Why Hollywood’s Most Opulent Hotel Was Demolished: The Garden of Allah

[@oldmoneymansions]

COMMENT: What do you believe should be done with the location of the former Garden of Allah hotel?

[@maxlinder5262]

Rebuild ..the Same building .....😊

[@MartinTurnbull]

A reconstruction of the Garden of Allah Hotel would be nice, but it's too low-density to be economically sound. But given how densely built out the Sunset Strip is now, wouldn't it be nice to have a park / green space / breathing space / GARDEN?

[@corrineagnello4584]

@@oldmoneymansions I think they should build an exact replica and move the Hollywood Heritage foundation to that location. Rent the bungalows out (yeah I know it would be pricy) and it would be a museum. Throw in a Schwab’s pharmacy on the corner ! Yes I know I’m dreaming, but what a wonderful DREAM!

[@corrineagnello4584]

@@oldmoneymansions Rebuild the old Garden of Allah !

[@jessimmersimqueen]

Yes! The whole street is just giant buildings going up up up and out out out to the curb. It is getting incredibly hot in that town. Cement sucks. I want a park too. And arts center!

[@johnbehneman1546]

BRING BACK THE GARDEN OF ALLA!!!!! WITH THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT AND EVERYTHING PERIOD PERFECT!!!!

[@zroy9263]

Considering what the rent would cost, most of it would be vacant in these economically troubled times. Most of modern-day Los Angeles is that way.

[@delftbrown75]

I agree with you, bring back the old Spanish moorish villas with lush trees and turn it back as a luxury enclave

[@A_r78]

Yes and just like the Garden of Allah Keep people of color out !

[@guesswho8562]

I agree I wish they had the historic thoughts to keep things good so we would not lose them

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Bring it back, but why period, why not explanation point.

[@MediaWest]

they paved paradise, and put up a parking lot. thats what joni was singing about...

[@rdbwdc774]

I heard her say in an interview that she was singing about Honolulu... perhaps you should contact her... 😊

[@Linda-pw8gx]

@@rdbwdc774I read that too!

[@jessimmersimqueen]

Joni is singing again! It would be cool to have her sing at an opening of a new hippie heaven park and arts center! She would be so happy. She was so bummed when she came to LA from Canada and it was torn down.

[@TeriLynn923]

Yep!

[@MartinTurnbull]

I've been reading about, researching, and writing about the Garden of Allah for over 15 years, and I have to say that this is one of the more accurate stories posted about the hotel. So big claps to you guys. (And I'm not just saying that I pop up in it a couple of times!)

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thanks, Martin!

[@MDing13]

And your books are awesome Martin! Highly, highly recommend reading them.

[@MartinTurnbull]

@@MDing13 Thank you! I appreciate you saying that very much.

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

It's astounding to me that while I'm watching this video about Hollywood's debaucherous playtime heyday, the Chateau Marmont kept coming to mind; and, to my utter amazement the Chateau Marmont is standing tall right behind the dirt where the Garden of Allah once stood. (20:23)

[@Porsche996driver]

Yes it’s the preservationists vs the developers again. Le Chateau recently went through a major renovation. Quite fun to stop in for an Arnold Palmer. I’ll always remember the building on the day we lost John Belushi. ✨

[@briangriffin4937]

Writer, columnist Sheilah Graham dated F. Scott Fitzgerald when they both lived at The Garden. Her book, “The Garden of Allah,” she spills the tea on all the celebrity shenanigans that occurred during its heyday. Great read.

[@windycitykitty]

thanks for that, I will try to get a copy.

[@waynegruber9122]

​@@windycitykittyonce you find a copy let me know so i can get me a copy of the book.

[@windycitykitty]

@@waynegruber9122 They have it on the InternetArchive - you can read it free if you open a free account. I use the site all the time for various things.

