View of Hollywood from the East Side

Today I had the privilege to tour the historic Barnsdall Park’s Hollyhock House. What a jewel siting in the heart of East Hollywood. As a kid, I played in and around the park but never knew the details and the history behind this significant architectural marvel. I always observed the attention the historical property received from tourists and the locals, however I never knew the details that were tucked away in the peoples’ minds and hearts. Today while attending a children’s art class with my daughter, I met a very personal and wonderful restoration artist who is working on the historic Hollyhock House, Alex Sandoval.

Alex, took the time and effort to speak to me while I was waiting for my daughter to finish her art class. Alex took me inside the hidden treasures of the Hollyhock House and demonstrated the details the infamous Frank Llyod Wright applied to achieve the grand Hollyhock House. Evidently, Frank Lloyd Wright was a thinking and creative mind of the 20^th Century. As an architect and visionary, Wright challenged the very physical and scientific principles of building and reaching unconventional destination in his will of way. For example, the details that he applied to the Hollyhock House can be only felt while observing it from very close. Weather looking at a den setting or an outside wall, everything reconciles in monumental spirit and design that speaks without being asked any questions. Exquisite Artdeco age colors and patterns shape the ceiling that is incorporated into the chimney, flooring patterns boldly shaped to connect with the office desk and the chair.

I left the tour with a taste that only can be experienced in East Hollywood, rich Mayan culture infused into an Artdeco design that has been a home to Los Angeles for nearly one hundred years. According to the published information at the Barnsdall Park, the Hollyhock House will be finally open to the public in a few months. The restoration has been in works for over a decade, although budget has been short to complete III phase of the project but be patient and you will have the opportunity to visit and see it for yourself.

Observing Hollyhock House from economic perspective, over 1 million visitors annually make a pilgrimage to see the Hollyhock House in East Hollywood. In addition to visitors and economic incentives, there are many similar historically significant properties and sites that are hidden gems in the neighborhood.

Please tune in soon, I will keep you posted on similar opportunities to rediscover the past in the present. I would like to share more photos from my visit.