A WHIMSICAL BUILDING’S REHAB

A whimsical building’s rehab. Several years ago our office was in a building on Wilshire in Beverly Hills playfully known as “the Wedding Cake building”. It was built in 1962 by Edward Durell Stone and known by several names, including Perpetual Savings and Loan and Pacific Mercantile Bank. It was rumored to have been influenced by a neoclassical building in Italy commissioned by Benito Mussolini (now the headquarters of the fashion house Fendi). In the 2000’s, the building was well past its glory days and was in need of some serious rehab. Long gone was the stunning Bertoia Sunburst sculptor adorning the exterior fountain. An L.A. Times article last year enlightened us that it has gone thru a restoration by @montalbaarchitects. We’re thrilled to share some Then and Now pix with you.

Photo and Video credit: © 2022 Estate of Harry Bertoia
Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York,  Kevin Scott, LA Times Article by Carolina A Miranda @cmonstah.


FRIENDS OF MODERN LIVING LA | Nico Santos and Zeke Smith

We asked our friends to pick a part of LA (and surrounding areas), and tell us their 5 favorite things to do there
Please Enjoy Their Responses:

Zeke Smith and Nico Santos

1. Studio City Farmer’s Market – I love coming here every Sunday. I get my produce, artisanal jams and what not, plants and flowers AND a variety of yummy foods to snack on…what’s not to love?

2. Serra – My favorite dispensary in LA! She cute, she got great selection and product, staff is awesome. I love that it feels like a supes bougie boutique when you walk in but without the attitude.

3. Republique – the line for Brunch can be cray but it’s def worth it. We just want to live inside that pastry case and eat our way out. 

4. Zak – while you’re waiting for your table at BadMaash or Jon & Vinny’s over on Fairfax, do some optical shopping at Zak next door! They got an amazing selection of funky designer frames plus their own house line! 

5. Jackalope Pottery and Plants – Looking for some new house plants and some great planters to put them in? This place got what you need! They have an amazing selection, plus a super friendly and knowledgeable staff. 


Whether Mid Century ArchitecturalSpanishLuxury, or Classic Los Angeles design, MODERN LIVING LA is here to guide you home. Follow us on Instagram @modernlivingla | Call 310.622.0312 or email Brian Courville.

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