History of Studio City's Street Names

Each day as I drive up and down the beautiful, tree-lined streets in Studio City —one of the most sought-after real estate markets in Los Angeles— Ventura Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Blvd., Tujunga Ave., Moorpark St., Colfax Ave. and even smaller thoroughfares like Dilling St., I often wonder about the street names themselves. Who chose them? And why?

As a Studio City real estate agent, I’ve learned that these historic street names often influence property values, especially in neighborhoods like the Silver Triangle, Longridge Estates, and Fryman Canyon. People, in general, love a good story! So, I started seriously looking into the origin of street names in the area, and I realized that they are more than just markers – they’re like chapters of a living history book. Each street name has its own story from days past that incorporates historical figures (politicians, developers and early settlers), geographical features (mountains, valleys, or trees), and culture influence (Hollywood or its notable celebrities). Thus, I’ve further discovered that Studio City and our neighborhood residents are folded into an ever-changing, community-focused, all-encompassing narrative.

With that in mind, I decided to diligently delve deeper. I wanted to know who, what, where, when and why: Who lived here first? What was important to the community? How did the city expand over time, especially with the incorporation of the “Hollywood” scene?

Here are some of my favorite storied street names in Studio City – and some of the history behind them.

Bakman Ave.: The Bakman family – German-born widow Dollie and her six kids – were a farming clan from Ohio who came to Toluca in the 1880s. Two of Dollie’s sons, Fred and Daniel Bakman were some of the first students at Lankershim Elementary School, later becoming land developers. Years later, Norma Jean Baker attended 6th grade at Lankershim, winning awards for track and field. (This, of course, was well-before she was later known as Marilyn Monroe.) Dan was a partner at the Bank of Lankershim and a driving force behind the creation of Riverside Drive (which is so named for obvious reasons). Bakman Avenue was created in 1924. ¹ ²

Carpenter Ave.: Carpenter Avenue started out as Carpenter Street on a 1922 tract co-owned by Hugh and Lizzie Carpenter just south of Ventura Blvd. The Carpenters owned a large chunk of the foothills southeast of Ventura and Laurel Canyon boulevards with their old friends, Charles and Pearl Hamilton. ¹

Coldwater Canyon Avenue: Coldwater Canyon Ave. is named after the Coldwater Canyon (or Cañada de las Aguas Frias), which was known for its freshwater springs. The canyon provided vital water resources to early settlers and helped sustain the growing community. Early residents found superb fishing with the streams full of magnificent, speckled trout. Imagine that! Coldwater Canyon Ave runs north from Mulholland Drive to Roscoe Blvd., where it terminates. South of Mulholland, the street is known as Coldwater Canyon Drive. ¹ ³ ⁴

Colfax Avenue.: Originally named Eucalyptus Street, when the city of Los Angeles annexed the San Fernando Valley in 1915, the street name had to be changed. This is because Los Angeles already had Eucalyptus Street. Colfax Avenue is named after Schuyler Colfax, a prominent 19th-century politician. Colfax served as the Speaker of the House during Abraham Lincoln's presidency and later as Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant. His name became associated with various places across the U.S. following his notable tour of the Old West in 1865, where he sought opportunities to support the country's post-Civil War reconstruction efforts. Much like the Los Angeles Dodgers, I’m originally from Brooklyn NY so I, personally, think it would be more appropriate if we called it Koufax Avenue. Maybe that’s just me! ¹

Dilling Street: This name can be traced back to George W. Dilling. Roy Lichty was a real estate agent in Sunnyside Washington in the early 1920s and he later partnered in the field of real estate development with two former Seattle mayors. Partnering with George W. Dilling, one of those former mayors of Seattle, to form the real estate development form of Dilling & Lichty in Los Angeles around 1924. The Lichty’s moved to San Diego in 1925 and later, Dilling also constructed several homes in Talmadge Park. The street is also known for being the filming location of the iconic "Brady Bunch House," at 11222 Dilling Street (photo below). While the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the house's exterior became a symbol of mid-century suburban charm. ⁵

Fryman Road: Named for Harry Fryman. Harmon C Fryman (Harry) was born in Ohio in 1876 and moved to Los Angeles in 1893. He rose to prominence in LA working in the hotel/hospitality business. He started out as a bell boy Mount Lowe Hotel, later becoming the manager. After his time there, he managed many other ventures until 1905 when he built and owned Hotel Hayward. “Parallel to his success at Hotel Hayward, Fryman managed and invested in a number of real estate ventures in the metropolitan Los Angeles area. Fryman Ranch, located in the area near Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive, was often rented as a location for silent films. Photographs that depict filming in the Fryman Ranch area include production stills for The Tower of Lies (1925), Annie Laurie (1927), The Enemy (1927), The Cossacks (1928), and an unidentified western.” ⁶ Gee willikers… Fryman Canyon Hiking trail is actually in Wilacre Park FYI (not Fryman Canyon Park).