[@BlackCatTarotUSA]

thanks - will check that book out

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

I didn't know much about the hotel, except for the connection to a song by Don Henley. I do remember seeing the mockup at Universal Orlando. After hearing about the hotel and its connection to "Old Hollywood", I guess we all can be grateful for Universal Studios for preserving at least the facade for future generations. Sadly, it is an all too common occurrence seeing historic buildings torn down for the sake of "progress", when, in some cases, buildings were more well-constructed than they are today. There are many sites in my hometown where developers were hell-bent on demolishing old buildings...regardless of historic value....then ultimately not following thru with the project, leaving a gaping wound in the landscape.

[@latricegoodman9769]

So much history of an era so long forgotten it should've been preserved for future generations

[@brucebarnes9638]

Fascinating story about the past. Having been born in LA in 1952 and growing up in the area I have never heard about this piece of history.

[@claymccleery9451]

History and charm are easily destroyed, in the United States. Sadly we are a disposable society...crass and vulgar.

[@singularseeker]

I am going to watch Camille after this again......lovely lovely movie sets

[@johnbehneman1546]

WE NEED PLACES LIKE THIS TO GET AWAY FRON DAILY LIFE. FOR REST AND RELAATION!!!!

[@JoanneKinnally]

I LOVED this video! Keep them coming! ❤️

[@pamelafolger8449]

I'll take Old World Charm over Modern Boxes Everyday!😊❤👍

History doesn't seem to mean much in the Land of Tinseltown. The place is like a Christmas tree. Once the season has passed, it's just simply, discarded.

[@NelsonLopez-d6x]

When I first found out several years ago that the Garden of Allah was on that site, the first thing I thought was tear, the stupid bank and the McDonald’s and that whole strip mall and bring the Garden of Allah back. This was about four years ago. Last year I noticed that it’s an empty lot again and I thought to myself wouldn’t it be nice if one of those rich overseas investors who are investing in LA real estate can bring back the old with a new twist. I’m seeing a lot of new buildings going up with the old nostalgic vibe. Who knows!!!

[@oldmoneymansions]

The owner of this channel lived in LA for many years and used to use the bank there, had no idea of the history until recently!

[@carlfrano6384]

If the Lytton Savings Bank building had been given landmark status, how did it get demolished?

[@corrineagnello4584]

Excellent question !

[@michaelsteven1090]

In California, law means nothing..

[@garypesci746]

Exactly what I thought!

[@donnie2832]

LA demolished their grand hotels (The Garden of Alla and The Ambassador) the same way Las Vegas has demolished its old casinos.

[@garypesci746]

Out with the old, in with the new. That's the idiotic way of thinking. No thought of preserving the past, unfortunately.

[@kristencarlbon4561]

I don’t know why Hollywood destroys everything from the past if I could afford that house, I would’ve kept it the way it was, but people always put up these ugly ass monstrosities, the homes from the 30s and 40s are absolutely gorgeous.

[@PaulB-17]

The actor David Niven was a regular at the Garden. He writes about the goings on there in his autobiographies. That's where I first heard of the Legendary Garden of Allah.

[@eicrusade6161]

In the biography Chaplin's Girl, it mentions Virginia Cherill staying here and having an affair with David Niven there.

[@erikh9991]

I have a friend that is in his 90's and tells me stories about this place when he was young. His father would take his mom and him to visit people his dad knew.

[@michaelsteven1090]

I thought I knew about Hollywood history somewhat, but never heard of the Garden..So much for my thoughts.

[@brianmoore6306]

Loved this video. Such history!

[@darylweinbrandt62]

A shame as the Villas would bring a PRETTY PENNY in these times today ! I personally would have LOVED to of stayed there !

[@JSB1882]

Stories like this make me so sick. I look at the architecture of the cities at the turn of the last century and they looked glorious. It was the 1960s and 1970s when crappy cheap looking buildings took their place - such as the Lytton Bank building.

