$42 Million Asked : Studio City Site of Golf Course, Deli to Be Sold

A 25-acre tract, on which the Studio City Golf Course and Jerry’s Famous Deli are located, is for sale for $42 million, an owner of the property said Wednesday.

But the search for a buyer could be difficult and lengthy because of long-term leases held by the golf course, the delicatessen and several other businesses on the land near Ventura Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue, co-owner Guy W. McCreary said.

Nonetheless, a homeowner group already has expressed concern for how the land could be developed.

Polly Ward, president of the Studio City Residents Assn., told about 100 association members at a Tuesday night meeting that a real estate broker recently asked her how the neighborhood would react to apartments on the 17-acre golf course.

Open Space

“No way,” Ward said she told the broker. “This community wants to retain the open space.”

The golf course, at 4141 Whitsett Ave., is zoned for agriculture. The rest of the tract--on which the deli, Carneys Restaurant, a City National Bank branch and several other businesses are located--is zoned for commercial use.

“Everyone looks at this piece of property and they drool over it,” said John McCallister, a co-owner of the golf course. “We feel that it is a golf and tennis facility and it is going to stay that way.”

Ike Starkman, owner of the delicatessen, said: “I am concerned. . . . To me, this place is a landmark.”

The four-parcel tract is bounded by Ventura Boulevard, Whitsett Avenue, Valleyspring Lane and Bellaire Avenue.

The land has been owned since 1895 by the Weddington family, which helped found North Hollywood, said McCreary, a descendant.

“All we’re trying to do is sell our land,” he said.