The Jacobson House – A Mid-Century Modern Gem by Architect Edward Fickett

The Jacobson House – Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #674

Built: 1960  Declared: 2/25/2000

If you're a fan of mid-century modern architecture, then the Jacobson House at 4520 Dundee Drive in Los Feliz is a must-see. Declared a Historic Cultural Monument (HCM #674) on February 25, 2000, this iconic home designed by the renowned architect Edward Fickett is a testament to the timeless elegance and forward-thinking design that defined the mid-20th century.

A Look at the Architect: Edward Fickett

Edward Fickett, a celebrated architect from the mid-century modern movement, is known for his clean lines, open spaces, and integration of indoor and outdoor living. His designs often emphasized functionality while maintaining a distinct aesthetic appeal. Fickett’s work helped shape the architectural landscape of Los Angeles, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. With a focus on blending modernity with the natural environment, his homes remain beloved by architecture enthusiasts and homeowners alike.

The Jacobson House in Los Feliz: Design and Features

Completed in the early 1960s, the Jacobson House in Los Feliz is a prime example of Fickett’s skill in marrying form and function. The home is set in a tranquil location on Dundee Drive, nestled within a neighborhood that reflects the mid-century modern ethos with its low-slung roofs, large glass windows, and open layouts. Here’s a closer look at some key features of the home:

  1. Open Floor Plan: True to mid-century modern design, the house boasts an open floor plan that fosters a seamless flow between the living spaces. Large windows allow natural light to flood the interiors, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

  2. Connection to the Outdoors: Edward Fickett was a pioneer in blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The Jacobson House in Los Feliz reflects this with its ample use of sliding glass doors that open to an expansive outdoor area, perfect for entertaining or enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

  3. Geometric Shapes and Clean Lines: Fickett’s design uses geometric forms and sharp, clean lines that give the home a sleek and minimalist appearance. These design choices, along with the home’s open floor plan, create an enduring sense of modernity and sophistication.

  4. Functional Spaces: While aesthetic is a key feature, functionality is never compromised in Fickett's designs. The Jacobson House is thoughtfully laid out, with a focus on maximizing living space and minimizing unnecessary elements. The large windows provide expansive views of the surrounding area, enhancing the connection to the outdoors.

Historic Significance

The Jacobson House in Los Feliz was designated as a Historic Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles due to its architectural significance and its embodiment of the mid-century modern movement. Homes like the Jacobson House represent a crucial period in Los Angeles’ architectural history, showcasing how modernist principles influenced residential design during the 1950s and 1960s.

Why the Jacobson House Stands Out

The Jacobson House is more than just a home; it is a reflection of a pivotal moment in architectural history. Its mid-century modern aesthetic continues to captivate those who appreciate timeless design, and its place as a Historic Cultural Monument further solidifies its importance in the context of Los Angeles’ architectural evolution.

For homebuyers and architecture lovers alike, the Jacobson House in Los Feliz remains a rare and exquisite example of Edward Fickett’s work. Its unique design elements, historical significance, and seamless integration of modernist principles make it an architectural landmark in Los Angeles.

Whether you’re exploring homes in Los Feliz or diving into the heart of mid-century modern design, the Jacobson House serves as a lasting example of the vision and craftsmanship that defined an era. Its continued recognition as a Historic Cultural Monument ensures that this beautiful piece of architecture will remain a celebrated gem in Los Angeles for generations to come.

🔎 More Historic Homes in Los Feliz:

The Los Feliz Heights Steps: Hidden Pedestrian Paths Between Bonvue & Cromwell

Los Feliz Heights Steps – Between Bonvue & Cromwell Avenues, HCM #657

Built: 1920s  Declared: 10/14/1998

Tucked between Bonvue and Cromwell Avenues, the Los Feliz Heights Steps are one of the neighborhood’s lesser-known Historic-Cultural Monuments. Designated HCM #657 in 1998, this public staircase is part of Los Angeles’ long history of pedestrian pathways—quiet reminders of a time when walking was often the fastest way through the hills. With views, charm, and just enough secrecy to feel like a secret, these steps are worth a detour.
→ Want more hidden landmarks? Explore our guide to Historic Homes in Los Feliz or check out the Avocado Trees HCM #343 for another piece of natural heritage.

