Derby House by Lloyd Wright – A Mayan Revival Gem Above Los Feliz

Tucked into Chevy Chase Canyon just a few minutes from Los Feliz, the Derby House is one of Lloyd Wright’s most intriguing experiments in Mayan Revival architecture. Built in 1926 and now pending sale at the time of this writing—after 109 days on market—the home represents a powerful chapter in LA’s early modern design story.

For anyone exploring the architectural history of the Eastside—or for buyers working with a Los Feliz real estate agent who specializes in historic and design-forward homes—the Derby House offers a clear look at how radical and expressive early 20th-century residential architecture could be.

A Compact Masterpiece of Mayan Revival Design

Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the Derby House using the family’s signature concrete textile-block construction—a technique that would later be made famous in projects like the Ennis House and the Sowden House. The Derby House is smaller and more private than its theatrical Los Feliz counterparts, but the design language is unmistakable:

  • stepped pyramid-inspired massing

  • repeating geometric patterns in the concrete blocks

  • dramatic vertical lines that catch light throughout the day

For buyers who gravitate toward unusual design, sculptural forms, and highly expressive homes, properties like this signal the value of hiring a top real estate agent in Los Feliz who understands architectural inventory and these niche design movements.

🏠 Why It Matters Today

While the home sits technically in Glendale, the architectural lineage ties directly back to the Los Feliz hills—especially to Wright projects along Los Feliz Boulevard and the dramatic hillside estates in The Oaks.

This is the kind of home that prompts questions like:

  • How do Mayan Revival homes age in the LA climate?

  • What’s the long-term maintenance on textile-block construction?

  • Which neighborhoods still have intact Lloyd or Frank Lloyd Wright designs?

These are the sorts of nuances that matter when you’re working with a Los Feliz Realtor with local expertise—someone who understands how rare homes like this shape buyer expectations throughout the broader Eastside market.

Other Nearby Architectural Landmarks

If you're exploring this part of LA, here are several architectural sites connected by design lineage and influence:

  • Ennis House by Frank Lloyd Wright

  • Sowden House by Lloyd Wright

  • Jacobson House (Edward Fickett)

  • Shakespeare Bridge

  • Sherwood House

These homes create an architectural corridor stretching from Los Feliz to Hollywood to Glendale—one of the densest collections of historically influential residential design in the country.

Design Lessons Homeowners Borrow From Lloyd Wright

  • geometric repetition = instant architectural character

  • raw materials + texture outperform trend-driven décor

  • layered massing creates depth even in small spaces

  • natural light + strong vertical lines = timeless

The Derby House is a reminder that Los Angeles architecture rewards those who look closely. Even the quietest corners hold pieces of design history that continue to inspire how we live today.

Explore More Los Feliz Architecture & Real Estate

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.

The Blackburn Residence: A Spanish Colonial Revival Gem in Los Feliz

Blackburn Residence, Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #913

Built: 1927  Declared: 04/08/2008

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Los Feliz, the Blackburn Residence at 4791 Cromwell Avenue stands as a testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of renowned architect Paul R. Williams. Built in 1927 for Bruce Blackburn, inventor of the roll-up window screen, this home is a striking example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a style that epitomizes Southern California’s romanticized past.

Architectural Masterpiece by Paul R. Williams

Designed by Paul R. Williams, known as the “Architect to the Stars,” the Blackburn Residence boasts hallmark features of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The home’s red clay tile roof, arched doorways, and the two-story turreted tower are quintessential elements of this design. Inside, the home showcases vaulted ceilings, intricate tile work, wood paneling, and a distinctive triple fireplace, all crafted to reflect the luxurious yet functional ethos that Williams was famous for​.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this house is its blend of indoor-outdoor living, with courtyards and patios designed to extend the interior space seamlessly into the lush landscape. Bruce Blackburn, as a nod to his invention, had roll-up window screens installed in the home, an innovation that Williams himself would incorporate into many of his future projects​.

Historic Significance and Preservation

In 2008, the Blackburn Residence was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM #913), cementing its status as one of Los Feliz’s architectural treasures. Despite some minor updates—such as the installation of an elevator and a bathroom redesign in 1962—the home remains largely as it was when the Blackburn family lived there until 1978​.

Spanish Colonial Revival in Los Feliz

The Spanish Colonial Revival style flourished in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, particularly in neighborhoods like Los Feliz. This architectural style, influenced by the early Spanish missions, features elements such as smooth stucco walls, ornate wrought ironwork, and expansive outdoor spaces, all of which are found in abundance at the Blackburn Residence.

The home is not just a landmark for its architecture but also for its place in Los Angeles history. Bruce and Lula Blackburn were active in the city’s cultural circles, often hosting social gatherings that were chronicled in the local society pages​(

A Historic Gem with Timeless Appeal

For those interested in the rich architectural history of Los Feliz, the Blackburn Residence is a must-see. This Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece encapsulates the grandeur and allure of the 1920s Los Angeles elite, while also standing as a testament to Paul R. Williams’ enduring legacy as one of America’s most celebrated architects.