[@stevesandwichproductions1043]

There are plenty of Hollywood tycoons with enough money to build an exact replica of The Garden of Allah and make it a Co-op or condo property. But, they never want to spend their own money, just like when Spielberg, Scorcese, et al complain that Turner Classic Movies might die, but they won't buy it themselves.

[@Dogeslovepouats]

If you restore and are interested in remnants from the Hotel. I have a metal arch signage from the property. I states "Garden of Allah."

[@bbdc1977-sg8dc]

In 1968, at the age of 22, I worked for "Lytton Savings." I remember the tribute placed where the Garden Of Allah once stood. The Lytton building won many awards for architecture. The Lytton Center was amazing. It was the best place I ever worked, and Bart Lytton was the best boss I ever had. Ironically, THE LYTTON SAVINGS BUILDING SUFFERED THE SAME FUTURE. WHAT A SHAME.

[@WaKincaid]

It was tragic to loose the Garden, I hope however it’s developed , that it will embrace a vibe , and a bar set high back in 1927

[@garyfrancis6193]

Lose

[@demah8655]

I had never heard of this. Very stunning.

[@michaelreis3423]

Yes ! PLEASE bring back the original Moorish/Spanish Archtecture and gardens! perhaps converted as a cuminity space and art center..but with the old Holly wood and Old world glamor and verde !

[@michaelgordon8763]

Our communities ideally should include many layers of its history, buildings, peoples and architecture. The Garden of Allah is a very remarkable place with a memorable history. Ideally, it would be present as much as possible in its past form with inviting public areas, places to eat and drink and spend a few days. I enjoy your historical documentaries. Thank you!

[@johnbehneman1546]

I NEED TO BUY MORE BOOKS ON OLD HOLLYWOOD HOMES AND ARCHITECTURE. I LOVE LEARNING ABOUT HOLLYWOODS PAST.

[@toncraym]

If you like podcasts, check out "you must remember this". She talks alot about old holywood places. It's great!

"King Osirus" ->Great Observation and Reporting.

[@heidicarder5528]

This was very well done ...thank you!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thank you too!

[@Challenger540i]

Site is huge... a few classic 'Bungalows' In period style... an nod to its illustrious past

[@jessimmersimqueen]

Have it host the arts again! Make a tribute park where we can watch films outside at night! Kinda like they did with the cemetery where my ancestors are buried! Trees, shade, community, the arts! Let's do it and have Joni Mitchell perform there!

[@AngstG]

Hollywood Forever cemetery?

[@epicone9255]

Now is the chance for some super rich mogul to rebuild the Garden of Allah in its Original Location!! Doesn't get better! Now THAT would be a great ending with the ultimate twist!

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@shadowfilm7980]

I live in LA. Wonder where on Sunset Blvd this was located? Right now there is a private membership hotel on San Vincente Blvd called, “San Vicente Bungalows”. I’ve been there a few times. It’s very nice. It used to be an old motel. Then someone bought it and spent a lot of money renovating it into the nice place it is today. Mainly film people go there to stay or to hang out. No phone cameras are allowed. For the privacy of their famous guests. They have their own private screening room too which is very nice. About 30 seats inside. Some of my best times in LA have been at the San Vincente Bungalows. It reminds me of this place within this video.

[@lunadaisy223]

8152 Sunset Blvd :)

[@oldmoneymansions]

Across from that mall on Sunset and Crescent Heights, top of the hill

[@dannybeun948]

Gréât documentaire, gréât voice Txs 4 sharing 👌

[@jademoon5103]

What a shame. It’s done nothing but go downhill

[@jomama5186]

It's a shame that they found value in the littleman bank building, but they didn't find even More of a value in that hotel.What a shame

[@loljokes]

Everything that has been built near there in the last few years has been high density. So, my guess would be... Drive-in theater?😋

[@oldmoneymansions]

😂

[@mairim4578]

Build one just like the Garden.

