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Edinburgh Bungalow Court
Completed in 1923, the Edinburgh Bungalow Court reflects early settlement patterns and the rise of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
Saved
Following more than 8 years of uncertainty and demolition threats, a project to restore the Edinburgh Bungalow Court was completed in 2023.
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Restored interior of one of the bungalow units. image by Adrian Scott Fine/L.A. Conservancy
Overview
Made up of four one-story residential buildings and one garage structure that form a U-shaped plan, each building contains two, one-bedroom apartments for a total of eight units. A shared central courtyard runs through the middle of the property.
As of March 2020, Edinburgh Bungalow Court is in safe hands. A longtime Conservancy supporter teamed up with a historic renovator from The Prop Shop to purchase it and plan to preserve and rehabilitate for housing once again. (Read the full story about the five-year effort on our blog.) In 2023, landscaping was completed at the property, and it was once again opened, ready for a new generation of Angelenos to call Edinburgh Bungalow Court “home sweet home.”
This inspiring effort of community advocacy earned a Preservation Award from the L.A. Conservancy in 2023.
About This Place
About This Place
Built in 1923 at Edinburgh and Waring avenues in the Beverly Grove section of Los Angeles, Edinburgh Bungalow Court was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It is an excellent example of early twentieth century multi-family residential development. Though the architect and/or builder are unknown, the Spanish Colonial Revival property responded to the need for new housing in Los Angeles as settlement patterns pushed westward, and it reflects high quality workmanship.
Unapologetically modest in style, Edinburgh is like so many other bungalow courts built at the time, providing simple but much-needed affordable housing. For nearly a hundred years Edinburgh has been in service, providing a home to countless residents, many who initially came to L.A. to get their big break in Hollywood. The one-story residential units are situated around a central courtyard, featuring a distinctive arched entryway reminiscent of the Mission Revival style. The stucco-clad buildings are distinguished by flat roofs (with clay tile detailing), arched doorways, and wood-framed windows.
The Edinburgh Bungalow Court is also closely associated with the rise of Hollywood. This type of development expanded significantly during the 1920s and 1930s to accommodate people who worked in the nearby entertainment industry.
As of March 2020, Edinburgh Bungalow Court is in safe hands. A longtime Conservancy supporter teamed up with a historic renovator from The Prop Shop to purchase it and plan to preserve and rehabilitate for rental housing once again. Read the full story about the five-year effort on our blog.
There were many twists and turns to this Herculean effort to save Edinburgh over a five year period, from environmental appeals and settlements to lawsuits. Through legal intervention, an agreement to sell Edinburgh was finally reached just as owners secured a demolition permit, so it could not have been closer.
Our Position
The “Save 750 Edinburgh” campaign was born in 2015. An early effort and boost came in late 2015 when the City of Los Angeles initiated a Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM) nomination for Edinburgh. It is rare for the City to step in and take a stand, especially in this case with HCM initiation from the then-director of city planning. HCM status was key in buying time and keeping the bungalow court standing, as demolition was imminent with the last of the residents evicted through an Ellis Act process and Edinburgh already fenced off.
Even after HCM designation was secured in early 2016 the owners continued to pursue demolition as part of a small-lot subdivision plan and environmental review process that lasted through 2019. Empty and not always secured, Edinburgh quickly deteriorating from a lack of upkeep and constant squatters, making it a neighborhood nuisance and point of contention.
There are many others to thank who ultimately helped in saving Edinburgh Bungalow Court. Then-Councilmember Paul Koretz and his team facilitated discussions throughout the process and brought various parties together. Architectural Resources Group completed the HCM nomination. The Cultural Heritage Commission and staff made all the difference in buying Edinburgh time. Nita Lelyveld from the Los Angeles Times and her article in the eleventh hour attracted the attention of a buyer.
The Conservancy is proud to have played a role too, and takes inspiration from this and many other saves where people come together to make a difference, in this case saving and loving a simple bungalow court.
Los Angeles Bungalow Courts:
Increasingly endangered, bungalow courts and renters are protected from excessive rent hikes through the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, but few are protected from Ellis Act evictions and demolition. SurveyLA identified 410 bungalow courts not currently protected through a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) or other historic designation.
Conservatively bungalow courts represent more than 1,500 units of relatively affordable housing that we need to retain and protect.
2023 Celebration Video
The L.A. Conservancy celebrated the 2023 Preservation Awards winners at the historic Television City in Hollywood with a video showcasing their stories. The program celebrated their hard work, dedication, and achievement. We’re thrilled to share Edinburgh Bungalow Court inspiring story with you.
