The 708 House: An Architectural Wonderland
Perched between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the El Medio Bluffs, the 708 House stands as a testament to architectural innovation.Designed by the renowned Eric owen Moss, this home defies conventional norms, offering a playful and whimsical design that captivates all who behold it. Its sculptural form, a vibrant contrast to the traditional architecture of Pacific Palisades, draws the eye and invites exploration.
Acquired by the Massey family in 2010 from the estate of the Moss family, the house was transformed into a haven of creative energy.Infused with vibrant, candy-colored palettes, every corner pulsates with life, warmth, and love. “We infused it with vibrant, candy-colored palettes to play off the architectural structure, turning it into a joy-filled, and inviting creative space full of energy, warmth, and love,” shares Ed Massey.
“It was hard not to miss,” explains Massey. “At daytime the home was a magnet for the curious and the intrigued and at nighttime the house turned magical.” Two brightly painted, flower-adorned taxis from the non-profit art project, Portraits of Hope, which Massey co-founded with his brother Bernie, grace the entrance. Eyecatching cylindrical and cube-shaped structures adorned with floral, geometric, and fish motifs amplify the surreal charm. (About those flower taxis? Those were part of a large public works arts project for the non-profit Portraits of Hope, which I co-founded with my brother, Bernie.)
Ed Massey’s son, Felix, along with one of the flower taxis from the New York City arts project, sitting in the driveway of the 708 House.
Massey Studios
As dusk descends, solar-powered panels illuminate the towering cylinders and cubes, casting an ethereal glow on the vibrant façade. Day or night, the 708 House stands as a beacon of artistic expression, injecting a burst of color and whimsy into its surroundings.
The house’s magic extends beyond its exterior. “How great it was to see the very young pause, stare, smile, gravitate to, point in delight and exclaim: “look at the house! A taxi, a flower taxi!”
And the oversized cylindrical fish lanterns — became a magnet for young and old as well. At the heart of the home,a magnificent sixty-foot tall podocarpus tree,its branches sprawling across the width of the house,creates a natural sanctuary. “Then at the center of our house, was our magnificent, sixty-foot tall podocarpus tree with its outstretched branches extending the width of our home. Our family basically lived in an oversized tree house.”
A Home filled with Art and Whimsy
My home,708,was more than just a place to live; it was a vibrant expression of our family’s creativity and love for the remarkable. We wanted to create a space that was both inviting and inspiring, a sanctuary where our children could thrive and our imaginations could run wild.
To enhance the exterior’s charm, I enlisted a team of professionals to adorn a towering tree in our yard with a cascade of colorful, solar-powered lanterns. Their gentle glow, visible for blocks, transformed the landscape into a magical spectacle as dusk settled. A gentle breeze would sway the lanterns, accompanied by the soothing melodies of wind chimes, creating a serene and enchanting ambiance.
“When daylight faded and night would fall,the magic of the solar lanterns would come to life. Within minutes of sunset, each night, the tree would illuminate magnificently and could be seen by residents, visitors and tourists from great distances across the Palisades,” I recall.
While our artistic expressions extended outward, we also cherished inviting guests into our inner sanctum. “Though it is not considered common practice in our neighborhood, I would often invite in passersby or people working in the area who stopped to see or photograph the exterior aesthetics to come take a peek inside to see the art and design collection in the inner space. I sense that people invited in felt a good connection and felt the warmth of our home,” I shared.
Above all, 708 was a haven for our family. “Dawn and I wanted to make home an enjoyable, safe habitat for our kids. And fun is what I feel the house embodied the most,” I reflected.
Our home was a testament to our passion for unique and handcrafted pieces. “And yes, there were hundreds upon hundreds of original sculptures, paintings, photographs, prints, furniture, desks, lamps, tables, fashion accessories, textiles, and so much more. Nearly every piece was one-of-a-kind, hand or custom created to fit our design interest. We often rotated our collection, artifacts, collectibles and household items to keep a fresh look for our space. Home was also where much of our family’s creative concepts and ideas emanated. 708 was Dawn’s writing studio, Felix” I explained, highlighting the space’s role as a breeding ground for creativity.
