The Sets: Your Fave and Least Fave PC Real Estate

[Stinger97]

There's been a bit of a bit of discussion in the main thread regarding the sets of GH, and I thought it could be an interesting to discuss our favorite and least favorite sets from the past and present. 

 

For example, I still rue the day that Guza (was it Guza?) wrote the demise of the beautiful Scorpio household. Someone informed me that it was burnt down during some storyline involving Robin. I found a pic of it, but you can't make out much: 

 

 

The same goes for the Spencer house that Lucky intentionally burnt down. I hadn't realized it was previously owned by the Ward family. But I just loved it because it felt so real and so homey and full of so much history. Instead, probably to save money, it was destroyed. 

 

More recently, I loved the CoeCoe Cosmetics set, which you can see here: 

 

[Dandesun]

My favorites are all in the past...

 

Robert Scorpio's apartment: I wasn't even watching at the time but it was cool. I don't know exactly how functional was but as a set I totally dug it. Of course an International Man of Mystery like Robert F'n Scorpio would have an apartment like that.

 

Kevin's Lighthouse: I loved the concept of it being somewhat isolated... even if I couldn't think too hard about what body of water it was sitting on. Still, I liked the idea of Kevin living outside of Port Charles proper, it really seemed to suit him as he was back then. Also, his collection of globes... I would love that for myself if I had the room. Maybe someday.

[Lillybee]

I wonder what happened to Kate's house. It was a nice set.

[rur]

That CoeCoe set might have been what was left of Robert Scorpio's apartment. I remember he had stairs like that. 

[Kitty Redstone]

Whatever happened to the nice waterfront set that was near Kelly's?  It had two sets of stairs and a bench, maybe some planters.  It was a whole lot nicer than the one they have now with the oil drums.

[Stinger97]

@Kitty Redstone, you're referring to the docks, which can be seen here: 

 

 

 

I always enjoyed them, but I do remember feeling they were overused. Not an episode would go by without at least a handful of characters down there to have arguments, stare out at the water, hold each other at gunpoint, etc. It was probably the most dangerous dock in the US. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's since been demolished or is simply in storage, because we've traded down for Piers 52 and, I think, 54 (with the stairs to nowhere). 

[Lillybee]

Will Lante ever get a bigger place to live. It is stupid that a family of three is stuck in a one room apartment? I wish that someone would say something about a housing shortage in PC, to explain why some many people, are stuck living in the Metrocourt.

[WhoaWhoKnew]

Is the Drake home the same set as the house Liz and Ric lived in with the panic room? They look the same to me.

[Box305]

Is the Drake home the same set as the house Liz and Ric lived in with the panic room? They look the same to me.

Yep. It's definitely a modified version of that set. 

 

I'm an old fogey so I'll always miss all of the Brownstone's sets from the 80s. That definitely had to be biggest brownstone in the U.S! You had the entryway, stairs, living room, kitchen, Bobbie and Terry's apartment but I think we only saw Bobbie's room and that wasn't until 1988ish, Jake's apartment downstairs, the law office, Tony and Tania's apartment which became Frisco and Felicia's apartment, then Colton and Felicia's apartment and back to Frisco and Felicia's apartment, Kevin and Terry's attic apartment which I think became Tom and Simone's. You also had Tiffany's apartment which was shown mostly in late 1987 and 1988 before she married Sean. Oh and Frisco and Felicia's first studio apartment and the upstairs hallway sets (there were two different ones and the spiral stairs up to the attic. And how could I forget, Kevin and Patrick O'Connor's apartment and Jennifer Talbot's apartment? 

 

I actually always found it funny that Bobbie was co-owner of the Browntone but we didn't see her bedroom for nearly three years after the character bought it. (It first appeared in 1985). 

 

Robert's townhouse was awesome with the secret passageways leading into the living room and into his communications room. Although the stairs without a railing, even though they weren't a full story high, seemed unsafe. 

