The 1921 Los Feliz home of Paul Lauritz, one of California's masters of plein air painting.
What is the Paul Lauritz House?
The Paul Lauritz House at 3955 Clayton Avenue is a 1921 Spanish Colonial Revival home in Los Feliz, designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #784 on August 10, 2004. It was the residence and studio of Paul Lauritz, a Norwegian-American artist known for his plein-air landscape paintings.
Los Feliz is renowned for its architectural treasures, and among them stands the Paul Lauritz House, a testament to Los Angeles' rich cultural and artistic history. Nestled at 3955 Clayton Avenue, this home earned a spot on the Historic-Cultural Monument list as HCM #784, officially designated on August 10, 2004.
At a glance
The artistic legacy of Paul Lauritz
Built in the early 20th century, the Paul Lauritz House carries the legacy of its namesake, Paul Lauritz, a prominent Norwegian-American artist famous for his plein-air landscape paintings. Lauritz, who arrived in Los Angeles in 1919, became a significant figure in the Southern California art scene, known for capturing the state's breathtaking natural beauty on canvas.
The home reflects Lauritz's artistic sensibility, blending traditional architectural elements with personal touches that make it unique in the Los Feliz neighborhood. While the house is an excellent example of the Spanish Revival style, it also bears the hallmarks of a creative space, serving both as his residence and studio.
A painter's address
"Paul Lauritz painted California's light for a living. He chose Los Feliz to come home to."
Architectural details
The Paul Lauritz House is a classic example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a style that dominated Southern California in the 1920s and 1930s. Key features of this architectural style are present in this home, including:
- Red tile roof
- Smooth stucco walls
- Wrought iron detailing
- Arched doorways and windows
- Wooden beams and ornamental ceilings
The house stands out for its expansive windows, which Lauritz likely used to invite natural light into his workspace. The open flow between the interior and exterior spaces mirrors the fluidity often seen in his landscape paintings.
The importance of historic preservation
With its designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument, the Paul Lauritz House is protected under the City of Los Angeles preservation efforts. This status not only recognizes the home's architectural significance but also its connection to the city's artistic and cultural heritage. As Los Angeles continues to evolve, homes like this remind us of the deep creative roots embedded in neighborhoods like Los Feliz. Designated homes of this kind are also frequently eligible for the Mills Act, the program that reduces property taxes in exchange for a preservation commitment.
Living in Los Feliz: a neighborhood with history
For those exploring real estate in Los Feliz, the Paul Lauritz House is an example of the neighborhood's rich history. The area is filled with architectural gems ranging from Spanish Revival homes to mid-century modern masterpieces. Walking through the streets of Los Feliz offers a unique blend of Old Hollywood glamour and modern-day artistic energy.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, Los Feliz and homes like the Paul Lauritz House capture the essence of Los Angeles' timeless charm. The Paul Lauritz House at 3955 Clayton Avenue is more than just a historic home. It is a symbol of the artistic spirit that has shaped Los Angeles over the past century.
Buying or selling a historic home in Los Feliz?
Historic-Cultural Monuments reward representation that understands the architecture, the Mills Act math, and the specific buyer pool. If you are buying a home in Los Feliz or selling a Mills Act or HCM property, it pays to work with a Los Feliz architectural homes specialist. You can start with a no-pressure valuation or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Paul Lauritz?
Paul Lauritz was a noted California plein air painter, celebrated for his landscapes. The house at 3955 Clayton Avenue was his Los Feliz home.
Is the Paul Lauritz House a Historic-Cultural Monument?
Yes. It is designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #784.
Can the Paul Lauritz House be toured?
No. It is a private residence and is not open to the public. It can be seen from Clayton Avenue in Los Feliz.
The Los Feliz Historic-Cultural Monument series
An ongoing series documenting every Historic-Cultural Monument in Los Feliz. You can also explore the full HCM guide or the architectural map.
- Ennis House: Frank Lloyd Wright's Mayan Revival Masterpiece | HCM #149
- Lovell Health House: Richard Neutra's 1929 Masterpiece | HCM #123
- Derby House: Lloyd Wright's Mayan Revival
- Midtown School: John Lautner's Organic Architecture | HCM #553
- The Jacobson House: Edward Fickett, Mid-Century Modern | HCM #674
- Sherwood House: Mid-Century Modern in The Oaks | HCM #1026
- The Shakespeare Bridge: Glendower Place | HCM #111
- Blackburn Residence: Paul R. Williams Spanish Colonial Revival | HCM #913
- Abraham Gore Residence: Spanish Colonial Revival | HCM #1061
- Durex Model Home: Spanish Revival in The Oaks | HCM #1025
- Paul Lauritz House: California's Plein Air Master | HCM #784
- Los Feliz Heights Steps: Hidden Historic Stairway | HCM #657
- Avocado Trees: Los Feliz's Natural Monument | HCM #343
About the author
Debbie Pisaro is a Los Feliz real estate specialist with 24 years of experience and founder of Coastline 840, an independent California real estate brokerage. She specializes in architectural and historic homes across Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and the Eastside, and lives in a 1907 Craftsman in Silver Lake with her Doberman, Lennon.
California DRE #01369110
The Paul Lauritz House is one of the artist landmarks among the monuments. It is one of more than fifty Historic-Cultural Monuments in Los Feliz. For the full overview, see the Los Feliz HCM guide, browse the complete collection of Los Feliz monuments, and if you are weighing designation for your own home, here is how to get a home designated.