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Video: A Bit of Hollywood History Up for Auction
It's pretty much how it went down at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Crescent Heights: They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot. Once upon a time, The Garden of Allah stood there, and welcomed the rich and famous into its lush landscaping, sparkling pool, and cozy bungalows. Once the private mansion of Alla Nazimova, in 1927 she opened the property as a hotel, and it soon became an exclusive getaway, social hotspot, and the home for many a scandal. The wrecking ball ultimately felled the building after its 1959 farewell soiree. [Read more about the Garden of Allah in our LAistory series.]
Also once upon a time, there used to be a model of the Garden of Allah kept beneath a glass bubble, on display first outside the bank building on the property, which eventually moved inside the bank, and then...disappeared.
But it didn't disappear for good. A few months ago we heard from the friend of the model's owner, and just recently were updated with word the model is being auctioned. They sent us this video showing the model from all angles, even as it is lit up for "nighttime." It's the closest any of us these days will get to what was once a bona fide Hollywood paradise. Hopefully whoever buys it can put it somewhere for all to see. Any buyers?
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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