photo by: OVER THE TOP the Architectural History of Trousdale Estates Beverly Hills - Facebook page.
photo by: redfin.com
By Caroline Pratt
June 12, 2013
Elvis Presley's former Beverly Hills, California home located in the exclusive subdivision of Trousdale Estates at 1174 Hillcrest Drive is being demolished.
The Facebook page "OVER THE TOP the Architectural History of Trousdale Estates Beverly Hills" announced the very tragic news, and provided the photo seen above. The photo of the demolition notice states the anticipated demolition start date as June 11th. Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville is not sure if the actual demolition began Tuesday, June 11th or if there is still some time left. Since the news broke Elvis fans have telephoned the construction agent, Bart Miller at the construction demolition company. Mr. Miller's secretary has reportedly said the demolition is currently on hold.
The home was sold December 14, 2012 to Hard Rock Cafe Founder, Peter Morton for $9,800,000. Due to Morton's superficial billionaire demeanor and tactics another important piece of Elvis Presley history is now forever gone! Elvis fans knew demolition was likely, as Morton is known for purchasing older estates, and then building a fresh mansion in it's former location.
In 1967 for $400,000 Elvis purchased the stunning French Regency home with spectacular panoramic city to ocean views. The 5,367 sq ft home at 1174 Hillcrest Drive was constructed in 1958 by architect Rex Lotery. The home had four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Elvis, Priscilla, and Lisa Marie enjoyed happy times at Hillcrest from 1967 to 1973. Today much of the exteriors were original from Elvis' time, such as: the entry gates and with its surrounding bricks, the swimming pool, and much of the outward stone decor.
At Hillcrest Drive, Elvis would frequently meet fans at the entry gates, sign autographs and take photo's. The home was also the first California known to Elvis and Priscilla's Daughter, Lisa Marie Presley in her childhood. The house was distinguished among the world of Elvis fans! Even in 2013 fans would still drive by the home to visit the gates and take photo's, while admiring Elvis' former home. By searching the internet you can locate numerous fan candid photos of Elvis enjoying his home and photos of Elvis greeting fans at the entry gates. Many of the candid photo's were taken by Elvis fan, Sandi Miller.
Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville is gutted by the demolition. We wish Peter Morton would have left Elvis' former home alone. Morton's choice to demolish the home is beyond mind blowing! You would think collecting memorabilia from Elvis & other rock star's to decorate his Hard Rock Cafe's would form a special place in his heart to have preserved the home.
We cannot conceivably rescue everything Elvis ever owned or touched, but there is not a reason in the universe for Elvis' Hillcrest Drive to be destroyed! Tragically, wealth takes a strong hold over people and a colossal mansion is what every billionaire desires. :(
article is copyright (c) Caroline Pratt, all rights reserved. For online use: permission is granted with proper credit to "Caroline Pratt - Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville"
June 12, 2013
Elvis Presley's former Beverly Hills, California home located in the exclusive subdivision of Trousdale Estates at 1174 Hillcrest Drive is being demolished.
The Facebook page "OVER THE TOP the Architectural History of Trousdale Estates Beverly Hills" announced the very tragic news, and provided the photo seen above. The photo of the demolition notice states the anticipated demolition start date as June 11th. Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville is not sure if the actual demolition began Tuesday, June 11th or if there is still some time left. Since the news broke Elvis fans have telephoned the construction agent, Bart Miller at the construction demolition company. Mr. Miller's secretary has reportedly said the demolition is currently on hold.
The home was sold December 14, 2012 to Hard Rock Cafe Founder, Peter Morton for $9,800,000. Due to Morton's superficial billionaire demeanor and tactics another important piece of Elvis Presley history is now forever gone! Elvis fans knew demolition was likely, as Morton is known for purchasing older estates, and then building a fresh mansion in it's former location.
In 1967 for $400,000 Elvis purchased the stunning French Regency home with spectacular panoramic city to ocean views. The 5,367 sq ft home at 1174 Hillcrest Drive was constructed in 1958 by architect Rex Lotery. The home had four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Elvis, Priscilla, and Lisa Marie enjoyed happy times at Hillcrest from 1967 to 1973. Today much of the exteriors were original from Elvis' time, such as: the entry gates and with its surrounding bricks, the swimming pool, and much of the outward stone decor.
At Hillcrest Drive, Elvis would frequently meet fans at the entry gates, sign autographs and take photo's. The home was also the first California known to Elvis and Priscilla's Daughter, Lisa Marie Presley in her childhood. The house was distinguished among the world of Elvis fans! Even in 2013 fans would still drive by the home to visit the gates and take photo's, while admiring Elvis' former home. By searching the internet you can locate numerous fan candid photos of Elvis enjoying his home and photos of Elvis greeting fans at the entry gates. Many of the candid photo's were taken by Elvis fan, Sandi Miller.
Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville is gutted by the demolition. We wish Peter Morton would have left Elvis' former home alone. Morton's choice to demolish the home is beyond mind blowing! You would think collecting memorabilia from Elvis & other rock star's to decorate his Hard Rock Cafe's would form a special place in his heart to have preserved the home.
We cannot conceivably rescue everything Elvis ever owned or touched, but there is not a reason in the universe for Elvis' Hillcrest Drive to be destroyed! Tragically, wealth takes a strong hold over people and a colossal mansion is what every billionaire desires. :(
article is copyright (c) Caroline Pratt, all rights reserved. For online use: permission is granted with proper credit to "Caroline Pratt - Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville"
sources: OVER THE TOP the Architectural History of Trousdale Estates Beverly Hills - Facebook page, redfin.com, zillow.com, and Sandi Miller.
*Click thumbnails for larger views*
UPDATE: June 13th
Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville member, Sharon Bernard has granted us permission to share the email response she received from Mr. William Crouch, the Urban Designer of the City of Beverly Hills.
William Crouch also sent Sharon the "Cultural Heritage Commission Report" dating to March 6, 2013 when "1174 Hillcrest Drive" was nominated for inclusion into the Local Register for Historic Resources.
View the document at the provided link:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/1Vv9mjWTZe1_dRVYzf-J317dS6YZtjigcirlKhayIW7XnZyxL_IvUWnj7ghhO/edit
Thank you Sharon for making the contact and allowing Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville to share your email with Mr. William Crouch.
From: William Crouch <wcrouch@beverlyhills.org>
Date: June 13, 2013, 10:58:12 AM EDT
Subject: FW: Former residence of Mr. and Mrs. Elvis Presley
"Thank you for your call regarding the former residence of Mr. and Mrs. Elvis Presley located at 1174 N. Hillcrest Road in Beverly Hills. As I mentioned, this property was recently reviewed for consideration under the City’s Historic Preservation Program. The program is designed to help protect historic buildings in Beverly Hills. The City’s Cultural Heritage Commission reviewed several key criteria and found that the property did not meet the standards needed for a historic designation. One of the key factors in their decision was that the property had gone through too many architectural changes over the years, and therefore had lost most of its ‘original’ architectural integrity. The good news is, the current owners have indicated that they will keep the original property gate in place (along with the numerous written messages from fans) as a way to honor Mr. Presley’s memory."
"I’ve attached the report from the Commission for your review. Please feel free to contact me should you have additional questions."
Warm regards,
Bill Crouch
William R. Crouch AIA, NCARB, AICP, LEED (AP)
Urban Designer
City of Beverly Hills
N. Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90212
RSS Feed
