The Marco Place Court is a Spanish Colonial Revival bungalow court in Venice. The entrance to this charming apartment is isn’t visible by car, but by a “walk street” — a unique pedestrian-centered layout where residences are accessed by sidewalks in the front, and vehicular streets at the rear.

While bungalow courts were once widespread in Venice, they have become a rare example of affordable, community-centered multi-family housing. After the longtime owner sold the building in 2024, neighbors banded together to nominate Marco Place as an L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM) to ensure it continues to serve its residents and the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, due to alterations, the Cultural Heritage Commission denied the HCM application for Marco Place Court in May 2025. However, we are pleased to see the owner taking steps to rehabilitate the property.

The Conservancy was a proud supporter of nomination and the group of advocates that coalesced behind it.

The bungalow court apartment is an important type of historic multi-family housing that offers density, affordability, access to green space, and fosters connection between tenants and neighbors. Unfortunately, bungalow courts are increasingly at risk of demolition. We need to protect these remaining buildings and use them as a model for new development.

Importantly, Marco Place provides crucial affordable, rent-stabilized residences for longterm tenants who are as much a fabric of the community as the buildings themselves. Marco Place has a strong community of tenants and neighbors committed to both the past and future of this apartment.