Place

William Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments

This 1954 courtyard apartment is one of the only multi-family residences designed by famed builder William Mellenthin

Active

Support tenants and neighbors in designating this rare apartment as an L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM).

One story bungalow with birdhouse roof feature foregrounded by large pine tree

William Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments | Frank Richter

Overview

The suburban dream is a little denser- but no less picturesque – in this six-unit courtyard apartment designed by renown builder and developer William Mellenthin. In the postwar period, Mellenthin designed over 3,000 homes across Los Angeles. His influence is best seen in the San Fernando Valley where his iconic cupola birdhouse design graced single-family homes across the growing suburbs.

In the 1950s, Mellenthin began to apply the Traditional Ranch style to multi-family residences. Few remain, however, making the William Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments an extremely rare building type.

The Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments are important rent-stabilized units. The courtyard and landscaping creates a community atmosphere for tenants, some who have lived there for over two decades. In September 2024, neighbors and residents nominated the Birdhouse Apartments as a L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM).

 

About This Place

About This Place

The William Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments are a rare, and intact example of a courtyard apartment in the Traditional Ranch style in the San Fernando Valley’s Valley Glen neighborhood. It is a triplex court composed of three detached duplexes.

Whimsical yet modest, each apartment is a miniature version of Mellenthin’s full-size single-family ‘Birdhouses.’ Mellenthin and architect Frank S. Hinksman designed the Birdhouse typology in the late 1930s, inspired by Mellenthin’s childhood in Minnesota. The wooden birdhouse adorned the gables of Ranch style homes. The style became so popular that other designers began incorporating them into their developments.

Mellenthin’s homes were known for high quality craftsmanship and materials. Whimsical yet modest, the Traditional Ranch-style duplexes offer cozy country-style interiors and shared outdoor space.

Our Position

Residences like the William Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments demonstrate historic models for densifying our neighborhoods while retaining character and a sense of community. It’s crucial that we protect older, rent stabilized buildings that make up a majority of L.A.’s remaining affordable housing.

Neighbors and residents worked together to nominate the to tell the story of their home and what it means to them today. The Conservancy is proud to support their effort to designate this important multi-family residence.

How You Can Help

On October 17th the Cultural Heritage Commission took the William Mellenthin Birdhouse Apartments under consideration as a L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument. Stay tune for future hearing dates.

Timeline