Studio City's Historic, Hidden Gems

Studio City has some well-known historic landmarks such as the Campo de Cahuenga, Bookstar, the Little Brown Church and the old Studio City Golf and Tennis, now Weddington Golf and Tennis. But the historical spots in town that don't get as many visitors are just as important. Joann Deutch, author of the book "Studio City: A Mile of Style, What's History, What's Gossip," offers up a few of her favorite Studio City landmarks.

Millard Sheets Mural
Chase Bank
12051 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604

One of my favorites, which everyone drives by everyday and does not notice, is the mural on the front of the Chase Bank (originally Security Pacific Savings & Loan). It is a Millard Sheets mural titled "From Prospector to Director." Once you know the title you can decipher the vignettes. The murals were part of the New Deal Arts Project.

Laurelwood Apartments
11833 Laurelwood Drive
Studio City, CA 91604

Studio City is home to buildings created by important mid-century modern architects who designed local homes and buildings for everyday use. Some 50 years later, these buildings are still forward thinking. One which is easily accessible is the Laurelwood Apartments. Designed by Rudolph Schindler, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, offers a glimpse into what ideal apartment living could be when owners are not obsessed with maximizing every inch of space for profit rather than tranquil well-being. Once you've seen this building your curiosity will draw you to take a peek at the post-WWII apartment units -- not buildings – facing the Riverway, on Valley Vista west of Radford Avenue.

CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604

Locals and visitors both think of CBS (CBS Studio Center) on Radford Avenue as a contemporary work place. We forget that this is where it all started with Mack Sennett in 1927 and his vision for a Central Motion Picture District. The lot has been built, rebuilt, and modified over the years, but some things are still the same. Mack Sennett Studio was the first to landscape its lot. When you peek past the main gate at 4024 Radford Avenue you'll still see landscaping. Much of the backlot is still used for location shoots. New York Street was the backdrop for "Seinfeld." Old backlot locations remind us of the familiarity of Spanish Street where the TV series with Guy Williams, as Zorro, was filmed.

St. Saviour's Chapel
Harvard-Westlake School
3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604

And one of the gems of Studio City's history is sequestered. St. Saviour's Chapel is tucked away on the campus of the Harvard-Westlake School. It was dedicated in 1914. Almost 100 years old - time for a birthday party!

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Joann Deutch is the author of the book, "Studio City: A Mile of Style, What's History, What's Gossip."