[@keouine]

It's also sad that at Universal Studios Florida the interior of the much smaller copy isn't used as an attraction. I"m not sure about its use. Maybe they do focus groups in it. I wish they'd convert it to a series of rooms displaying exquisite costumes and gowns from movies as it's too small for a ride and they don't need another mediocre restaurant.

[@dallasalice1170]

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

[@debrariccio-dc2sj]

I think they should rebuild it.

[@jayjack2046]

Draft an appealing complex that has hotel and entertainment venues that will bring in revenues and keep it vitalized

[@brober]

The glamorous MacDonalds drive thru was always the place to catch the stars at 1am. This "crucible of creative alchemy" GOA is now a dusty vacant lot.🙄

[@StokedToker]

Did I miss something? The video states the Gardens were demolished in the early '60'a, yet the color videos look very modern.

[@Porsche996driver]

This was all before my time but many Angelenos know the name. 20:24 The Chateau Marmont proudly watches over the history. The world always seems to be in boom and bust cycles. This area will always be vibrant with new dreamers arriving daily. ✨

[@janusconner3710]

Is this the inspiration for that movie with Brad Pitt and Margo Robbie?

[@oldmoneymansions]

Underrated movie

[@jshonert]

Reconstruct the original garden of Allah in every detail

[@garyfrancis6193]

I seem to recall that Allla Nazimova lost ownership ofvthe Garden of Allah and wound up renting a room in the mansion she once owned turned into a hotel.

[@LewdCustomer]

Why was the "Black Sea shaped pool" infamous?

[@JosephGoclowski]

It should be brought back …looking at the mid-century modern monstrosity that was put in its place plus then another regeneration of pretty much the same. It’s quite pathetic. Additionally, it is mind-boggling that everybody had the sumptuous goodbye party to the garden of law and commiserated over it when clearly they could’ve made that purchase and taken care of it themselves… meaning the Hollywood hoop de doos.

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Good history which always is about the people who made it.

[@donfoley1590]

These are Great

[@pjoseph777]

They should rebuild the Garden of Allah but as a tribute to the past. Create a park around the reconstructed museum. A park only open during the day and locked at night. Bring green spaces back

[@misfitmolly8308]

I can't believe they demolished that beautiful, historic community to build that ugly building!

[@richardmcleod1930]

Rebuild the Garden of Allah as closely to the original building as it last stood, as possible. Rebuild the buildings as closely as possible to the original in honor of the Golden Era of Hollywood. It is the least one can do as so much is already gone.

[@jessimmersimqueen]

Its an empty lot right now. All torn down again! I figure they will put a giant multipurpose ugly lego looking building up. That is what they do here. Still love LA but wish I could live in the old version!

[@toastnjam7384]

There's a beautiful model of it on KZbin.

[@VintageVera]

If I had a time machine I would go back to the Garden of Allah.

[@jessimmersimqueen]

A big huge public park and gardens with a pool that the people of LA can use would be cool! We need more trees and nature at that intersection! They won't do it though. That plot of land can host a huge building that goes all the way to the curb and as high as it can legally be in this earth quake prone city. Even a parking lot takes up too much space! They will dig out underground for that I am sure. People don't know this but Native American artifacts and history will be dug up and tossed out I bet. It used to be a garden of eden.

[@jessimmersimqueen]

Responding to myself, but it should not cost too much to plant trees and maybe a swimming pool and some stucco buildings? Make is an oasis because that intersection is concrete city. Too much concrete and black top anywhere is no good for everywhere.

[@jebronlames7789]

Being born in N Hollywood 1962 and escaping Cali in 1990 I can confidently say nothing good will come to that property and I suggest a homeless camp or a Comi training grounds. Seems I lived Cali's last golden days to witness from afar turn into the Golden Turd State. 62 to 90 was paradise tho and grateful to be there, THEN

[@innercynic2784]

It was gaudy. In many ways it looked like just another Hollywood backlot set piece. It had its time and unfortunately something just as contemporary was its replacement. Even Rome built and tore down its history.

