Refined Regency - Vintage Photo Friday

Current House.  Built 1926.  Wilshire Vista, Los Angeles

This could be our house! A circa 1970 remodel of 953 Orlando Ave., We Ho.  It's totally different in 2013

I love Mid-20th Century Modern Hollywood Regency style architecture.  When I was a child, my Dad was in the lumber business and was involved in many building projects in Los Angeles.  At the time, the old Spanish Revival style of home seemed outdated to many.  There were TONS of remodels going on in our City.  My Dad provided many of those TALL doors for these iconic Regency style building makeovers.  I learned to love this style, especially those Mansard roof lines, tall doors and windows, striped awnings and perfectly trimmed hedges.

We have a book called "Glitter Stucco & Dumpster Diving: Reflections on Building Production in the Vernacular City" by John Chase (2000).  In the chapter entitled, "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away?  Convention Versus Invention and the Survival of Period Revival in Southern California"  and also the chapter called "Knocking Off The Knock-Offs" there's a wonderful discussion and lots of photos of Hollywood Regency makeovers from Spanish Revival style in Los Angeles during the 1960's and '70's.  There are some excellent pictures of the progression of these remodels.  This has given me the idea that we could definitely do this to OUR HOUSE!!!  There aren't any Regency style homes in Wilshire Vista.  Our house would be the first Regency in the neighborhood!  We would be trendsetters! 

Here are some photos from the book that show the progression of the remodeling:

8937 Ashcroft Ave., WeHo, remodeled by Larry Limotti and Ross Worsley in 1961-62.

The framing for the Mansard roof is added to the Ashcroft Ave. home

Completed Transformation, 8937 Ashcroft Ave.  FABULOUS!

Of course, it would be preferable to move into a home that is already this style of architecture.  Just transfer the money into my account to purchase a home in Trousdale Estates, Ladera Heights or Palm Springs please!

Have a wonderful weekend.