 

What became the Scorpio house (Mac version) was Rick and Lesley Webber's house back in the day (Laura, Amy, Blackie and Mike all lived there at one point but not all together), then Rick and Ginny Webber's house (after Lesley was killed off in 1984) then Tony and Tania's house in late 1986, then Tony's house with Lucy, then Charlene (Colton Shore and Decker Moss's mom who also worked as Tony's nanny) stayed there after Tony married Bobbie and moved into the Brownstone, Robert, Anna and Robin lived there after Charlene, Colton and Decker exited the show, then I think Mac and Robin were there, then Mac, Felicia, Maxie, Georgie and Robin. Then just Mac with Maxie and Georgie after Felicia left. I may have gotten the latter history screwed up a bit because by that time (mid to late 90s - mid 2000s) i was watching on and off. Anyway, the bones of that set were around for a long time before that asshole Guza destroyed them. 

 

There was a mystery door in the old Webber house that didn't really lead to anywhere back in the day and it didn't seem functional to me at all because he had windows on either side. Actually, it was near the corner of the room, past the fireplace, and had a window next to it, well, flash forward to 1991 and that door led to an office that seemed to be connected to the house only by that doorway which seemed really odd and impractical. Who would build an addition like that? Although I have to say, Robert had a pretty cool barber chair in there. 

 

I know too much about this stuff. I really need a hobby. 

Edited May 31, 2014 by Box305

[Rick Kitchen]

What is with that big fan hole in the wall at Lante's place?  Doesn't it freeze in that place in upstate New York in winter?

[Kitty Redstone]

Thank you, Stinger97. That's exactly the set I was thinking of.  It was overused but I sure do miss it and the seasonal decorations they gave it.  I think Ric and Liz had a snowball fight there many years ago.

 

Box305, Robert's townhouse with the secret communications room and the brownstone sets were my favorites as well. 

 

It's sad what this show has been reduced to - Tony Geary spitting on himself in a half-assed insane asylum and Maurice Bernard stammering threats and pointing a gun at the belly of a woman in a half-assed island getaway.

[Kim0820]

I liked the house Brenda had.  After she left, I think Gia and Nik lived there.  

 

Alexis' house with the outdoor part is nice.  So is the Carly house.  

[Tiger]

Dante's loft was really cool for a single guy and even for a young couple.   But its ridiculous for a family.

[Lillybee]

Last time that Brenda was with Sonny, she really loved that little cottage in the woods. Sonny being Sonny sold it and the set disappeared.

[LegalParrot81]

Robert's townhouse

The brownstone

The 1993 version of L&L's house.  I didn't care for the re-do.

[bluebox]

The original Cassadine set (and its grounds). So grand. You believed it was the great room of an actual castle. Not the library/living room they're using now.

[MSquared]

The original Cassadine set (and its grounds). So grand. You believed it was the great room of an actual castle. Not the library/living room they're using now.

I remember for Lucky and Liz's wedding and the Black and White Ball how much of Wyndemere.  Staircases, bedrooms, a ballroom, the outside.  It really gave you the feel of being in an old, great house.  

[ulkis]

Dante's loft was really cool for a single guy and even for a young couple.   But its ridiculous for a family.

 

Yeah, although I do like seeing them do stuff like be in a kitchen (even if it's a ridiculous kitchen) and be in bed. Although people are getting bedroom sets now. They should just get rid of the bed on the set, and say they got a bigger place in the same building.

 

As for favorite sets: Luke's Club. looooooooooooooooved it.

[Box305]

I miss all of the different sets that they had back in the day. Even as recently as 2007-2009, the show seemed much more grand. I get they have budget restraints but even the size of the sets reminds me of the old New York soaps back in the day that weren't in studios as large as the LA soaps. 

Edited June 2, 2014 by Box305

[Lillybee]

Sonny does eat this show but he also eats the set budget. How many sets does he need? He has a living room, bedroom, warehouse, warehouse office, restaurant office, Metrocourt office, boxing ring and the island veranda. He has all that and poor Anna and the vets have nothing.

[Chairperson Meow]

I loved the Haunted Star and Johnny's penthouse.

