Homes for Rich, Poor: a Study in Contrasts

What a juxtaposition! Two articles on the front page of the Oct. 25 real estate section--one on a new facility for the Los Angeles Mission (New Haven for Homeless to Be Oasis on Skid Row); the other on Merv Griffin’s new house (Merv Griffin Creating Mountaintop Estate).

According to the articles, the Mission structure is expected to cost $11.5 million, while Griffin says his cost is “starting to add up like mad, and we’re talking about millions upon millions.”

For the homeless, the Mission building will offer beds, food, showers, exercise facilities, and other services. For Griffin, his new estate, one assumes, will offer amenities not available at his other three homes.

How sad is Griffin’s monument to self. No matter how tasteful his marble and limestone house will be, it already is the epitome of tastelessness.

GREGORY A. DOBIE

Los Angeles