A 1960 Edward Fickett mid-century, built when modern design was becoming the way Los Angeles lived.
What is the Jacobson House?
The Jacobson House at 4520 Dundee Drive is a 1960 mid-century modern home in Los Feliz designed by architect Edward Fickett, designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #674 on February 25, 2000. It is known for its open floor plan, walls of glass, clean geometric lines, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
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.
Just up the street at 4616 Dundee Drive sits another landmark, the Lovell Health House, Richard Neutra's 1929 steel-frame masterpiece and one of the most important modernist homes ever built in America.
At a glance
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.
Modern, at scale
"Edward Fickett brought modern design to thousands of Los Angeles homes. The Jacobson House shows why it mattered."
The Jacobson House: 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 is a closer look at some key features of the home:
- 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.
- Connection to the outdoors. Edward Fickett was a pioneer in blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The Jacobson House 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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. For another Fickett-era mid-century landmark, see the Sherwood House in The Oaks.
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 designed the Jacobson House?
The Jacobson House at 4520 Dundee Drive was designed by architect Edward Fickett and built in 1960. Fickett was a prolific mid-century architect who shaped a great deal of postwar Los Angeles.
Is the Jacobson House a designated landmark?
Yes. It is designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #674.
Can the Jacobson House be visited?
No. It is a private residence. It can be seen from the street in the Los Feliz hills.
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
Fickett's Jacobson House is one of the neighborhood's mid-century landmarks. 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.