Taking over from titans

"Western Heights -- southwest of Koreatown and bounded today by Washington Boulevard, the Santa Monica Freeway and Arlington and Western avenues -- began modestly, when the first cottage was built in 1903 or '04. In addition to the wealthy local professionals who built there and in similar neighborhoods nearby, business titans from the Midwest and East Coast who liked to summer in Southern California built there too."

"Maureen DeBose's 5,600-square-foot house, designed by John C. Austin in 1909 -- with seven bedrooms, 5 1/2 bathrooms, two kitchens, a library, music room and an elevator -- features the original tapestry-style wallpaper, velvet curtains, oak floors, light fixtures and leatherette walls in the entry hall."

"Some of these homes have names and libraries, which says a lot about their original owners. The 10-room Baker residence on West 21st Street, for example, was built in 1910 for the James Blair Bakers, who entertained the Hearsts and Dohenys there."

Western Heights, located southwest of Koreatown, emerged as Los Angeles' most prestigious residential district in the early 1900s. The neighborhood attracted wealthy local professionals and prominent business titans from the Midwest and East Coast who built elaborate mansions designed by celebrated architects including Paul Williams and John C. Austin. Streetcar transportation along Washington Boulevard connected residents to downtown offices. As automobiles became popular in the 1920s, many affluent residents relocated to the newly fashionable Beverly Hills area. Despite this migration, Western Heights maintained its historic character, with 89% of residences contributing to the district's historic status. Many current residents have restored these grand homes to their original condition, preserving architectural details and period features.

Read at Los Angeles Times