the headline performers for the entertainment. "Carol" was the sister of ruggedly handsome & prominent film actor, Robert Mitchum.
If you go to archive.org, you can listen to Buddy play and Carol sing on "I've Saved it All For You" and "Two Lips," both recorded at Jewel Record Co. in Hollywood, Calif. There is also a cute biographical video of Carol up on youtube, from 2008. Just look up "Carol Allen 70th  Birthday Video."

Enter...

...at your own pleasure.

Coming AVAILABLE for early August:

***RENTED***- Single unit, 5th floor, 410 sq ft, north facing (overlooking the pool & patio area and view of Griffith Observatory), $1500/month.***RENTED***

Beat the Summer Heat...

... and dive on in. Coming AVAILABLE for a late July move-in date;

***RENTED***- One Bedroom unit, 2nd floor, 740 sq ft, north/west corner unit, overlooks our classic cloverleaf swimming pool, $1,800.00/month.***RENTED***

In Need of a Smile...

Pictured here is a photo taken by Margaret Chute, in 1929. Margaret was a British journalist & novelist whose work appeared in numerous magazine & newspaper publications in London. In 1926, Margaret resided here at the Gaylord, while on assignment to write about Hollywood.

I found this photo in Taschen's "A Thousand Hounds" and immediately recognized Margaret's name from our Gaylord archives. The pair in the photo were most likely, judging by their exaggerated expressions, some film starlet & trained companion, but unfortunately they were not credited in the book. They remain a mystery, but how perfectly wonderful this photo is!

Happy Hump Day...

Happy 4th of July to all! Enjoy the day & your hobbies.

(pictured above, Gaylord residents from the Gaylord Glimpses in 1926)

Typical Gaylord Day...

This morning in the Gaylord lobby, I find our Kelly with one of his more illustrious friends. These creative types are always so expressive and we welcome them.

Local Merchant...

This past weekend after constant recommendation from our Lana, I finally paid a visit to McManus & Morgan, Inc, over on 7th Street, just west of MacArthur Park, at 2506 W. 7th St. Established in 1923, one year before the Gaylord opened it's doors, this shop has been serving the Los Angeles artistic community for 95 years now. Fine art papers, stationery, used books & lots of good stories from Gary, the owner who has been the proprietor for some 50 years. Next door you will find a "real" printmaking shop called Aardvark Letterpress with a remarkable history also. The building alone these shops are in is a work of art.

After making my purchases on a variety of items, I finally got why Lana kept after me on this one. Go and support your local merchants & explore!

Weekend Event...

Folks, coming up this weekend, KTOWN Night Market returns to the RFK Community Schools campus across the street from the Gaylord.
Starting tomorrow afternoon at 4PM, June 15th and continuing through Saturday evening until 11PM, June 16th.
Plenty of merchandise & food vendors & live music. Get ready for a loud, pulsating & rowdy weekend!
For tickets & more info go to their website at ktownnightmarket.com. Get out there & enjoy!

Glamorous Apartments...

Here's an article, posted yesterday on Curbed LA, which includes our Gaylord and other historic LA apartment buildings. Thank you to Hadley Meares for including us. Enjoy reading!

la.curbed.com/2018/6/7/17382456/glamorous-apartments-for-rent-old-hollywood

Still a Full House...

We have been receiving a lot of inquiries lately, but sorry folks, currently we have no available units or on notice.

Pictured above, is the Gaylord in February 1924, before opening it's doors as one of  L.A.'s first co-ops. At that time, you could have purchased your apartment from $7,850.00 & up! If we had only been around in 1924 (though that was a lot of money back then).

Obstruction...

For those tenants residing on the south facing side of the Gaylord, in today's urbanize.LA report, the wood structure being constructed atop the parking garage across the street from us (pictured above right) will top off at 4 floors for a total of 7 stories. Unfortunately, for those living on the lower floors of the Gaylord this structure now obstructs our historic views of the "Prince" neon sign atop the Windsor apartments building. No completion date was given for this project or the attached office building being converted into apartments.

When the Gaylord is aware of any planned construction that would obstruct our tenant's historic views we will fight the City of Los Angeles Planning Commission on such structures. We've been here for more than 94 years and should be shown some respect. Sadly, this project got past us.

But for the new apartment building still being constructed on the lot north of the Evanston we were able to have the number of floors lowered and made sure the structure increased the number of parking spaces within the structure for its' tenants, so as not to take away much needed street parking from the neighborhood (originally the plans were for a much taller structure with less parking).

If any of you ever become aware of plans for new construction surrounding the Gaylord, let us know.

Fringe...

Folks, coming up this Sunday, June 3rd, as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, our Mary will be directing "Haiku," a one act play that she is also producing. For showtimes and other events taking place during this fun, expansive & outspoken festival, go to their website at hollywoodfringe.org.