Hollyglenn Place: The exact origin of the name Hollyglenn for Hollyglenn Place isn’t definitively documented. However, it’s possible that the name combines “holly” referencing the holly-like toyon plant native to California and “glen,” a term for a small, secluded valley. The name “Hollywood,” for example, is believed to have been inspired by the toyon plant, also known as “California Holly” that grew abundantly in the region. ¹

Klump Ave.: William Klump was one of North Hollywood’s most prominent citizens. Born in Michigan to German immigrants, Klump was in Los Angeles by 1890, where he had a farm south of city limits. He and his wife, Maggie, moved to Toluca; he grew apricots, peaches, and walnuts. In 1910, he was named a director at the Bank of Lankershim. The former Winifred Ave. was rechristened Klump Ave. in 1924.¹ Klump, in 1926, built a spectacular Spanish Revival Estate Home at 4352 Forman Avenue in neighboring Toluca Lake. This estate property is currently listed on the market for a cool $5,695,000.

Laurel Canyon Boulevard: Almost everyone has heard of the storied Laurel Canyon. I mean, 1960s Rock N Roll, right? The name of the boulevard comes from the name of the canyon which is originally named for the California Bay Laurel Oak Trees that were once abundant and contributed greatly to the canyon’s picturesque natural beauty. The boulevard has been a significant route for travelers and has also been home to many musicians and artists over the years. So many Hollywood stories about this famed canyon! The long, flat section of Laurel Canyon Blvd. in the San Fernando Valley was originally known as Pacoima Avenue until 1929. ¹ ⁷

Longridge Ave.: Formerly known as Alysmae Avenue, it was renamed in 1937 on the Longridge Estates tract laid out on an old cattle ranch belonging to banker Willis Douglas Longyear; the “Long” comes from his surname. He came to Los Angeles in 1889 and soon joined Security Savings Bank – later called Security-First National – as a bookkeeper. He ascended to its vice presidency in 1917. Despite his Valley ties, he and his wife Ida lived on Wilshire Boulevard from 1907 until 1925, when they moved to Beverly Drive. ¹ Longridge Avenue is just east of my office and is partially located in Studio City and partially located in Sherman Oaks.

Maxwellton Road: David G. "Uncle Dave" Maxwell and his wife, Mary, moved their herd of over 160 cattle from Waterloo, Iowa, to Los Angeles, purchasing a 263-acre dairy farm intended as a "livestock showplace." The surrounding area of the Valley was experiencing rapid development, a trend that became increasingly evident to the Maxwells. In 1922, they sold their cattle and, the following year, subdivided their property, naming Maxwellton Road in the process. ¹ Maxwellton is a beautiful, tree-lined street located in the Silver Triangle neighborhood of Studio City. This highly coveted pocket is a favorite among buyers looking for Studio City homes for sale with character and history.

Mullholland Drive: One of Los Angeles’ most iconic and scenic thoroughfares, tracing the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains with panoramic views of the city, the San Fernando Valley, and beyond. Originally laid out in 1922 as Mulholland Highway and renamed Mulholland Drive in 1939, parts of the original dirt road remain unpaved to this day, a reminder of its rustic beginnings. The road is named after William Mulholland (1855–1935), an Irish immigrant who rose from humble beginnings as a ditch cleaner to become the visionary behind the Los Angeles Aqueduct—an engineering feat that secured the city’s water supply and enabled its explosive growth. His work on the Aqueduct, along with the Mulholland Dam and Lake Hollywood, cemented his legacy in shaping modern Los Angeles. Over the decades, Mulholland Drive has also become synonymous with celebrity glamour and Hollywood mystique. Legendary stars like Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty, and Bruce Willis once called it home, and actor Jack Nicholson continues to reside there today. Nearby homes in the hills and canyons offer stunning views, attracting buyers searching for Studio City luxury homes and hillside estates. You can, as Tom Petty put it, “glide down over Mulholland…” right into Studio City. ¹ ⁶ ⁷

