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Montecito Apartments
Montecito Apartments, Hollywood, California.JPG
Montecito Apts, 2008
Location 6650 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
Built 1930
Architect H.M. Baruch Corp.; Miller, Marcus P.
Architectural style Art Deco
NRHP reference No. 85001592
Added to NRHP July 18, 1985

The Montecito Apartments is a large apartment building in Hollywood, California, USA. It was built in 1935. The building has a unique zig-zag Art Deco style. Many famous Hollywood stars used to live there. These included actors like James Cagney, Mickey Rooney, and Montgomery Clift. Ronald Reagan also lived there when he first came to Hollywood in 1937. In 1985, the building was changed to provide affordable homes for senior citizens.

Building History and Design

The Montecito Apartments building was finished in 1935. It cost about $1 million to build and had 95 apartments. The building sits on a hill, making it the tallest building in Hollywood. It has a private swimming pool and two underground parking areas. The Montecito is known for its classic Art Deco design. This style includes Mayan influences and windows that look like vertical blinds. In 1946, the building was sold for $600,000. It was sold again in 1954.

Home to Hollywood Stars

The Montecito was a popular place for movie stars to live. Many actors, especially those from New York, stayed there while working in Hollywood. Ronald Reagan lived at the Montecito from June 1937 to late 1938. It was his first home when he moved to Hollywood. Reagan was said to have shared an apartment with Mickey Rooney there. Other famous people who lived at the Montecito include James Cagney, George C. Scott, Montgomery Clift, Geraldine Page, Don Johnson, Sal Mineo, and Ben Vereen.

Becoming Senior Housing

Montecito Apartments, Hollywood
Front view of Montecito Apts.

In 1984, the owners worked with the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and HUD. They got help to fix up the building. The goal was to turn it into 180 apartments for senior citizens who needed affordable housing. In 1988, the Los Angeles Conservancy gave an award to the Montecito. This award was for the great work done on the building's redevelopment project.

Historic Landmark Status

In 1985, the Montecito Apartments building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site. People have called the Montecito "one of the finest examples of the Art Deco style." It is also known for its beautiful design and how well it has been kept. The building is also important because it is a great example of architect Marcus P. Miller's work.

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