I’ve always considered myself extremely knowledgeable when it comes to historic Los Angeles locales. But Ryan Murphy’s latest series, Hollywood, absolutely schooled me on the subject, introducing me to countless architectural marvels and notable spots from decades past. The site that fixated me most was the stunning apartment building where show-biz hopeful Jack Castello (David Corenswet) lived with his wife, Henrietta (Maude Apatow). One look at the coffered ceilings, carved columns, and elaborate stuccowork had me wondering aloud, “Is that place real?” I promptly set out to find the answer to that query and am happy to report back that it is!
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An address number of “1737” was visible on the exterior of Jack’s building in the first episode, “Hurray for Hollywood.” I had a strong hunch the property could be found in Tinseltown, so I did a Google search for “1737,” “apartment building,” and “Hollywood,” and the first result kicked back was for La Leyenda, a historic complex situated at 1737 Whitley Avenue. One look at Street View imagery of the property told me it was the right spot. (As you can see below, a neon sign was also visible in the episode, but, for the life of me, I could not make out what it said, which turned out to be a good thing as the piece was just set dressing put in place solely for the shoot.)
La Leyenda, Spanish for “The Legend,” was designed in 1927 by Leland A. Bryant, the prolific architect who also gifted Los Angeles with the Sunset Tower Hotel, Granville Towers, Harper House, Romanesque Villa Apartments, and Afton Arms.
Initially boasting 59 units, the 6-story Spanish Colonial Revival-style structure is chock-full of ornate detailing including Churrigueresque carvings, wrought iron doors, and the prettiest fire escape I ever did see!
It is stunning!
Those lampposts!
La Leyenda even seems to make rainbows spontaneously appear!
The locale’s carved stucco exterior reminds me quite a bit of The Shelley, aka the Seinfeld apartment building.
During the heyday of Hollywood, such stars as Mary Astor, Bing Crosby, El Brendel, Marie Prevost, Johnny Weissmuller, and Hal LeSueur resided on the premises. In more recent years, Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers called the place home.
Today, the building, Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #817, boasts 66 apartments, a gym, a laundry room, a large garden complete with a fountain, what one listing describes as “movie star closets” (I don’t know what a movie star closet is, but it definitely sounds like something I want!), and the most gorgeous lobby I’ve ever seen!
As soon as I saw Jack walk across the grand space in Hollywood’s first episode, I was smitten! What I wouldn’t give to see that lobby in person! I seriously need to befriend someone who lives there!
Thankfully, the building’s exterior is just as stunning! Surprisingly, it is only shown once on the series, when Henrietta returns home from a day at work to find Jack cooking her dinner in Hollywood’s premiere episode.
Jack and Henrietta’s apartment interior was, I believe, just a set, though one modeled closely upon actual La Leyenda units, one of which you can see photos of here. I am obsessed with all of the vintage tile and built-ins!
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Until next time, Happy Stalking! 
Stalk It: La Leyenda, aka Jack’s apartment from Hollywood, is located at 1737 Whitley Avenue in Hollywood.
