Wilshire Blvd. Historic Districts
Since 2001, architectural photographer John Bare has documented numerous historic residential districts throughout Southern California. Today SoCal Landmarks is presenting selections from the historic residential areas of Los Angeles south of Wilshire Blvd. that include Wilshire Park, Windsor Village, Oxford Park and Country Club Park. While some of the homes and buildings may be noteworthy on their own, the goal of John’s documentation, and our presentations, is to provide an overview of the districts and the variety of architectural styles that contribute to their distinction.
Starting in 1895 as a road running east-west across the middle of H. Gaylord Wilshire’s upscale subdivision just west of downtown, Wilshire Blvd stretched west as Los Angeles expanded in the early 20th century. Street cars and automobiles provided accessibility that spurred residential development on both sides of the street targeting the up-and-coming middle class and the more affluent upper-middle class. The architectural styles prevalent during this period, generally Period Revival styles including Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Colonial, Tudor and Dutch Colonial, reflected a desire for stylish and upscale living.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Photographer: John Bare