1732 S. Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Life can be a blur. Especially in LA where many of us have a predilection to rely on the freeways to get to wherever we’re going as quickly as possible. You know, point A to point B, without giving one’s self the chance to take a closer look at our surroundings. But if you forgo the freeways and cruise the surface streets you’ll discover neighborhoods throughout LA that are absolute gems. These areas are rich in history, filled with beautiful homes, and the best part is that some of these areas have managed to sneak beneath the radar of a frenzied real estate market. Though, some of these areas are slowly being sniffed out by savvy buyers – blue collar, white collar and hipsters alike.
One such area is Harvard Heights, a designated Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (aka HPOZ) whose streets are lined with fabulous Craftsman and Victorian homes built in the very early 1900’s, some of which have been impeccably restored, while others are diamonds in the rough. It’s these diamonds that have been drawing the attention of folks that have grown weary of the bidding wars that are commonplace in many of LA’s more popular neighborhoods, including Silver Lake and Echo Park.
Where exactly is Harvard Heights, you ask? Here is a map. What’s great about this location is that it’s right in the middle of the city with quick access to everything. Downtown (also finally coming into its own) and USC are both just a couple minutes away. Burgeoning Koreatown is immediately to the north. And heading to the beach is snap with the 10 freeway a stone’s throw away and just beyond the 101-110 snarl of downtown.
I’ve walked the neighborhood many times in the past few months and I’ve gotten to know many of the residents. What stands out from the experience is that the neighbors are extremely well connected. Everyone seems to know everyone else. And there is a great sense of pride about the houses they own. They revel in talking about their home’s history, its architect, its past owners and why they chose to live in the neighborhood.
Speaking of architecture and history, how about this for starters? This is the Lucy Wheeler house, built in 1905, the last remaining Greene and Greene house within the city of Los Angeles. Designated as Historic Cultural Monument #991, it was owned and carefully restored by preservation architect and L.A. Conservancy founder Martin Eli Weil during the 25 years that he lived there. It most recently sold in 2011 and it continues to be protected by easements held by the Conservancy.
Continue browsing to see some more examples of the beautiful homes in the neighborhood. Or better yet, stop in for a visit. Acclaimed boutique real estate development firm ReInhabit will be hosting an art show this Saturday as a pre-listing celebration of their most recent project at 1700 S. Harvard starting at 4:00pm. (see map below for the location.) And look for an upcoming blog post on that house next week!
Loyola High School, a Jesuit preparatory school for boys, is not merely a stunning building. Founded in 1865, it’s the oldest high school and continuously run educational institution in Southern California, pre-dating the University of CA system.
If you would like to see this or any other property, call me to make an appointment. David Kubiczky, PLG Estates – 323.497.7555
Very creaative post