[MSquared]

I loved the Haunted Star and Johnny's penthouse

I liked the casino set for the Haunted Star.  The club Lulu turned it into (and then promptly forgot about, with her partner disappearing and her babies rabies appearing), not so much

[Chairperson Meow]

I loved the deck.

[ulkis]

I liked the casino set for the Haunted Star.  The club Lulu turned it into (and then promptly forgot about, with her partner disappearing and her babies rabies appearing), not so much

 

I hated the Haunted Star- too Regal Beagle for me -  and was so looking forward to Lulu re-doing it, and instead she made it even worse. Boo!

[Melgaypet]

I really loved the set for Luke's Club and his office in the back. I also miss the Port Charles Grille. Does anyone remember when we saw that place last?

[Lillybee]

Silas's apartment looks more shabby than chic.

[OnceSane]

 

Silas looks more shabby than chic.

 

Fixed it for you.  Although both fit.

[Tiger]

I wish they'd bring back The Cellar,  Carly & Ric's speakeasy in the basement of Kelly's.  

 

I also want them to bring back The Elm Street pier set.  I like the new pier set too, but the other set was more believable as a place people crossed paths and it had greenery which is sorely lacking on this show.

[Stinger97]

Speaking of greenery (and don't judge me for noticing something so minute), but I miss the palm tree that used to be in Sam and Jason's penthouse. It always stuck out to me because it was placed basically in front of the coat closet at the front door and I always found it odd, but that set needs some life or at least a refresh. 

[amaranta]

Silas's apartment looks more shabby than chic.

 

I'm not sure but I think that Silas's apartment is the re-purposed set of Patrick's / Scrubs apartment.  Where they fought about the couch, raced toy cars, etc.  I actually like that set, with the exposed brick.

 

I like the Quartermaine house sets and I must admit I'm a bit worried about them.  With the almost complete decimation of that family I'm concerned their days might be numbered.

 

I loved the Spencer house (was really pissed they had Lucky burn it down beyond repair) and the cottage set.  Old houses are kinda my thing.

 

I too miss the Weber then Scorpio house.  Lot of history there.  

[TheGourmez]

I too miss Luke's Club and also the Outback. People need more places to get dinner than the MetroCourt, which frankly, I still call the Port Charles Hotel. No associations with SWMNBN that way. Jake's is overused. But Kelly's must stay forever.

 

Also, I enjoyed Sonny's first apartment with Brenda. Never liked the move to that penthouse building nor do I like his current house. Makes sense that he upgraded, of course, but I haven't liked those sets at all.

[jennifer6973]

Did anyone think that the "brownstone" shown today was the actual old Webber/Scorpio house set?

 

The reason I'm asking is 

1.  The stairs looked like the Webber house

 

2.  I remember the bs door being two doors

   a.  The first door from the street to a Foyer and then

   b. a second door from the Foyer to the main open area that had a staircase

Edited June 28, 2014 by jennifer6973

[Stinger97]

I thought the original brownstone set had the front door to the left of the stage, towards the back. The living room was in the foreground, with a kitchen/dining room off to the right side of the stage. Judging from the stairs alone, I'd say that this is the repurposed Webber/Scorpio home.

 

 

If you look at this picture (which I included in the OP of this thread), you'll notice that those were the stairs and built in bookshelves that appeared today on the brownstone set. 

[MSquared]

This is something that bugged me yesterday, when they showed the Brownstone.  It doesn't really seem that difficult to pull up a clip of GH from the 90's and at least try to base a new set off of it.  I'm not even asking for it to be 100% like it was way back when, but at least get the door on the correct side of the stage,  Heck, with the amount of decay that was shown, I can even see various walls not being where they once were.  But it show a lack of effort on the part of whomever to seemingly arbitrarily make a totally new Brownstone.

 

I look at PP, who scaled down the set of Llanfair (but kept the doors, bookcases, fireplace, etc in the same places they had been for forty plus years) and changed the stairway at La Boulaie (which I can particularly see for budget and space reasons) having the ability to look at the old and recreate.  It shows care, thoughtfulness and thoroughness on the part of the team, where as I am side eyeing GH even more about this Brownstone story as yet another cheap attempt to throw out history to appease the fans while giving no fucks about it.  Which was the feeling I got when they first dropped about bringing the Brownstone back in the first place.

