In the 1950s housing developments began peppering the land outside of Los Angeles. Affordable, family-friendly communities like the San Fernando Valley initiated an exodus to the suburbs. It was in the Valley that designer-builder William Mellenthin developed his singular brand of cozy, charming home. They became known as the Mellenthin Birdhouse ranch home—so called because they featured a cupola or dovecote built prominently into the roof.
Come and listen to local historian and Cal Arts graduate Chris Lukather discuss these homes which still populate our neighborhoods and once reflected the idea of a 1950s suburban paradise in and around the Los Angeles area.
Saturday, January 12th, 1pm