A follow up to my post about the new 710 Fwy expansion plans (see below). I think the words of Pasadena City Councilman Victor Gordo sum it up best, as he says of the CalTrans proposal: “If someone were trying to fail more miserably, they couldn’t have done it.” You can read LA Times reporter Adolfo Flores’ coverage of the rancorous meeting here.
KPCC reported this morning that the long simmering and oft-debated 710 Freeway expansion proposal is back in the spotlight, with a new set of “options” that include an above-ground route through one of my all-time favorite neighborhoods — the serenely beautiful San Rafael section of Pasadena(!) Needless to say, homeowners are not amused. The idea of extending the 710 has been on the launchpad for what seems like forever, and whether you’re a resident of Pas, South Pas, San Marino, La Canada-Flintridge, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Alhambra (phew, did I leave anyone out?) you are likely in the crosshairs of at least one of these above-or-below-ground proposals (see above map).
Obviously the when, where and if of this thing could have significant impact on you and the value of your home. To learn more, head over to tonight’s event at the Pasadena Convention Center, where at 6:30 PM the Pasadena City Council will discuss the 710 expansion proposal and open the floor to what I expect will be a vociferous public.
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Map courtesy of the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans).
I like these two, both new to the market this week in the happening northeast LA neighborhood of Eagle Rock. Good houses and I think they’re well priced too, offering value along with style.
Here’s the first house, originally built 1925 but now completely redone with architectural flare. It has views, a pool (!) and check out the interior…
A lot of custom work here, with updated systems throughout and tons of light. It’s an easy walk to the shops/dining of Colorado Blvd and is in the Dahlia School District. This one won’t last, so if you want to see it get in touch with me here.
This second house is a contemporary floor-to-ceiling redo, originally built in 1960. It has panoramic views off the deck and indoor-outdoor flow that many buyers covet.
Open floor plan, sleek design — and a detached office/studio/creative space. Pretty much everything’s new and updated and my guess is that this house will see plenty of interested buyers.
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House #1 listing courtesy of Grant Linscott, Keller-Williams Realty, Los Feliz
House #2 listing courtesy of Robert Carey, Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, Pasadena
I’m a huge fan of the Hayden Tract in Culver City and advise anyone who loves innovative, modern architecture to go check it out. Here’s a great way to do it: on Saturday, 8/18 there will be a panel discussion and self-guided walking tour of this massive and inspiring collection of structures that architect Eric Own Moss has been creating over the past 25 years.
From the SAH/SCC website: “We begin with a dialogue with developers Frederick and Laurie Samitaur-Smith, whose visionary belief in the transformative power of architecture, art and design has revitalized a forlorn industrial area, creating a bustling community for creative workers.”
The event is $29 for SAH/SCC members, $55 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Includes refreshments. More info can be found here.
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Photo of the Hayden Tract / Samitaur Tower courtesy of the Society of Architectural Historians Southern California Chapter website.
Joe Light has an article in the WSJonline today titled “Is the Real Estate Rebound for Real?” Happily his findings are yes, at least according to Warren Buffet and a host of portfolio managers who are bullish for r/e related holdings. The article cites a key indicator in our trade where we look at the inventory of new, single-family homes. Six months is a tipping point — meaning — if the number of available homes could be sold in less than six months, that tells us we’re in a strong market (the opposite being true if it would take more than six months to sell those homes). So the skies in the big housing picture continue to brighten and local inventory remains low. Some of you sellers out there might be waiting to see a bit more “upside” before bringing your property to market. However I will caution that if interest rates rise (as they did this past week, slightly) then the time to sell your house is now, in this market where sellers are rare and buyers plentiful.
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Photo of the Kentfield Hillside Residence courtesy of Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects and Arch Daily
It’s a funny thing about San Marino. For some of my clients this quiet, leafy neighbor to Pasadena and South Pas is the only place they want to live. Yet for others, the little city that hosts the Huntington Library & Gardens is entirely off their radar. So consider this character-filled, 1930 two-level Spanish home. At $1.3 million, it’s not in everyone’s price range. But add top-notch public schools through 12th Grade to the equation and I’d say that anyone who has kids or is planning on having them should consider what this house — and San Marino — have to offer.
There are original details, modern updates, and high-end appliances in a remodeled kitchen. Great outdoor spaces, too. But let’s get back to the schools. San Marino Unified is a small district with just two elementary, one middle, and one high school, all ranked among the very best in the state. They get major support from the community, have tons of parental involvement and — yep. Amazing test scores. So think of it this way…
PRIVATE SCHOOL: $18K/year (average) x 13 years (K-12) = $234,000
SAN MARINO UNIFIED: $0/year x 13 years = $0
And that’s just for one child. Say you have two kids — or more. My advice is, call me. It will be my pleasure to give you a first-hand tour of Pasadena’s beautiful and sophisticated neighbor, San Marino.
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Listing courtesy of Janice Lee, Prudential California Realty
Spacious Silver Lake Architectural with Views.
Offered at: $849,000
Status: Sold
Type: Single Family Home / Bedrooms: 3 / Baths: 3
Living Area: 2,607 Square Ft. / Lot Size: 4,617 Square Ft.
Architectural. Modern. Sexy. Come enjoy the expansive views from this wonderful Silver Lake home featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The master suite is located on its own level with a private balcony, large bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen is equipped with top of the line appliances. There is a fourth bonus room which can be used as a bedroom, home gym or office. All rooms are filled with natural sunlight and are generously sized. The main systems are updated, making it an easy home to care for. And it’s close to markets, shops, the Reservoir, the Meadow, Gingergrass, and Silver Lake Wine!
Here’s a winner, I love the look and the price seems right. The enduring popularity of Spanish architecture will certainly help move this home quickly, especially given that it has modern updates along with original period details — and a great Franklin Hills location.
Two levels, two fireplaces, a deck, redone kitchen with Viking appliances, detached garage, sweeping views… you sold yet? I am. Give me a shout and we’ll go take a look.
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Listing courtesy of Carol Stewart, Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Los Feliz