A West Hollywood Walking Tour of the Harper Avenue Historic District
A West Hollywood Walking Tour of the Harper Avenue Historic District
As a long-term West Hollywood resident, I have a special place in my heart for the city’s historic architecture. I can’t count the number of times I’ve driven past the glamorous bungalows and the luxury landmarks, admiring intricate details and day dreaming about which spots former Hollywood stars once called home.
A few weeks ago, I finally decided to embark on a self-guided walking tour through West Hollywood’s Harper Avenue Historic District. As a largely residential area, the easy-paced tour is well off-the-beaten-path and arguably a lot more authentic than what you might find via some homes-of-the-stars bus tour. In fact, it’s one of my new favorite things to do in West Hollywood.
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Overview
The tour takes you to 8 historic buildings in a very rough circle across 3.5 city blocks.
Parking: Street parking is possible during certain times of the day, however, make sure to check street signs for any limitations prior to leaving your car.
Alternatively, the Kings Road Parking Garage offers secure paid parking about a 5-minute walk from the Historic District.
Cost: Free, except for an optional parking garage fee.
Gentle Reminder: This tour takes you through a residential neighborhood. Please be kind and courteous to those living in and around these buildings:
- Please do not photograph directly into anyone’s living space.
- Please pick up all of your trash.
- Please do not block any driveways.
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Patio El Moro
My tour through the Harper Avenue Historic District technically began one block over on Fountain Avenue’s Patio El Moro.
Built in 1926, the property’s designed was inspired by the original owners’ extensive travels through Northern Africa and Spain. And while you can see many of the Moorish details from the outside, some of the best treasures are hidden within the building’s apartments. In fact, Patio El Moro’s National Register nomination form even lists secret passages as part of the building’s features!
Location: 8225-37 Fountain Ave
Architecture Style: Moorish and Spanish Revival
Bringing a Tripod?
Even if you’re shooting from the comfort of a welcoming West Hollywood residential neighborhood like this one, be extra cautious before stepping away from your equipment and other belongings to take a photo. People here are generally friendly, but it is still a large city and there’s always a chance of coming upon someone who may be less-than-trustworthy.
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Four Gables
Heading left down Fountain Avenue, you’ll find the Four Gables building
Designed in 1927 by architect Leland Bryant, the Four Gables has been home to many entertainment industry names including Winona Ryder and George Hurrell.
Location: 8250-62 Fountain Ave
Architecture Style: French Chateau
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Romanesque Villa
After Four Gables, we finally turn onto Harper Avenue for the Romanesque Villa, a true Old Hollywood property that the stars have called home since 1928.
Marilyn Monroe, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Anita Stewart, and John Welch all lived here. And the Romanesque Villa is even the spot where Director Josef Von Sternberg‘s rumored affair with Actress Marlene Dietrich began.
Location: 1301-1309 Harper Ave
Architecture Style: Spanish Colonial Revival and Churrigueresque
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Villa Primavera
Directly across the street at 1301-1309 Harper Avenue is Villa Primavera. Although now slightly obscured by a large hedge, you can still get a nice view of the courtyard fountain and fireplace by the gate.
This 1923 property is not only the former home of James Dean and Katherine Hepburn, but it’s exterior and interior were also recreated on a soundstage for the Hollywood noir drama, In A Lonely Place starring Humphrey Bogart.
Location: 1300 Harper Ave
Architecture Style: Spanish
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
El Pasadero
El Pasadero, a Spanish Colonial Revival property from 1931, is located just a few buildings over from Villa Primavera.
I especially loved the custom signage, brightly tiled staircases and iron terraces that encapsulate the property’s historic style.
Location: 1330 Harper Ave
Architecture Style: Spanish Colonial Revival
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Casa Granada
Just next door to El Pasadero is Casa Granada, a must-see property with an elaborate staircase leading up to an old gated courtyard.
Built in 1929, Casa Granada was once home to many Hollywood stars, including Comedian Joe E. Brown from Some Like It Hot.
Location: 1334-1336 Harper Ave
Architecture Style: Churrigueresque
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
Casa Real
The last property you’ll see on Harper Ave before turning down De Longpre Ave toward our final stop is Casa Real. A Mediterranean Revival property from 1931, Casa Real is difficult to miss. Its name is proudly engraved just above the building’s arched entryway!
Casa Real’s other amazing features include beautiful iron ornamentation, an impressive red clay staircase and two vintage lampposts.
Location: 1354 Harper Ave
Architecture Style: Mediterranean Revival
west hollywood walking tour – harper avenue
El Mirador
After turning down De Longpre, make a left on N Sweetzer Ave and head toward the end of the block for a beautiful and haunting finale to this walking tour: El Mirador.
The El Mirador Apartments have a long, complex history. In its heyday, the property was home to Jean Harlow. However, only a short 20 years after she passed, the building gained notoriety as the site of Judy Dull’s abduction by serial killer Harvey Glatman.
Today, El Mirador sits on the corner of Fountain and N Sweetzer as an abandoned shell, housing no tenants and reminding passerbys of the city’s two-storied past.
Location: 1302 N Sweetzer Ave
Architecture Style: Spanish Colonial Revival and Churrigueresque
Want to keep exploring?
While a visit to El Mirador technically marks the end of the Harper Avenue District, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end to this historic architecture walking tour. If you’re hoping to view another landmark spot in the area, head up the street toward Sunset. Just a few blocks away, you can find the famous Chateau Marmont or the renowned Sunset Tower Hotel.
And for even more, check out my post: Top Things To Do in West Hollywood: A Local’s Perspective
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