Architectural Cases

In the densely populated landscape of Los Angeles, discovering an undeveloped parcel of land without a significant past is indeed a rarity. However, a particular half-acre site, offering views of the Silver Lake Reservoir, is steeped in a captivating history. This land was once the estate of Julian Eltinge, a renowned vaudeville artist celebrated for his convincing female impersonations. His remarkable ability to portray women led him to become one of the highest-paid entertainers of the 1920s. Eltinge's legacy is deeply intertwined with the LGBTQ+ history of Silver Lake, a neighborhood that also served as the birthplace of the Mattachine Society in 1950 and a focal point for queer activism.

Eltinge constructed a grand, castle-inspired Spanish Revival residence on a commanding hilltop in 1918, complementing it with an elaborate "Andalusian garden" below. This formal garden featured an octagonal fountain feeding into a rectangular pool, culminating at a classical pergola. After Eltinge's career waned during the Great Depression and his passing in 1941, the property was eventually acquired by Charles Knill, who diligently preserved its historical integrity and Eltinge's memorabilia. In 2015, real estate developer and interior architect Scott Boxenbaum, keen on a water-view lot, initiated negotiations with Knill. A key condition of the sale was Boxenbaum's commitment to restoring the garden, which had suffered significant degradation over the decades. The lengthy negotiations ultimately resulted in a successful acquisition and a vision for the property's future.

Boxenbaum enlisted Takashi Yanai of Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects, known for his work on Boxenbaum's parents' home. While admiring Yanai's modern aesthetic, Boxenbaum desired a distinct, dark-hued structure that would harmoniously blend with the environment, echoing the "gravitas and tranquility" he admired in Japanese architecture. A crucial aspect of the design was creating a pet-friendly environment, humorously dubbed a "very large doghouse" by Boxenbaum's spouse, Ruth Pierich. The 4,500-square-foot house features second-story windows angled to maximize reservoir views, custom dark-gray cinder blocks creating geometric textures, and charred wood siding treated with the Japanese shou sugi ban technique. Yanai’s design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, with a large sliding glass wall on the first floor and terraces reminiscent of Japanese engawa. Landscape architects Jenny Jones and Diego Lopez of Terremoto were tasked with revitalizing the garden. Recognizing the impossibility of an exact historical recreation due to hillside erosion, they drew inspiration from the original design while incorporating contemporary ecological principles. The decorative pool was transformed into a poppy planter to conserve water, and native plants were reintroduced, fostering a thriving ecosystem that now attracts diverse wildlife, transforming the property into an impromptu nature preserve. This project masterfully blends historical respect with innovative design and environmental consciousness, resulting in a unique and inspiring living space.

This ambitious project exemplifies the profound impact of thoughtful design and restoration. By honoring the past while embracing modern innovation and ecological principles, a property can be transformed into a vibrant and sustainable space. Such endeavors not only breathe new life into historical sites but also foster a deeper connection between human habitation and the natural world, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and enriching environment for all.

The new FX limited series, 'Love Story,' offers a glimpse into the intimate world of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, chronicling their magnetic romance against the backdrop of 1990s New York City. Production designer Alex DiGerlando and set decorator Lydia Marks meticulously recreated key settings, drawing inspiration from historical accounts and architectural styles of the era. Their work brought to life Calvin Klein's minimalist headquarters, JFK Jr.'s Tribeca loft, Jackie Kennedy's Fifth Avenue residence, and the iconic Kennedy compound, each space reflecting the distinctive aesthetic and personal narratives of this legendary couple.

A significant portion of the series focuses on the iconic Calvin Klein headquarters, where Bessette Kennedy began her career. DiGerlando explains that Klein was a pioneer of 90s minimalism, influencing not only fashion but also workspace design. The team meticulously replicated Klein's office, incorporating elements such as industrial metal shelves and a round marble table designed by Joe D'Urso, known for his high-tech minimalist philosophy. This setting served as a cornerstone for establishing the show's glamorized version of 90s New York, emphasizing a controlled color palette and minimizing visual clutter to reflect a pre-digital era where human interaction and tangible objects held greater significance.

JFK Jr.'s Tribeca loft also presented a unique design challenge. While exterior shots were filmed at the actual 20 North Moore Street building, the interiors were constructed on a soundstage. DiGerlando aimed to elevate the loft's perceived style, moving away from descriptions of it being "fratty" to a more chic aesthetic. The design incorporated concrete countertops, glass bricks, stainless steel, and chrome, reflecting the sleek, modern tastes of the time. The production team delved into real estate listings for apartments in the building, historical cookbooks from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's chef, and even film stills to accurately capture architectural details, such as the subtly scalloped ceiling, while optimizing the layout for storytelling purposes.

Jackie Kennedy's Fifth Avenue apartment was another crucial location that required extensive research. The design team utilized a Sotheby's auction catalog, which documented many of the former First Lady's personal belongings, as a primary resource. While striving for accuracy in the layout, DiGerlando consciously "dialed down" the visual busyness of her actual decor, which was characterized by clashing patterns. The chosen pieces adhered to a specific color palette that complemented the narrative without overwhelming the actors, subtly highlighting the connection between Jackie and Carolyn through shared aesthetic tones.

The Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, a symbol of the family's legacy, was brought to life at a waterfront property in Bellport, Long Island. This location provided both accessibility for the crew and the secluded atmosphere necessary for the storyline. The production team transformed the space by altering wallpaper and furniture to match the distinctive Kennedy aesthetic. Key additions included a flagpole, an entrance gate, and a white pebble driveway, culminating in a complete visual metamorphosis. Although not an exact architectural replica, the chosen setting exuded a stately and romantic quality that perfectly served the show's creative vision, with only the dining room scenes being filmed on a custom-built set due to logistical considerations.

The creative teams behind FX's 'Love Story' meticulously crafted the environments for John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, focusing on a refined 90s minimalist aesthetic. From Calvin Klein's sleek offices to JFK Jr.'s modern Tribeca loft and Jackie Kennedy's elegant Fifth Avenue apartment, every detail was carefully chosen. This commitment extended to the Kennedy compound, where a blend of historical accuracy and design intuition brought a timeless allure to the settings, allowing the series to transport viewers into the personal world of one of the twentieth century's most iconic couples.