[@LindaCarter-m5z]

Yes! I agree. Rebuild it. More modern appliances and furniture. A beautiful new pool. I would certainly go stay there if it came back. They can call it hotel Gala instead of Alla 21:15

[@Be12397]

Marlene and Greta Garbo would NEVER have a deep conversation in the lobby of the Garden. 😂🤦‍♂️

[@Vino-bv5ic]

The commentary here is moronic.

[@oldmoneymansions]

😂

[@PhDrSeuss]

😉😉😉😉😉😉😉

[@cocoaorange1]

So Gloria Stuart was a great cook.

[@cindys1819]

This teaches one thing: prominence doesnt equal or produce class

[@stevenseguro]

The opportunity cost of building something unnecessarily beautiful is just to high. Massive amounts of resources stockpiled by so few insures modern architecture is administered by logarithmic efficiency. A smooth cube or rectangle. Architectural creativity and the consequential community pride has been resolved to a thing of the past.

[@nadia-i1l5h]

(The garden of) Allah is eternal

[@aleegroce4000]

I would love to see some sort of modern recreation, or a museum… but the tricky thing is that it was, in many ways, a product of the times. These creatives and intellectuals were celebrated in their respective fields… I’m sure if they recreated it today, it would be instantly overrun with influencers taking selfies and making content, unfortunately. Unlike the 1920’s, privacy and celebrity rarely go hand in hand in the 2020’s…

[@yuckyool]

The cost of required A.D.A. refurbishments was too high?

[@daniakalaina]

Don’t historic places get a pass?

[@silverstuff182]

Why do you people always do this. Errol Flynn as pictured is not talking to Humphrey Bogart.

[@AngstG]

Would be nice to see what the real estate appraisal 'Highest & Best Use' analysis comes up with, probably another strip mall / shopping center with an 'Amazon Fresh' as the anchor store...

[@cocoaorange1]

Build subsidized housing on the land.

[@John-ls2gp]

"Garden of Allah" song by Don Henely says it all.

[@penny1186]

How did they fit all of that on just more than 2 acres. I have 2.75 acres and my 2,000 square foot home is small and just fits with little room for much else than some outbuildings and a very small pool.

[@justlosefocus]

I’m her great great great nephew

[@Linda-pw8gx]

Hollywood has clue as to what is historical, it’s a shame

[@Vino-bv5ic]

Recreate the Garden of Allah !!

[@Curlyblonde]

How disappointing. Beautiful Spanish styled buildings with much history destroyed for a forgettable, ugly, industrial, proletariat box bank building that did not fit in with surrounding architecture. Bank building looked like something you would find in Eastern Europe. Modern style is not always an improvement.

[@reneediehl2943]

Build another garden of alloy!

[@gabriellebernard198]

It wasnt a true hotel . It rented bungalos. And Garbo and Dietrich never met.

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

I know another Ukrainian woman named Alla.

[@cathypeterson2420]

I belive off the cuff each artist should render a hotel building reminiscent of 50s kitchen route 66 style to roaring twenties glamor and 30s swanky and extravagance in face if America's Poverty .also the earliest 60s to 1962 .to me end of a romantic America or a Sweeter Onr with towards Wars and Fears and Political S and wealthiest Evil plans .for everybody ekse.so that's my idea anew hotel but with each one different and a pool and a actual movie set to make movies for A group of real indecent movie makers .

[@justinswingle4714]

ALLAH SHOULD BE DEVELOPED INTO A PUBLIC PARK THAT REFERENCES OLD HOLLYWOOD IN SOME MANNNER.

"King Osirus" ->You Need To Be Developed Into a Park Son? The->[Sahara Desert]

[@violetsprings470]

Not heartbreaking

[@george5590]

has Farr has hotels go , ?nothing new really

[@bobbyspapercraft]

Disgusting

[@brober]

🤣

[@carlo6230]

THE NAME IS A TOTAL TURN OFF..

[@oldmoneymansions]

😂