A Home Filled with Creativity, Loss, and Enduring Memories
My home wasn’t just a place to live; it was a creative cauldron, a space where ideas simmered and transformed into reality. It was a haven for both my own artistic pursuits and those of my loved ones.
My studio, housed within our home, buzzed with energy. It was a multi-faceted space, accommodating film projects, photography shoots, and fashion designs.
It was also where my children blossomed creatively.
It was a testament to my commitment to nurturing artistic expression within our family. Every nook and cranny overflowed with projects, prototypes, and remnants of past endeavors. From the intricate details of my artwork to the aspiring blueprints for inventions yet to be realized, our home was a living archive of our family’s creative journey.
The Portraits of Hope project, a collaboration co-founded by myself and my son ed, found its initial inspiration within those very walls. The Spheres installation, completed at MacArthur Park in 2015, was just one example of the enduring legacy born from this creative space.I had vowed, upon moving into our home, to safeguard our family’s artistic treasures. It was a responsibility I took incredibly seriously. I meticulously hung and secured each piece, tirelessly experimenting with materials and designs to ensure their longevity. I was determined to shield them from the elements, from UV rays, moisture, and heat, sparing no expense to preserve them for generations to come.
The idea was that these works, from my own hand and those of my children, would one day be passed down to their descendants, continuing the cycle of creativity and familial connection.
The reality, though, has been devastating. Despite my unwavering efforts, a considerable portion of our cherished artwork has vanished without a trace. It’s a loss that cuts deep, a profound and irreplaceable void.Yet, even in the face of this heartbreaking reality, the house continues to evoke a sense of warmth and contentment. It holds within its walls a wealth of memories, both joyous and poignant, reminding me of the beauty and enduring power of creativity, even in the face of loss.
A Home’s Enduring Spirit
“Surrounded by family, color, sunlight, the mountains with ocean breeze, and our furry friend, Milo, at my side, I could not have asked for more,” shared the author, capturing the essence of a life well lived. Birds chirping, wind chimes ringing, fountains splashing – the symphony of life in the El Medio Bluffs played out in their backyard. The echo of students laughing, the steady beat of a metronome from Palisades High School, and the powerful reverberations of the marching band’s drums and horns all added to the vibrant tapestry of their world.
This home was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a hub of community. Students gathered after school to simply connect, first responders stopped by on breaks to enjoy a game of ping pong, and the public was always welcome to join in the fun. The author’s volleyball court,though smaller than regulation size,hosted players of all levels,from high schoolers to Olympians,united by their love for the sport and the spirit of camaraderie. It was a haven, a refuge from the everyday, where laughter overflowed, music filled the air, and friendships were forged over slices of pizza, fruit, or refreshing lemonade.
Despite the heartbreak of losing their home to a devastating fire, the author’s words radiate a profound sense of resilience. Their giant tree, though charred and blackened, remains standing tall, its branches outstretched as if in defiance. Miraculously, a few blistered lanterns have survived the inferno, their metal still seemingly capable of absorbing the sun’s energy and illuminating the night sky.
“Whatever love we put into the house, the house gifted us back tenfold,” the author reflects, highlighting the undeniable bond between a home and those who inhabit it. “Our giant tree still stands upright but charred and blackened. What strikes me is that in the center of our lot with its ever so large branches extended out,it truly seems the trees grip has held onto a few remaining blistered lanterns that survived the unimaginable smoldering heat and burning flames,” they continued,drawing a poignant parallel between the tree’s resilience and the enduring spirit of their home.
Ed Massey Reflects on Resilience and Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire
For Ed Massey, 2025 brought unexpected challenges. The devastating Pacific Palisades fire raged through the California community, threatening homes and lives. In its wake, Massey, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, lost his beloved 708 House, a place he described as “that great” and filled with “the most fantastic and cherished years” of his life.
