Iconic West Los Angeles Landmark Honors Legacy of Community Spirit
The iconic Brentwood Country Mart, a renowned retail landmark known for its celebrity sightings, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a dinner on Tuesday night, as reported by Women’s Wear Daily. The West Los Angeles establishment has been a favorite spot for Hollywood stars and locals alike, preserving its charm and essence over the years.
Owner James Rosenfield and his wife and Poppy Children’s store co-owner Heather Whitney Rosenfield hosted the jubilant event at the Farmshop restaurant on the property. The occasion offered an opportunity to extend gratitude to the merchant partners who have made the Country Mart an exceptional place. The property has maintained its timeless appeal, boasting a range of tenants that uphold its classic character, including a shoe repair, barber shop, post office, book store, toy store, women’s fashion, and men’s fashion.
Rosenfield, a native Angeleno and former retail real estate executive, secured the lease on the 30,000-square-foot Brentwood Country Mart and embarked on a restoration journey. His strategy, rooted in betting on capable and passionate individuals over corporate entities, has proven successful at the Brentwood Country Mart.
Originally designed by architect Rowland Crawford, the Brentwood Country Mart opened its doors on November 18, 1948. Its red barn-like buildings surrounding a central courtyard exude a sense of nostalgia, enchanting visitors with a taste of the past. Over the years, the property has been frequented by various celebrities, further enhancing its reputation as a hotspot for star sightings. Hollywood luminaries like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, and many more consider the mart their home-away-from-home on the Westside. Paltrow’s Goop retail store has a space at the Mart.
During the 75th-anniversary celebration, the courtyard was adorned with photos of past regulars, including Joan Crawford, Betty Hutton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Gregory Peck, adding to the sense of history and allure. A cake commemorating the occasion paid homage to the mart’s early days, connecting it to its rich heritage.
As the world faced the challenges of the pandemic, the Brentwood Country Mart endured its most difficult period in 75 years. However, Rosenfield’s commitment to the community and the property’s relevance ensured it weathered the storm remarkably well. While only losing one tenant during the pandemic, Rosenfield’s three properties experienced impressive success in 2022.
Rosenfield remains optimistic despite ongoing challenges, including the current writers’ and actors’ strikes. The interconnectedness of the Los Angeles community, which revolves around the entertainment industry, inspires resilience and a shared determination to overcome adversity.
As quoted by WWD, Rosenfield said, “If you are someone who loves Brentwood, it’s probably because it has retained businesses that have been there for years. The modernization has not taken the whole thing over. Our history is not as old as other places, but it’s our history, and if we don’t preserve it, we won’t get to be 200 or 300 years old. For most places, 75 years is not a big deal, but in L.A., it is.”
