Architecture Field Trip - Poppy Peak Historic District
As someone with an interest in modernist and mid-century architecture, I consider myself fortunate to live within jogging distance of this historic neighborhood.
The district is located in the southwestern corner of Pasadena and borders the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Eagle Rock and Highland Park.
The four main streets through the district are Poppy Peak Drive, Kaweah Drive, Pleasant Way, and Cresthaven Drive. The streets are steep, narrow, and winding; as a result, the neighborhood has no sidewalks and few front lawns.
Below is a sampling of homes that contribute to its historic status.
The Hugh Gates House, aka Gates-O'Brien, 1611 Pleasant Way, 1961
Gates was a building contractor who worked on several Buff and Hensman houses and was also Calvin Straub's brother-in-law.
Wirick House, 1617 Pleasant Way, Architect: Calvin Straub, 1958
Designed for Thomas and Barbara Wirick by Calvin Straub soon before he joined partners Buff and Hensman. Built on a steep lot, it steps down from an unassuming wood carport. Though it’s all that you can view from the street-side elevation, it is satisfying to view even this.
1525 Poppy Peak Dr. Architect: Kenneth Nishimoto, 1957
This notable house was designed by prominent local architect and USC graduate, Kenneth Nishimoto, for his family.
The persimmon-colored single panel door is visible from the southwest-facing street elevation. This is the original color of the door.
Other details of interest:
- Wood slatted screening to the right of the door shields a landscaped area - A mounted globe light fixture - Stucco separated by vertical posts of wood flush to the stucco
A structural large ridge beam along the topmost gable accommodates roof vents evenly spaced along both sides of the beam providing a small degree of ornamental rhythm.
1622 Poppy Peak Dr., Architect: Lyman Ennis, 1964
Lyman Ennis began his career first as a product designer and motion picture set designer prior to obtaining a BS in Architecture from USC. Lyman’s architectural practice was based in Pasadena for over 40 years during which he designed dozens of innovative and unique mid-century post and beam and other homes of contemporary design throughout Southern California, successful retail stores and various other commercial buildings throughout a very productive career.
When this house last sold in 2021, the listing contained this interesting note: The native and imported species of plants throughout were designed by expert botanist Theodore Payne and landscape architect Garrett Eckbo.
Perkins House 1540 Poppy Peak Dr. Architect: Richard Neutra, 1955
Per the Los Angeles Conservancy website:
A house designed for art history professor Constance Perkins' to reflect her personal living style: art-loving, landscape-focused, creative, and independent.
Laing House 1642 Pleasant Way Architect: Harwell Hamilton Harris, 1935⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is an international style home designed for Graham Laing, an economic professor at the California Institute of Technology. The architect Harwell Hamilton Harris was mentored by modernist architect, Richard Neutra.
Thompson Residence. 1695 Poppy Peak Drive Architect: Buff, Straub and Hensman, 1957
At one time, the house was formerly owned by Mad Men producer Scott Hornbacher.
From the sale listing:
Considered to be one of the most important early works of the Post and Beam style coming out of the USC School of Architecture; its defining feature being the two-story soaring walls of glass in the main living area. Here, the natural elements of light and wood work seamlessly together to create the indoor/outdoor ambiance so coveted by Mid-Century Modern devotees. Every square foot of space in this striking home has been restored in extreme detail, so much so that the City of Pasadena bestowed the 2012 Preservation Award to the home.