Located at 642 West Athens Boulevard, the residence is historically significant for its association with Etta James, legendary blues, R&B, and soul singer-songwriter whose groundbreaking career continues to influence music today. 

In 2025, representatives from CD 15 approached the L.A. Women’s Landmarks Project to collaborate on a local landmark designation for the Etta James Residence. The effort reflects a shared commitment to address the significant underrepresentation of women and their contributions to Los Angeles’ history and identity. 

To prepare the Historic-Cultural Monument nomination, the L.A. Women’s Landmarks Project has retained two leading women-owned architectural history firms who are working in partnership: Historic Resources Group (HRG) and Architectural Resources Group (ARG). 

On February 7, 2026, members of the L.A. Women’s Landmarks Project team from the Conservancy and the National Trust, consultants from HRG and ARG, and representatives from Council District 15 met with residents and community members in Athens on the Hill to officially kick off the project. During the meeting, consultants from HRG and ARG presented an overview of the HCM process highlighting opportunities for community involvement. Gail Kennard, former Vice-Chair of the Cultural Heritage Commission, gave valuable insights into the HCM nomination process, the financial benefits (Mills Act) associated with HCM designation, and what to expect once a nomination is submitted to the city. Local archivist Leonard King, a member of the project team, introduced his Share Your Story oral history initiative, inviting community members to share their lived experiences and memories of Etta James as primary sources for the HCM nomination.