LOS ANGELES _ Decorated baseball star turned television analyst Alex Rodriguez is ready to give up his L.A. base, listing his architectural residence in Hollywood Hills West for sale at $6.5 million.
Known as the Honnold & Rex Research House, the Midcentury Modern residence was built in 1954 under the Architectural Products magazine research program, which encouraged experimentation with materials and designs.
About a decade ago, it was redesigned and reconfigured by earlier owner and architectural conservator Xorin Balbes.
Tucked away on a secluded drive, the home features horizontal louvers that wrap the exterior of the home and provide a privacy screen while diffusing light during the day and night.
Clean lines, a mix of organic materials and walls of windows reinforce its modernist roots.
At the heart of the house is a two-story living room with a block-wall fireplace that runs from floor to ceiling.
The floor plan includes a chef's kitchen, a dining room and a family room on the main floor.
The master suite _ one of four bedrooms and four bathrooms _ floats above the living room area, allowing for city light and tree-top views.
Rodriguez, who retired from baseball two years ago, bought the property in 2014 from Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep for $4.8 million.
The 43-year-old was among the most dynamic players in baseball during his career, amassing 696 home runs and 3,115 hits across 22 seasons. Rodriguez's scores of accolades include 14 All-Star Game appearances, 10 Silver Slugger awards and three American League MVP awards.
Since his retirement, he has worked as a broadcaster for ESPN and Fox.
