Now for my personal favorite building, the Villa Carlotta apartments at 5959 Franklin Ave. I lived there when I was a student at FIDM in 1975-76. I absolutely fell in love with the building and all of its historical charm which is still in tact because it has never been "modernized".
Villa Carlotta was built in 1926 as residences for the staff of the Chateau Elysee, which is catty corner from the Carlotta. It very quickly became a popular residence for Hollywood newbies when they first moved to the area. Former residents have included George Cukor, Adolphe Menjou, Louella Parsons (who lived there for many years), Edward G. Robinson, Marion Davies and David O. Selznick.
Many of the furnishings, currently in the lobby and public areas, are from 20th Century Fox movie sets.
Villa Carlotta 1945 (LA Herald Examiner)
A very close friend of mine recently moved in to the Villa Carlotta and took the following pictures of the building. Still as gorgeous as ever!!!
Exterior 2011
Entrance viewed from the lobby
Lobby 2011
Even the mailboxes are stylin'
Someday, when I finally retire, I'm going to move back to the Carlotta!!!
