Luxury High-Rise Condo Dubbed “Paparazzi-Proof”
(ABC News Photo Illustration)
A new high-rise under construction in Westwood is taking on the paparazzi — and it just might win.
The Carlyle Residences, a 24-story tower of luxury condominiums, is said to be the first building that is specifically designed to thwart the prying lenses of celebrity photographers.
The property is set to open in 2009 and promises round-the-clock patrols by “Israeli-trained VIP” security guards, sub-terranian parking with private elevators that open directly into apartments and high hedges that shield the swimming pool and yoga lawn.
The developer says the shape of the building itself, a crescent, minimizes views into the Carlyle from neighboring buildings.
Thomas Elliott, chief operating officer for Elad Properties West, said the company was responding to complaints from celebrities and elected leaders about aggressive tabloid photographers.
“We are reaching out to the Hollywood community to do what we can to ensure their safety and security,” he said.
Condos will range from 2,700 to 5,000 square feet and will go for around $3-to-$5 million.
Elliott would not say whether any celebrities have purchased any of the condos.
Giles Harrison, a paparazzo who has worked in Los Angeles for 14 years, said the project is a “waste of advertising”. “Paparazzi don’t go into buildings to get shots. They wait until people go out and about. I have yet to see a paparazzi shot that came from the inside of a private residence.”
