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EARLY
HISTORY
The architectural splendor and rich history of the West
Adams community, between downtown and USC, make it a
must see for local history buffs. Now a guidebook designed
for young people – but appealing to everyone – will
guide you through the community with maps, photos and
a brief history of the area's most luxurious homes.
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Note: Real Player required to view video (free download) |
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West Adams was developed between 1900
and 1920 as home to Los Angeles’ entrepreneurial elites.
Oil barons, vintners, railroad magnates, and real estate
developers hired top architects of their day to create
elegant mansions in a variety of styles. Among its most
wealthy residents of the 20’s were Edward Lawrence Doheny,
oil magnate; Randolph Huntington Minor who oversaw the
Port of Los Angeles; and Secondo Guasti an Italian immigrant
who made his fortune in wine. Lawyers, doctors and well-heeled
professionals built other smaller, yet still elegant
homes.
Other significant buildings distinguished
the West Adams area, including Mount Saint Mary’s
College, the Automobile Club of Southern California,
Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building, Shrine
Auditorium and St. Vincent’s Church.
In the 1930’s West Adams hit
hard times during the Great Depression. Homeowners were
forced to either sell their homes, or rent out rooms
to boarders.
FOREFRONT
OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Another change occurred in the late
1930’s as successful black entertainers moved into West
Adams Heights, dubbed “Sugar Hill.” But white residents
opposed the integration of West Adams. Among those who
helped break the color barrier were actresses Hattie
McDaniel (who won an Oscar for her role as the servant
in Gone With the Wind), and Louise Beavers. Their efforts
were validated in 1948 when the United States Supreme
Court declared racial restrictions on housing unconstitutional.
Soon West Adams was a magnet for African-Americans,
who quickly became the dominant group.
DECLINE
AND REVIVAL
In the 1960’s the Santa Monica Freeway (10) cut
through part of West Adams. Some of the most significant
homes were lost to the freeway construction and the
area began an era of decline that would last through
the 70’s.
But in the 1980’s, with a healthy
economy and many African-Americans breaking into well-paying
professions, homeowners started investing in the old
mansions, remodeling and restoring the historic homes.
Other professionals attracted to the architecture and
lush old neighborhood brought increased diversity. Artists,
designers, media professionals who work downtown discovered
the charm and convenience of West Adams. Today is it
one of L.A.’s most diverse communities.
FREE
GUIDE BOOK TO WEST ADAMS
A brief history of West Adams called
“Streets of Dreams” by David
Brown offers photos, a map, a list of significant
structures, and the prominent residents and architects
of West Adams. The booklet is sponsored by the Automobile
Club of Southern California, and is written for young
people. It is an informative and visual guide to the
area that will appeal to everyone. Copies are available
at the Auto
Club and selected local libraries.
Read
the transcript
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