(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 25, 2002 ) "They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot," sang Joni Mitchell wistfully about the end of the Garden of Allah, Hollywood's famed apartment-hotel that welcomed transient show business guests from 1935-1955. But as Mitchell penned this song, little did she know that the heir apparent to the Garden of Allah was actually being built on a hill overlooking Burbank.

Opened in 1972, the sprawling Oakwood Toluca Hills Apartments quickly became Hollywood's new temporary home of the stars, due to its hillside location (nestled between three Burbank studios: Universal, Warner Bros. and Disney), flexible leasing policies and eye-catching amenities.

Now, Oakwood Toluca Hills is celebrating its Grand Reopening, marking the completion of a $20 million renovation commenced two years ago.

HOLLYWOOD'S TEMPORARY HOME

"It seems virtually everyone in show business has lived here at one time or another," says Joni Rodenbusch, senior account executive for Oakwood Worldwide, citing well-known past guests such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kirsten Dunst, Ricky Martin and Brian McKnight.

Oakwood Toluca Hills achieved further notoriety from its appearances as a site for the "Jaywalking" segments of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Despite the entertainment industry pedigree, Rodenbusch notes that today's mix of residents includes a little of everything.

"It's a small city on the hillside, an incredible mix of people," she says. "We have performers, musicians, film crews, child actors, families, students, seniors, you name it. All of our residents are enjoying the improvements to the property."

Oakwood offers both unfurnished apartments as well as its signature "corporate housing" -- furnished apartments that are an alternative to hotels and are popular with business travelers and the entertainment set.

"If you're staying in Los Angeles for more than one month," says Rodenbusch, "Oakwood is much more appealing than living in a hotel."

SOMETHING NEW ON THE HILLSIDE

The $20 million facelift brings a new look to the famous digs. Changing with the times, Oakwood has retired its former 1970s treehouse architecture for a new vintage contemporary design motif.

The new design includes wrought iron balconies, handsome new colonial apartment doors, and two stunning new clubhouses, replete with new furniture and Southeast Asian objets d'art. Hallways have been redone with hotel styling including new wallpaper, carpeting, and crown molding. The project was coordinated by Oakwood Construction Services; interior design was coordinated by Joseph Praner Design Associates.

Oakwood Toluca Hills also has improved its remarkable sports and leisure facilities. The company has resurfaced its two swimming pools and two whirlpool spas, all of which offer striking views of the San Fernando Valley. High-tech Cybex equipment dominates the two new health and fitness centers. The property also features tennis courts, basketball courts, party room, tot lot, two large-screen TV lounges, and three party rooms.

To meet the needs of its corporate clients, the property has also expanded its selection of meeting space and added two business centers. Also added were two new function rooms, aptly named "Hollywood" and "Vine".

"We are inviting guests old and new to visit the property to see our new look," says Rodenbusch.

ABOUT OAKWOOD

Founded in 1960, privately-held, Los Angeles-based Oakwood Worldwide is now the leading global provider of corporate housing. The firm offers locations throughout the U.S., U.K. and Asia. Founding partner and now Chairman Howard Ruby continues to guide the company's global growth and innovation.

RESERVATIONS: For reservations at Oakwood Toluca Hills or any other location worldwide, please contact 800/942-2787, 323/878-2100 or www.oakwood.com

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Produced for Oakwood Worldwide

Contacts:

Oakwood Worldwide
Robert Philips, 310/268-8085
rphilips@oakwood.com

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Contact Information:
Oakwood Corporate Housing
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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