Programatic architecture

The 1920s were an interesting time for architecture in Los Angeles.  We had homes built to look like they came straight out of fairytales and we had businesses that were built to represent what was being sold there. Programatic Architecture, came about with the proliferation of cars, a small sign in the window was no longer good enough. One needed to be big, bright and brash so the faster moving traffic on street would stop.  Most of these establishments were places that sold food or drink.Built at the tail end of this style, the Idle Hour Cafe on Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood.  Built to look like a Whiskey barrel,  the Idle Hour functioned as a cafe and bar for 30 years. By the 1970s it was bought and turned into a Flamenco Dinner theater. Notice that windows were added to the barrel as well as an outdoor patio.  The owner lived in a small apartment upstairs. She stayed there after the restaurant closed.  When she left preservationists jumped in and did all they could to save this icon.Thankfully, they succeeded. Renewed, refurbished and once again using it’s original name. Btw, 4822 Lankershim looks like it survived the years as well.The upstairs windows are gone, the barrel in intact again.The original door with it’s stained glass window and brass fittings.It is a little too dark inside for many photos. Here is the restored ceiling of the whiskey barrel along with another of the stained glass barrels. There are a number of them here. The walls have old time photos of this location and other programatic buildings.

There is more out in the back.A reproduction of the Bulldog Cafe, which used to stand on Washington Blvd.  This room can be rented for private parties. Holds up to 15 people,otherwise if not occupied it is part of the general seating.I snuck around the back and lucked to find the back gate open. This gives you a better idea of the size of this pipe smoking bulldog.

I love seeing old buildings saved and put to use again, I like it better when it is right in my own neighborhood. Oh and the food and drinks were both great, I highly recommend a visit.