 

And yes, jennifer6973, those were both features on the original brownstone.  I too was thinking of another repurposing of the Webber/Scorpio house (I think they also used it briefly in 2012 for John and Natalie's place in Llanview).

Edited June 28, 2014 by MSquared

[kikide]

I just joined this board. I came across it because I was looking up info on the Brownstone set after thinking that it really looked like the Webber house.

I really think the staircase/living room part if the Brownstone set was used for Anthony Zacchara's around 08. Part of that set used for Anthony's house also looks like the set they're using now for Windamere. Maybe the whole Brownstone set is being used for Windamere. I'd need to look through videos, but maybe if it is, that's why they're using the old Webber house set as the new Brownstone.

I also think the body shop they showed today, Johnnys old shop, used to be the front of Sonny's old office, before he got the restaurant.

I also think Silas's apartment was Lucky's apartment last time he was on.

I miss the old dock set. It was a GH staple.

[BestestAuntEver]

I also think Silas's apartment was Lucky's apartment last time he was on.

I miss the old dock set. It was a GH staple.

This particular set as seen a lot of use. It went from Patricks, to Lucky, to Steve, to Olivia & now redone as Silas' apartment.

Johnny had a nice penthouse that's going to waste. Some major housing restructuring needs to occur on this show.

[Tiger]

ETAber="BestestAuntEver"], 

 

Was this also Faison's apartment or was that another set?  I remember that set having a dining room table and lot of ornate masks.

 

ETA: I really liked Olivia's apartment she had when she first came to town and was hooking up with Johnny.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Tiger

[BestestAuntEver]

Was this also Faison's apartment or was that another set? I remember that set having a dining room table and lot of ornate masks.

I had to double check to make sure (not like I have work to do at my paying job) but yes it is. They had even given it a sliding door with a balcony.

Have the Q's been the only family that we've seen, to live in a mansion on GH?

[OnceSane]

The Zacharras had a mansion as well, but I think Jason burned it down.

[ulkis]

ETAber="BestestAuntEver"], 

 

Was this also Faison's apartment or was that another set?  I remember that set having a dining room table and lot of ornate masks.

 

ETA: I really liked Olivia's apartment she had when she first came to town and was hooking up with Johnny.

 

I'm pretty sure Olivia's apartment is now Felix and Sabrina's. The maroon color when it was Olivia's was much nicer.

[jsbt]

I remember when they did the whole Theresa Carter debacle with Laura in 2002, it was all about the Scorpio house which had been the Webber house and Laura's childhood memories of the place. I thought that was actually a wonderful idea - dark secret of long-ago past - very poorly executed (to make things either better or worse, the rumor was that in the original story outline the woman Rick was dallying with in the attic wasn't Theresa, but Bobbie). IIRC Laura went over there, talked to Maxie and Georgie, etc. You can only do those kind of sort of waking ghost stories when you and your show and its locations have those kind of deep, deep roots in the past, which that house and those people did.

 

I know the Spencer house from the '90s apparently burnt down. It was a beautiful set and a beautiful place. I wish it would come back. I've said it many times, I would start redeeming Luke by making him come to terms with how much he did love that house and that life, and get to rebuilding it himself. For now, I'm very happy the brownstone is back, even if it is a diminished form.

 

CoeCoe Cosmetics was one of a few new sets that was legitimately beautiful. I couldn't believe they dispensed with it and Lucy's business immediately.

 

The other issue is that JFP and Guza's run had much more beautiful sets, but they often went overbudget. They or ABC were lifting from the coffers of OLTL and AMC to pay for that and their actors near the end, and it showed and it wasn't right.

Edited June 30, 2014 by jsbt

[Rancide]

I get that they're on a tight budget, but does beige paint really cost more than grey paint?  Silas's apartment looks like it's been in a fire.  Terrible colors.