Radford Avenue: Previously known as Plater Avenue, the street was renamed Radford Avenue in 1917, most likely in tribute to Joseph D. Radford (1857–1918), a prominent civic figure in early Los Angeles. Radford held vice president roles at both the German-American Savings Bank and the Hibernian Savings Bank, positions that connected him with influential circles throughout the city. In 1913, he played a key role as chair of the grand opening ceremony for the Los Angeles Aqueduct—an event that reportedly drew a crowd of 40,000 spectators. He also served as the city's playground commissioner and organized the 1917 Fourth of July festivities. Later that same year, after Radford suffered a stroke, the mayor honored him by naming a local campground after him. ¹ On Radford Avenue in Studio City you will find CBS Studio Center A/K/A Radford Studio Center. This is where Mack Sennett, a silent film producer and director, came to the San Fernando Valley and opened his new movie studio back in May of 1928, setting in motion the birth of the Studio City neighborhood! ⁸

Tujunga Avenue: Named after the nearby Tujunga Wash, Tujunga Avenue takes its title from a natural watercourse that has long been vital to the region’s ecological and historical landscape. The word "Tujunga" is derived from a Native American term meaning "old woman" or "mother," symbolizing the life-giving and sustaining nature of the wash’s waters. The avenue stands as a reminder of how essential natural resources were to the growth and development of the surrounding communities. ¹

Van Noord Avenue: Johannes “John” Van Noord, a Dutch-born dairy farmer from Haarlem, Netherlands, spent only a brief period living in the San Fernando Valley. Around 1912, he left his wife and children behind and moved to California, initially settling in the town of Sherman—what we now know as West Hollywood. In 1918, Van Noord married Josephine Molenaar, a fellow Dutch immigrant. By 1921, the couple had established a home and working dairy ranch along what was then known as Diaz Avenue—now Coldwater Canyon—where they maintained a herd of 70 cows. ¹ My office, Ken Sisson - Coldwell Banker is located at the intersection of this street (Van Noord Avenue) and the street below (Ventura Boulevard).

Ventura Boulevard: Ventura Boulevard, now one of the most recognizable streets in Los Angeles, has its origins rooted in California’s early mission history. Its name is derived from Saint Bonaventure, a 13th-century Franciscan theologian who was canonized in 1482. In 1782, Father Junípero Serra established Mission San Buenaventura on Easter Sunday, naming it in honor of the saint. The settlement that grew around the mission eventually became known simply as Ventura.

Decades before the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) was built in 1959, the boulevard already served as a key passage through the San Fernando Valley. In fact, it’s recognized as the oldest continuously used thoroughfare in the Valley. Originally part of the Spanish El Camino Real, the historic route connecting California’s chain of missions, it was first called Camino de las Vírgenes, then later known as Ventura Road. By the early 20th century, locals had begun casually referring to it as Ventura Boulevard, a name that became official on October 30, 1916. That same year, a trend of naming east-west streets after Ventura County towns took hold—cementing the boulevard’s lasting significance in both the cultural and geographic identity of the region. ¹ ⁷

Studio City is Such a Great Neighborhood!

(and a Great Place to Own a Home!)

Whether you're hoping to buy a home in Studio City, or considering when to sell your Studio City property, understanding the area’s unique history can help you make confident, informed decisions. I'm an expert Studio City Real Estate Agent knowing every square inch of the neighborhood and I'm at your service to help you with your local Real Estate needs. My office at Ken Sisson - Coldwell Banker Realty is at 12930 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604-2200 – right in the heart of the neighborhood. I’m located on Ventura Blvd., just east of Van Noord Ave. and west of Coldwater Canyon Avenue. Not only do I know the streets in and out – I can now proudly say that I know their history. And YOU can too!

As a trusted Studio City real estate expert, I’m here to help you navigate the market—whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or just curious about your Studio City home's value.

The Website LAStreetNames.com was an amazing resource in learning all of this information. I highly recommend checking it out if you have curiosity about other street names or the history of the street names of other areas or neighborhoods in Los Angeles