Tucked away in a corner of the lot at historic Hollywood Center Studios sits a 1,200 square foot, wood-frame structure known as Bungalow A. The building has everything a film or television production company might want in an office structure: a suite of executive offices, a large common room, a kitchen, private courtyards and decks, ample parking, high-speed internet and round-the-clock security. Bungalow A also comes with something few other office rentals in the area can match: a lofty spot in Hollywood history. During the 1920s, Bungalow A served as the home base for actor Harold Lloyd, arguably the biggest star of the era.
The site, which in the years since Lloyd’s departure has hosted a number of other Hollywood “titans,” recently became available to lease for the first time in more than a decade. That has created a unique opportunity for someone seeking to rub elbows with the ghosts of Hollywood’s past.
“Our Bungalows rarely become available,” said Hollywood Center Studios’ J.L. Singer. “They’re comfortable and charming and a lot of people are drawn to the atmosphere of the lot. Bungalow A offers the added attraction of its connection to Harold Lloyd.”
Lloyd rose to fame in the 1910s while starring in popular one- and two-reel comedies for producer Hal Roach. In the 1920s, the actor shifted his focus to five-reelers—feature length films—and formed his own production company. He set up shop at what was then called Hollywood Metropolitan Studios with his production offices located in the building that later became Bungalow A.
Lloyd’s first production in his new home was the screwball comedy Girl Shy, which appeared in theaters in 1924. Some call it Lloyd’s best film. He went on to produce several other films on the lot, including The Freshman, The Kid Brother and Speedy, all huge hits.
An avid handball player, Lloyd had a court built on the lot so that he could play between takes. That court was constructed by modifying a building directly in front of the east end of Stage 4. In the 1990s, that building was beginning to fall in on itself and had to be torn down, suggesting that its modification was somewhat aggressive.
Singer expects Bungalow A to draw a lot of interest and not only for its historic connections. Many film and television companies like the convenience of having their offices on a working production lot. Hollywood Center Studios also bends over backwards to accommodate its tenants. “It’s a great place to call home,” said Singer.
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