We ‘heart’ Garden Apartments.

Every year the Los Angeles Conservancy organizes a special tour that focuses on one topic. This year it is Garden Apartments.  This was a difficult tour to organize since we were visiting three locations that are far apart, from the Valley to Venice to mid-city – Baldwin Hills. I decided to pay my money and simply go on the tour.

First stop, right in my back yard, Chase Knolls in Sherman Oaks.  I have driven by this complex for over 20 years and have never set foot inside. It was very surprising how quiet and pastoral I felt once on the grounds.The concept of Garden Apartments came about during WWII, a need to build quick housing  both during the war and after. Have the buildings set in a lovely park setting with common green space for the residents to enjoy.It works very well here, the trees have matured, the knoll, is lovely.This complex has a road on the exterior with parking away from the actual units. They also have laundry rooms. A few years ago the owner wanted to tear this down and build a much denser apartment complex. The Conservancy and the residents fought back and now a new owner is in place. The building were repainted in the original pastel colors. The apartments upgraded and are very pleasant.

Then it was a long drive down to Venice to a much larger complex, Lincoln Village.  This was my least favorite. Streets run through the complex, although there is greenery between the buildings, there is not a lot of common space.Also, not a lot of big mature trees, I guess they just weren’t part of the landscaping design. If this picture looks like the buildings in Chase Knoll it’s because they had the same team of architects.The old clothes lines getting good use, I think someone may have ridden their bike down to the beachA number of years ago the owners illegally tore down 8 of the buildings, after a long legal battle, Aimco bought the property and probably saw the tax benefits of maintaing the old buildings while erecting new ones. Here you can see how the new is different but fits in with the feel of the old buildings.  Streets run through the whole complex, so there isn’t that pastoral feeling.This is the largest public area, there are bbqs along the perimeter, but no tall trees. It’s hard to see but there are dog frisbees on the grass, so dog owners do come out here. Another new addition is a pool, a gym and a community room.Public rooftop atop the community room.Nice new modern kitchens in the apartments.   I’m glad that this complex was saved and even had upgrades, so now it is a place close to the beach for many new residents.

On to the third and my favorite garden apartment. The Village Green in Baldwin Hills.There are a number of big differences,  very big open public spaces and this complex went Condo 30 years ago, so the residents really really care about their homes.I saw many parents with young babies. I understand that the community has a lot of activities together as well.I LOVE these  big mature trees.

We were able to visit three homes, not model homes like the other locations.  They  were all very different and wonderful. People also personalize their outdoor space. A local resident.

So for any Los Angeles residents, go to the Conservancy website and check out the tours, this is a wonderful way to learn about the city.