Historical Observer
523 So. Rimpau Blvd
By Jane Gilman The house at 523 Rimpau Blvd. was built in 1924 for Dr. Isaac Jones and his wife Emily who also purchased the property next door. Architect Roland Coate was assigned the project. Coate designed the home in a Spanish Italian style incorporating wood frame construction with a plaster exterior. In 1927, Wilbur…
Read More654 So. Rimpau Boulevard, Hancock Park
From “The Historical Observer”Fall 1982 The Mediterranean-style residence of Mr. Hal Halverstadt and Mr. David Williams was built in 1927 by Mrs. Lillie N. McCusker who lived there until her death. The dramatic house, designed by John DeLario, an unheralded Los Angeles architect of the 1920s, was then passed to McCusker’s relatives, Maud N. Wilson and…
Read More450 So. June Street, Hancock Park
This residence was built in 1928 for Erle Leaf, a well-known contractor. Only one other couple,Madalyn and James Vai, owned the home (from 1952 to 1957) before they sold it to Her Majesty’sGovernment. Wallace Neff, a leading architect from Pasadena, designed the home translating the best ofMediterranean style to comfortable livability and serene use of…
Read More667 So. June Street, Hancock Park
The property on which this magnificent home sits was originally owned by Mr. G. Allan Hancock. The parcel was sold by Hancock in 1924 to Mr. Thomas H Birchall. Birchall applied for building permits in 1927. His address on the permits was 4429 Victoria Park Drive, Los Angeles. Upon completion in 1929, he sold it…
Read More215 No. Norton Avenue, Windsor Square
From “The Historical Observer” Fall 2004 Although the original permit for this lovely home is not on file, we do know quite a bit about the renovations that have made it the showplace it is. The house was built in 1924 and was purchased two years later by William O. Sampson. Sampson started his career…
Read More144 No. Norton Avenue, Windsor Square
From “The Historical Observer” Fall 2004 This property was originally part of the tract owned by Gilbert S. Wright, who is the owner of record from 1912 to 1923. The Dutch Colonial Revival house was built in 1921, most likely on spec. Permit number 2017 describes an eight-room house, two stories in height, to be built…
Read More120 No. Norton Avenue, Windsor Square
The John G. Mathieson residence is by architect Paul Williams completed in the early 1920s. The two-story, three bedroom, brick English miniature exemplifies one of Williams’ design philosophies: making maximum use of functional space. The floor plan remains functional to this day allowing the smooth flow of guests and residents alike. When Mr. Mathieson purchased…
Read More102 No. Norton Avenue, New Windsor Square
From “The Historical Observer” Fall 2004 Although tax records show real estate mogul Gilbert S. Wright owing this property from 1912-1915, the permits to build the house and garage were taken out in 1914 under the name of Arthur Jones, the owner of record between 1915 and 1918. No architect is credited with either structure,…
Read More100 No. Irving Boulevard, New Windsor Square
From “The Larchmont Chronicle” June 2016 by Richard Battaglia The 3,564 square foot house at the corner of First Street and Irving Boulevard sits on a 10,396 square foot lot, and is nestled, or more to the point, hidden, on a quiet corner. For years one of the most identifying items of this northeast corner…
Read More605 So. Plymouth Boulevard, Windsor Square
Built in 1906 by architect Arthur Heineman, the three-story home at 605 So. Plymouth Boulevard is an excellent example of the California Craftsman style. The home, originally in downtown Los Angeles, was moved in the 1920s by John Bullock to property he owned between Sixth Street and Wilshire Boulevard on Plymouth. Bullock, founder of the department…
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