In August 2014, former Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez purchased the 3,700‑square‑foot Honnold & Rex Research House in Hollywood Hills from actress Meryl Streep for $4.8 million. The mid‑century modern landmark, built in 1954, showcases concrete, wood and expansive glass walls, a double‑height living room, and a courtyard featuring a swimming pool and spa.
The house was a product of the Post‑War Case Study program, which encouraged Southern California architects to experiment with new construction materials and open floor plans. Its design emphasizes visible structural elements over ornamental details, allowing daylight to flood the interiors and blur the boundary between inside and outside.
Streep’s ownership lasted just over a year. She bought the property in early 2013 for $4.5 million, then sold it the following year for $300,000 more, according to the Los Angeles Times. The transaction reflected a trend of short‑term celebrity property flipping.
Rodriguez, who has pursued real‑estate ventures after his baseball career, now holds the home that once served as a sanctuary for an Oscar‑winning actress. While the former player has not publicly detailed renovation plans, the sale signals a shift of the property into the hands of a sports icon.
The deal closes a $300,000 profit for Streep and sets a precedent for high‑profile real‑estate sales. Rodriguez’s next move will be to lease the house to a private developer for a $3‑million restoration, bringing new life to the historic mid‑century modern gem.