Sometimes, little pieces of the city are filled in for you, in ways both surprising and revelatory. For example, from time to time I spied people pulling over near the Figueroa exit of the 134 east, but I never imagined that there was an entire community recreation center and park behind the stand of pines along the edge of the road there. But then, had I ever had occasion to turn right instead of left at that stoplight? If I had, I would have seen the entrance and parking lot for the building. Perhaps I would have even noticed it was designed by Richard J. Neutra.
Well, that’s not entirely correct. His son, Dion, is credited for the structure, which was built in 1953. Still, how could I have missed this place, directly under my nose? That’s what this city is like, people. I mean, seriously. The neighborhood just got bigger, over the course of one morning.
I checked out the public bathrooms, on the left side of the building as you see it above. They had clearly been retrofitted: terrifying beige chain link cordoned off the space; it looked like a prison cell. But the floor was beautiful! Just another reminder of how use/function/need change over time.
In an older photograph I saw, the “terra cotta”-painted brick was white in color, which, you can probably imagine, looked far chicer. (Besides, painting brick the color of brick? Don’t get it. Perhaps it was an attempt to “unify” the disparate materials?)
Aside from the typical clean lines and planar convergences/divergences, the building seems notable for its literally transformative elements: walls that are doors, converting indoor spaces to outdoor, etc. I do wonder if this likely central aspect of the building’s original function is still made use of today. An old banner advertising concerts in the park indicated it was a possibility. The off-white wall behind it folds back to create a stage, and the lawn in front is on a slope, creating a kind of minimalist amphitheater.
Finally, a peek inside — a Sunday game with the boys. The clerestory is beautiful, and I love all the old wood. Still, the place looks like it could use a little restorative love. Do they use the indoor stage ever? I will have to keep tabs on this place… oh yes, and it’s official name: Eagle Rock Playground Clubhouse.
