We have all picked up numerous new hobbies over the past year and a half. For those who picked up photography or love a good history lesson, this is the blog post for you. Some of the most famous, historic, and photogenic Los Angeles landmarks happen to be in our very own neighborhood.
Exploring Los Angeles Landmarks Around Upper Ivy Apartments
Sony Pictures Studios
Culver City has been known as “The Heart of Screenland” since 1936, largely due to Sony Pictures Studios. Sony today has produced a handful of blockbuster films, including the Spider-Man films, American Hustle, and The Da Vinci Code. One of the most influential films of all time, The Wizard of Oz, was filmed on the lot back when it was the MGM lot. In 2012 Sony Studios unveiled a Rainbow public art installation paying homage to the film. In addition to the Rainbow statue, the front entrances of Sony Pictures Studios are very photogenic.
Helms Bakery District
A short walk away from your luxury apartments in Culver City is Helms Bakery District. Today this historical destination is home to award-winning restaurants and a unique collection of design and home furnishings stores. Before all that, Helms Bakery was a family-owned operation that supplied and delivered residents with freshly baked bread for four decades! Helms produced award-winning bread and won the first gold medal for bread at the 1934 California State Fair. However, the most notable achievement is that months before the bakery closed, Helms Bakeries supplied Apollo 11 with its life-sustaining bread, thus becoming the “first bread on the moon.”
The Kirk Douglas Theatre
The film industry landmarks continue outside your Culver City apartments at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. It was built in 1946 and was originally called the Culver Theatre. During the classic Hollywood era, it played a crucial role in the entertainment community. Today, it operates as a performing arts center and playhouse. If you are big on taking nighttime shots, especially neon signs, you will love the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
The Culver Hotel
Also in our very own downtown Culver City is the famous Culver Hotel. The Culver Hotel was once home to all the Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz while the film was in production. Currently, it is a boutique hotel with a roaring 20’s themed speakeasy called The Velvet Lounge.
Exploring Los Angeles Landmarks Around Upper Ivy Apartments
As you can see, when you are living in Culver City, you are neighbors with many celebrated Los Angeles landmarks. Some new artwork is in the works as well. The MOVE Culver City project will connect Downtown Culver City with the Metro E-Line station and the Arts District by creating mobility (bus & bike) lanes in both directions on Culver Boulevard and Washington Boulevard. Artwork throughout the Metro E-Line will be incorporated. What will make the artwork so unique is that MOVE is inviting community members to choose what that artwork will be. Click here to take the survey and learn more. There are tons more that we will cover in the future on this blog. Until then, have a blast living in history at Upper Ivy apartments for rent.
