Byron E. Vandegrift; Developer Built the Disneyland Hotel
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Byron E. Vandegrift, pioneer builder and developer who built the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, has died at the age of 89.
Vandegrift, who lived in Beverly Hills, died Sept. 25 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
A real estate developer for more than 60 years, Vandegrift also built the private headquarters for movie magnate David O. Selznick in Culver City and more than 250 homes in Beverly Hills and Malibu. His clients included Hollywood stars such as Spencer Tracy and Barbara Stanwyck.
Vandegrift also owned a commercial and residential real estate company.
A native of De Kalb, Ill., he was the grandson of Edward F. Shellaberger, the inventor of chicken wire.
Vandegrift moved to Los Angeles as a child in 1910 and was educated at USC. He began his career working for the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Vandegrift is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son, Edward, and daughter, Lyn.
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