Posted in December 2009 …
Temples of the Mind at LACMA
Emily Lacy’s performance “Temples of the Mind” at the Japanese Pavilion at LACMA, which was followed by Machine Project’s “A Machine Project Field Guide to LACMA” book release party.
Bret Thoeny, AIA – Palm Springs, CA
The Thoeny Residence, 2008: the architect’s own home. With more than just a tip of the hat to the now famous mid-century modernist Palm Springs aesthetic, Thoeny has incorporated revivalist elements into a new program for desert luxury living. The two story residence is sited to capture distant mountain views across the city and valley, and is set well back from the street behind the parking court. The scale of the living spaces, quality and attention to detail throughout the residence will satisfy even the most sophisticated, and demanding. The property continues to be impeccably maintained, even while offered at significantly less than replacement costs. Includes 4 bedroosm, 4.5 baths, office, pool, patios and gardens.
The Millard House (La Miniatura), 1923
Recognized by Wright as the earliest ‘Usonian’ house, La Miniatura is also the first residence to utilize Wright’s highly inventive textile block building system. The Millard House is internationally recognized as one of the world?s most important works of architecture. Now, following a multi-year restoration, the complex offers one of the most romantic, and creative living spaces anywhere. Sited on nearly an acre of gardens within the Prospect Historic District of Pasadena, the residence and studio include: 4 bedrooms, and 4 baths, 2 kitchens, living room, formal dining room, and semi-attached garages. The Millard House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Historic Lubken Ranch
First offering in 50 years: Lubken Ranch is a 759 acre paradise at the foot of Mount Whitney with priceless water rights the L.A. Department of Water and Power never managed to acquire (remember the movie Chinatown?).
Sited within what architect Richard Neutra proclaimed to be the greatest expanse of free open space he’d witnessed since the Gobi Desert, Lubken Ranch is today a working cattle ranch with rich possibilities for future creative development (Western Sagaponac?). Satellite views show the ranch to be an oasis of green within the vast panoramic landscape. With uncounted miles of surrounding land owned by the BLM and DWP, the feeling on the land is as if you own your own National Park.
Improvements include water systems, corrals, a 4 bedroom 3 bath ranch house, outbuildings, and the old Pheasant Hunting Clubhouse now converted to living quarters. The ranch is an easy 3 hour drive from Los Angeles. There is a 60′ wide 4,000 foot airport runway at an elevation of 3,680 feet just 5 minutes from Lubken Ranch. Reduced from a local broker’s price of over $20 million dollars, the Ranch now represents a unique and viable investment opportunity in land, water, and scenic beauty.
