Abraham Gore Residence – 2208 N. Catalina Street, HCM #1061 (2/5/2014)

Abraham Gore Residence – 2208 N. Catalina Street, HCM #1061

Built: 1928 Certified: (2/5/2014)

Exploring the Abraham Gore Residence – HCM #1061

Los Feliz, known for its stunning architectural gems and rich history, is home to the Abraham Gore Residence, a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece located at 2208 N. Catalina Street. Designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #1061 on February 5, 2014, this property is a shining example of the area’s enduring charm and architectural significance.

Architectural Significance

The Abraham Gore Residence embodies the Spanish Colonial Revival style that flourished in Southern California during the 1920s and 1930s. The home features hallmark elements of this design movement, including red clay tile roofs, stucco walls, and wrought iron details. The property’s symmetry, ornate tile work, and elegant arched windows further enhance its timeless appeal.

This style was deeply influenced by the region’s Spanish and Mexican heritage, blending traditional elements with modern functionality. Architects of the era sought to create homes that were both beautiful and perfectly suited to the Mediterranean-like climate of Los Angeles. The Abraham Gore Residence is a quintessential representation of this architectural philosophy.

Historical Context

Constructed in 1928, the Abraham Gore Residence stands as a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century Los Angeles. The 1920s marked a period of rapid growth and cultural flourishing in the city, with neighborhoods like Los Feliz attracting Hollywood elites, artists, and intellectuals. The home’s proximity to Griffith Park and the vibrant Los Feliz Village made it an ideal location for prominent residents.

The designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument ensures that this property is recognized and preserved for its architectural and historical importance. Such landmarks offer invaluable insights into the city’s past while enriching its cultural fabric.

A Neighborhood Steeped in History

The Abraham Gore Residence is just one of many historic properties that make Los Feliz a haven for architectural enthusiasts. The area’s eclectic mix of Spanish-style homes, Mid-Century Modern masterpieces, and iconic landmarks like the Ennis House and the Griffith Observatory create a neighborhood rich in character and intrigue.

Los Feliz’s history as a hub for Old Hollywood makes it even more appealing. Many homes in the area, including the Abraham Gore Residence, were designed with meticulous attention to detail, catering to the tastes of affluent and influential residents.

Preserving the Legacy

As a designated Historic-Cultural Monument, the Abraham Gore Residence is protected under local preservation laws. These regulations ensure that any alterations or restorations maintain the home’s historical integrity. Preservation efforts like these help maintain the unique identity of Los Feliz while offering future generations a glimpse into the architectural artistry of the past.

Conclusion

The Abraham Gore Residence at 2208 N. Catalina Street is a shining example of Los Feliz’s rich architectural heritage. Its designation as HCM #1061 highlights its importance as a cultural and historical asset to the city of Los Angeles. For those who appreciate the beauty and history of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, this residence serves as a reminder of Los Feliz’s enduring allure.

Whether you’re a local resident, a real estate enthusiast, or simply someone captivated by Los Angeles’s storied past, the Abraham Gore Residence is a property worth celebrating. It stands as a timeless piece of Los Feliz’s architectural tapestry, showcasing the craftsmanship and elegance that define the neighborhood’s unique character.

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!

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.