Hollywoodland
(Web site)
What is now known as simply Hollywood, "Hollywood Land" was first developed in the 1920's by developer S.H. Woodruff. The world-renowned sign atop Mt. Lee was decorated with thousands of lights to attract potential homebuyers. The real estate publicity stunt not only attracted buyers but is now the international symbol for the Hollywood film industry. Woodruff envisioned his development to be "one of the showplaces of the world" which it turned out to be.
The 500 acre subdivision houses more than 22,000 homes all between Hollywood itself and the famous Hollywood sign. Present day, the area along Beachwood Drive, from the Hollywood sign to Franklin Avenue is known as Beachwood Canyon. The area has upheld a small town feeling for more than seventy years due to its location. It is close enough to be convenient to the hustle and bustle of the city and secluded enough for one to enjoy serenity and privacy. It is this attainment of both worlds that celebrities and other important persons find Hollywood Land to be so appealing; not to exclude the phenomenal scenic views.
The original concept for Hollywood Land's homes was "beauty." Their designs were made by artistic and thoughtful people who wished to create a sense of uniqueness--a far cry from today's tract homes. Styles range from cottages to castle-like homes, and the architecture features English, French, and Mediterranean styles. The original Hollywood tract office still stands today and is now a realty and commercial office.
Since the forties, residents have built their homes to their liking. In the sixties, when land was cheap, homeowners designed plans for platform homes atop steel stilts. Although it was inexpensive, it was dangerous, and is no longer allowed by the Los Angeles building code. In the eighties, the trend of constructing grand homes that take up the whole lot [known as mansionization] has depleted the spaciousness that was once abundant. This area is now a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone and any plans for change must be submitted to committee for design review.
Various activities are offered in the area. At Sunset Ranch one can go horseback riding along Beachwood Canyon or take the Friday night margarita ride through Griffith Park to a Mexican restaurant and back in four hours. There are six sets of stairs for hiking that were built by European stonemasons. Nearby are the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Bowl, boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Beachwood Canyon is amongst the Los Angeles Unified School District. As for 2003, the Academic Index Scores were: Cheremoya Elementary School scored 693, Le Conte Middle School scored 573, and Hollywood High scored 556, out of a possible 1,000.
Resources & Links:
- Hollywoodland Homeowners Association
- LA Times: "Serene, scenic enclave born in 'Hollywoodland' days"
- Local School Links
- Crime Statistics
- Southern California Home Sale Activity
Los Angeles home sales data, organized by ZIP code. Updated monthly. - LA County Online
- The Los Angeles Times
Online version of the local periodical. - KCRW
National Public Radio station, based at Santa Monica College. - MovieLink/777-FILM
Local movie listings and show times. - ArtScene
Guide to California's museums.
- National Park Search
Great National Parks link. - California State Parks
Highly recommended.
- Yahoo! Neighborhood Profiles
For neighborhood demographics, cost of living and quality of life.