The Architectural Significance of Los Feliz Heights Steps

The Los Feliz Heights Steps were originally designed as a practical solution to connect steep and winding streets within the hilly Los Feliz Heights neighborhood. Much more than a simple set of stairs, this pathway is a tribute to Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, which became a defining style in Los Angeles’ residential development throughout the 1920s and 1930s. These steps are built into the hillside and remain true to the area's natural topography, creating an inviting, rustic route that links homes, streets, and panoramic views.

A Walk Through Time: Historic Los Feliz

Los Feliz Heights reflects the character and aesthetic of Old Hollywood glamour, attracting celebrities and artists alike throughout the decades. The stairway provides a passage through the neighborhood’s historic homes, many of which feature Spanish, Mediterranean, and Colonial Revival architecture that feels frozen in time. Properties along this route, like the Durex Model Home (HCM #1025) and other notable residences, showcase the opulence and craftsmanship that shaped this neighborhood.

Los Feliz Heights Steps Today

For both locals and visitors, the Los Feliz Heights Steps are more than a convenient shortcut; they’re a quiet retreat where you can pause and soak in the essence of Los Angeles’ architectural and cultural history. The steps are enveloped by lush greenery, charming native plants, and stunning views of Griffith Park, the Observatory, and sometimes even downtown Los Angeles on clear days.

Not only are the Los Feliz Heights Steps popular among those interested in architecture and history, but they’ve also become a favorite of fitness enthusiasts and photographers who appreciate the scenic beauty and serene ambiance.

How to Find the Los Feliz Heights Steps

Located between Bonvue and Cromwell Avenues, the Los Feliz Heights Steps are accessible from either street, making it a convenient stop for anyone touring the area. The steps are slightly tucked away, preserving their charm and making the experience feel like a special discovery.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Once you’ve climbed the Los Feliz Heights Steps, there’s so much more to discover nearby. From Griffith Park’s hiking trails and the Griffith Observatory to the buzzing restaurant and café scene in Los Feliz Village, the area offers plenty to round out a perfect day.

Conclusion

The Los Feliz Heights Steps are a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles, capturing the beauty and essence of early 20th-century architecture and the eclectic charm of the Los Feliz neighborhood. Whether you're here for the history, the views, or the architectural ambiance, the Los Feliz Heights Steps should be at the top of your list.

Sherwood House in Los Feliz: Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece on Amesbury Drive (HCM #1026)

Sherwood House – Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #913

Built: 1953  Declared: 2/5/2013

Hidden on a quiet stretch of Amesbury Drive in Los Feliz, the Sherwood House is a textbook example of California Mid-Century Modern design — and it’s officially recognized for it. Designated as Historic-Cultural Monument #1026 in 2013, this low-slung, post-and-beam gem by architect John M. Cooper has remained remarkably intact. With clean lines, clerestory windows, and an indoor-outdoor connection that defines the era, it stands as a quietly iconic piece of architectural history in the hills of Los Feliz.

Sherwood House: A Mid-Century Modern Gem in Los Feliz

Built in 1953, Sherwood House reflects the hallmark characteristics of Mid-Century Modern architecture—clean lines, open spaces, and an emphasis on integrating indoor and outdoor living. Designed by Louis Sherwood and Calvin Straub, the house remains a testament to the post-war design movement that shaped much of Los Angeles' architectural landscape.

Sherwood himself, after whom the house is named, designed the home as his private residence. The Mid-Century design features large windows that flood the home with natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding hillsides—a hallmark of the style, which prioritizes harmony between structure and environment.

Architectural Highlights of Sherwood House (3435 Amesbury Drive)

One of the most striking features of Sherwood House is its integration with the natural landscape. The home’s low-slung rooflines and expansive windows create a seamless transition between the inside and the lush greenery outside. This is typical of Mid-Century Modern homes in Los Angeles, where architects sought to blend the boundaries between interior living spaces and nature.

Inside, the layout is practical yet elegant, staying true to the "form follows function" principle of the era. Built-in furniture and open floor plans define the interior, offering a minimalist aesthetic that feels timeless even today.

Calvin Straub’s Influence on Mid-Century Modern Design

While Louis Sherwood played a key role in designing the house, the influence of Calvin Straub, a renowned Southern California architect, can’t be overlooked. Straub was a key figure in California's Mid-Century Modern movement, and his work is known for its use of natural materials like wood and stone, blending the man-made with the organic.

At Sherwood House, Straub's design philosophy is on full display. The home’s earthy materials and flowing connection to the outdoors make it a quintessential example of Mid-Century architecture in Los Feliz. Straub, often called the "Father of California Post and Beam architecture," left a legacy that still holds true today!