What’s the deal with Burbank’s gigantic castles? We have answers

Castles have dotted Burbank for decades. Gary Bandy, who died at 80 from cardiovascular problems in October 2021, transformed his family’s Burbank-based business “from a million- dollar-a-year company into a $14-million-a-year company,” said Brett Bandy, one of Gary’s 11 children. “My dad built literally only for Mr. Bandy for about 17 years,” said Erik Okland, Henrik’s son, who spent time with his father at construction sites for Bandy’s at times unconventional buildings. “If it is Sunday, Bandy will probably be posted at the ticket booth, which resembles a railroad depot.” Bandy’s real estate development efforts — and penchant for palaces — also extended north to coastal Washington. “It’s cool,” said Gayane Movsesyan, owner of Tonir Cafe on North San Fernando Boulevard, a block away from one of Bandy’s castles.