[BestestAuntEver]

I get that they're on a tight budget, but does beige paint really cost more than grey paint? Silas's apartment looks like it's been in a fire. Terrible colors.

They are using grey paint & faux brick every where. Sonny's house, Carly's house, the garage, Silas' apartment are all shades of grey.

[jsbt]

So far I can't come down too hard on the brownstone. They have the doors and certain easily recognizable elements of the old set, they've just played with the architecture. I mean, I spent plenty of time poring over the sets on the new AMC and OLTL last summer, and on AMC the Chandler mansion set was definitely altered and seemed to most resemble the post-L.A. move (2010-2011) version of that set more than anything else, while the foyer was totally different and just a swap on their La Boulaie from OLTL. On OLTL, La Boulaie lost its grand foyer and staircase but they had the beautiful drawing room. Palmer Cortlandt's manor was a couple venetian shades and some lovely furnishings, which was a very rough estimate of the most recent version it had been when it was last seen on ABC. But it all worked, it was all beautiful and I let any differences go because of the budget, the changing times and the gorgeous production and attention to detail - any set that was altered, they got the key elements right and remixed the rest, and I was fine with that.

 

So far it's the same with GH's new brownstone - they have the doors, they have a staircase, I can buy that someone may have hastily flipped it after Bobbie left for Seattle, played with the architecture (much like David Vickers apparently gutted La Boulaie on OLTL) and then abandoned the project. It's fine with me for now, we'll see how it turns out. It's far from the cheapest, shittiest-looking set job on this show, like Lante's hovel (now giving John McBain's old studio apartment on OLTL a run for its money), or Anna/everyone's hotel suites, or Silas's place. Or the half-empty gymnasiums that were the last two Nurses Balls. With the brownstone there was at least an attempt made. Now the new "Ryan's Bar," that I can't forgive. That is the cornerstone set of another legendary ABC soap, and it definitely didn't really resemble the original at all from what I saw - don't just redress Kelly's.

 

How long did Carly's white elephant the Cellar last, anyway? I remember all that shit with the lady from Titanic turning up to tell her the story of her long-ago mob romance (just like Sonny and Carly's!) and Carly went and restored the place and then, boom, gone. I don't remember it hanging around very long at all - less than a year?

Edited July 1, 2014 by jsbt

[Rancide]

Weirdly, I like the Lante set.  It's at least a little different, and the loft-like quality makes sense for a couple in their 20s.  I'd have love to have lived in something like it when my husband and I first got married.  I agree it's less appropriate now that they have a baby.  But he's still really young.  If they're there in a couple of years, that will be odd.

[Rick Kitchen]

I had to laugh at Delia trying to find the kitchen in Sonny's house and Ava directing her.

[SlovakPrincess]

Robert's townhouse was awesome with the secret passageways leading into the living room and into his communications room. Although the stairs without a railing, even though they weren't a full story high, seemed unsafe.

 

 

The supposed architecture of that place was really funny.  He had bedrooms and I think a sauna on the second floor - but it all seemed to be hanging over the front yard on pilings or something.  Yeah, probably not safe! 

 

Also he had a computer the size of an entire room, which is hilarious now.   And it was all brown.  So very brown ...

[jsbt]

I still want the Scorpio supercomputer back, to be honest. Someone needs one. Anna needs at least a pocket version. An illegal version she kept. As well as a damn house or apartment.

Edited July 1, 2014 by jsbt

[Tiger]

@jsbt,

 

As far I can remember The Cellar first appeared in late 2002 and was gone by the next fall.  I distinctly remember Sonny & Jasus having a shoot-out with someone there and that being the best last time it was showed.  I also remember Carly & Ric knocking a wall and finding it the year before. 

[MichaelaRae]

ETA: I really liked Olivia's apartment she had when she first came to town and was hooking up with Johnny.

 

 

I am pretty sure that was Robin's old apartment - or at least the set for it. Where Patrick hung out when he wasn't suing for visitation to Robin's uterus. And where she turned her closet into a nursery for the baby. (Maxie's "Ohhhh, you can't put your baby in a closet" will never not make me laugh. KSt's delivery on it was perfect.)