It’s no secret that you can find midcentury treasures all over Los Angeles, with famous examples by Richard Neutra, Lloyd Wright, William Pereira, Harry Gesner, and more getting attention on the market in recent years. But, you probably haven’t heard much about this circa-1948 home in L.A.’s trendy Echo Park neighborhood. It wasn’t discovered to be a John Lautner creation until 2014 when it listed for the first time in 65 years.
Though a 1966 addition by Arthur Silvers and a lack of preservation made it a major project, fashion designer Trina Turk was enthralled by its architectural pedigree and purchased it with her husband. After taking great care to restore it to its former glory, Turk is now selling the organic and angular pad for $2.395 million.
Compared to other home projects, which are about making something new and inventive, this renovation required studying and honoring the past. Turk extensively researched the structure’s history to hone in on Lautner’s original intent, pouring through drawings, photographs, and documents.
Together with architect Barbara Bestor, FAIA, the seller removed unauthentic additions and recreated or restored elements Lautner had envisioned. The butt-glazed clerestory window conditions, corrected fireplace and chimney profiles, redwood siding, and Frank Lloyd Wright-favored red concrete floors exude earthy warmth. The home’s unique shape, defined by the triangular truss roof with support from Douglas fir timbers, also shines brighter since the remodel.
These restoration efforts earned the LA Conservancy Preservation Award. Plus, the residence is now has Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument status (No. 1111). That means the interiors and exterior are protected and future homeowners should be prepared to live here without many substantial changes. It has three bedrooms across 1,361 square feet, plus dreamy outdoor spaces for classic California living.
Brian Linder, AIA and Mark H. Mendez of Compass holds the listing, which is for sale for the first time since being thoroughly renewed. It listed three days ago, and is already active under contract.