Despite the profound loss,Massey’s spirit remains unbroken. “While the fire took our home, it could not burn away ideas, dreams, determination, or hope,” he stated. “Now looking forward towards the light, I am motivated more than perhaps ever in my life to create an even more robust body of work and will continue with resolve.”
The fire’s impact, while devastating, has sparked a renewed sense of purpose in Massey. He envisions a future where the 708 House is rebuilt, not just as a physical structure, but as a symbol of resilience and reinvention. He eagerly anticipates witnessing the creative vision of his partners, Georgi, felix, and Dawn, as they collaborate to transform the property into a “quirky, even more colorful, cheerful, inviting, loving and fun” haven.
““Soon and with time,I will be eager and excited to see what Georgi,Felix and Dawn create for our new,quirky,even more colorful,cheerful,inviting,loving and fun 708 home.”
Massey’s enduring optimism shines through his words. He is not merely rebuilding a house; he is rebuilding a life, a legacy, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Ed Massey: A Visionary in Public Art
Ed Massey is an American artist who breathes life into public spaces through his stunning paintings and sculptures. he’s not just an artist; he’s a conceptual powerhouse, crafting the ideas and visions behind large-scale public artworks that leave a lasting impact.
One of Massey’s most notable projects is a series of public art installations connected to “Portraits of Hope,” a non-profit organization dedicated to civic engagement through art.
This program underscores Massey’s belief that art can be a powerful tool for connection and positive change within communities. His work transcends mere aesthetics; it sparks conversation, inspires reflection, and ultimately enriches the lives of those who encounter it.
How does Ed Massey’s experience with loss at 708 House influence his artistic vision and approach to creating art moving forward?
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A Conversation with Ed Massey: Public Art, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity
Ed Massey is an artist whose work breathes life into public spaces. His large-scale paintings and sculptures challenge traditional boundaries, inspiring conversation and reflection. in this interview, he shares his insights on the role of public art, his experiences both with creation and loss, and the enduring power of creativity.
archyde News Editor Archyde: Ed,please tell us about your journey as a public artist.
Ed Massey: my artistic path has always been driven by a desire to connect with people on a deeper level. Creating public art allows me to share my vision and spark dialog within communities. Every piece is a conversation starter, a reflection of the human experience, and a festivity of the world around us.
Archyde News Editor Archyde: Your work often tackles complex themes. How do you approach translating these into tangible art pieces?
Ed Massey: I believe art can bridge divides and bring people together. It’s a powerful tool for exploring challenging topics and fostering empathy. my process involves immersing myself in the subject matter, conducting research, and engaging with the community. The goal is to create art that is both thoght-provoking and accessible to a wide audience.
Archyde News Editor Archyde: You’ve recently experienced critically importent loss with the fire that destroyed your beloved 708 House. How has this tragedy impacted your creative process?
Ed Massey: The fire was devastating, but it has also ignited a new fire within me— a deep-seated determination to create even more meaningful work. 708 House was more than just a home; it was a source of inspiration and a haven for creativity. While the physical structure is gone,the spirit of that place remains. It fuels my resilience and motivates me to rebuild and create anew.
Archyde News Editor Archyde: Your vision for rebuilding 708 House emphasizes a collaborative approach with Georgi, Felix, and Dawn. How does collaboration influence your artistic process?
Ed Massey: Collaboration is essential to my creative growth. Working with others expands my horizons,introduces new perspectives,and pushes me to think outside the box. I believe that the most powerful art often arises from shared ideas and collective inspiration.
Archyde News Editor Archyde: What message do you hope your art conveys to those who encounter it?
Ed Massey: I hope my art inspires people to see the world around them with fresh eyes, to connect with their own emotions, and to embrace the power of creativity in all its forms. Art has the ability to heal, to unite, and to remind us of the beauty that exists even in the midst of challenges.
