Showing posts with label Chateau la Martine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chateau la Martine. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Koreatown Love. (part 2)

Hotel Normandie, Korea Town
Per my last post, Korea Town is a fantastic destination for exploration in Los Angeles.  But in order to enjoy the neighborhood's vast wonders, you've gotta be willing to get out of your car and walk around.  If you do, you will be rewarded by discovering an infinite number of exotic dining options, delightful tea/coffee houses, affordable spas, intriguing skincare boutiques, and even the odd indoor driving range. But today's post is all about the magnificent historic architecture that generously peppers the area. It would take several week's time to cover the entire 3-square-mile area on foot, but here's a taste of what I glimpsed while walking the perimeter of only 6 blocks earlier this week:

Located At 6th Street and Kenmore, The Chapman Market was the country's first drive-through market when it opened in 1929.  Today, magnificent Spanish revival structure is home to a handful of local businesses.

Named for Henry Gaylord Wilshire, one of the most prominent real estate moguls of his time (and namesake of Wilshire Boulevard), The Gaylord Apartments is an iconic  landmark from the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond.  Built in 1924 as a hotel, the iconic building was strategically located across from the famed Ambassador Hotel and is said to have hosted John Barrymore, Richard Nixon and numerous stars of stage and screen. While the building has undoubtedly seen better days, the storied history maintains its cache for modern day residents.