Southern California’s Mid-20th Century Architecture: Sunday Driving Tour in Glendale

The Glendale Historical Society’s 2008 Home Tour will feature five mid-20th century architectural gems located throughout the hills and canyons of Glendale, from Whiting Woods in the north to Adams Hill in the south, the work of “some of the best architects you’ve never heard of.” The self-driving tour takes place this Sunday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets and maps are available here, or at the starting point of the tour - the southwest corner of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street in Glendale – beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Most of Glendale’s early tracts were built in the 20s and 30s, but there are pockets of mid-century homes throughout the hills and outer reaches of the city. Many residents’ favorite downtown landmark is the prominent Fidelity Federal Building. Its renovation, argued over and followed closely by local preservation advocates, is nearly complete. Current and historical photos, and a rendering of a proposed animation center using the site, are posted on Tropico Station. 

Here are a few mid-century Glendale homes in the upper Rossmoyne/Royal Canyon areas currently listed on Redfin:

1944 Las Flores
$1,995,000 (originally $2,175,000)
4 bed/2.75 bath
2,593 sq.ft.
$769 per sq.ft.
On Redfin 69 days
The listing names as architect Raymond Jones, and the home sits on a little over 1 acre up in the hills with a panoramic view. It last sold in 2006 for $1,650,000.

1857 Las Flores Drive
$979,000 (originally $1,008,900)
3 bed.1.75 bath
2,242 sq.ft.
$437 per sq.ft.
On Redfin 74 days
This is a split-level home sitting on a 11,150 sq.ft. street to street hillside lot.

1135 Esmeralda Drive
$699,000 (reduced in price three times, originally $850,000)
3 bed/1.75 bath
2,173 sq.ft.
$322 per sq.ft.
On Redfin 221 days
This is one of the lowest priced homes in this hillside area, and looks from the photos as if it has many original 50s touches – some of which might appeal to buyers interested in period design.