Paul Revere Williams House
This modest one-story single-family residence is an example of a Vernacular Hipped Cottage with Craftsman influences.
In addition to the residence Paul Revere Williams designed for his family in 1951 in Lafayette Square (Historic-Cultural Monument HCM #170), the house at 1271 West 35th Street is equally significant because it is associated with an important period of Williams' career when he was ascending the architecture profession. The fact that he did not design the house is a tangible and bitter reminder that his success did not immunize him from racial injustice.
Despite the fact that he was among the more prominent architects in California, if not the United States, until 1951 he was prevented from designing and living in his own dream home. The vast challenges he overcame and the extraordinary achievements he made during an era of racial injustice has inspired generations of architects.
Through the efforts of the Conservancy, the Paul Revere Williams House was designated as a Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM) on February 16, 2022.
The house reflects the period 1921 to 1951 when the Williams' family lived here. Alterations undertaken by Williams include the addition of a sleeping porch in 1926. This is presumably one of the two wings projecting from the north façade. In 1936, the existing garage was constructed for Williams. Other alterations include a kitchen remodel in 1938 and a playroom addition also in 1938.
In 2021, the Los Angeles Conservancy explored the places associated with L.A. architect Paul Revere Williams and his enduring legacy through tours and discussions, through Paul Revere Was Here programming.
