About

“Ralph J. Chandler Residence”

Henry F. Withey, architect.

Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #1003 (9/14/2011)

Click here for Los Angeles Department of City Planning Recommendation Report, which has additional details on the property’s architectural and historic significance.

Significance Statement for HCM:

Built in 1921 with a major addition in 1931, this two-story single-family residential building exhibits character-defining features of the Mediterranean Revival style. Located in the Los Feliz area, the L-shaped plan building has a slightly hipped roof covered in red clay tile. The primary façade is symmetrically composed of three bays with a slightly projecting center bay having a main entrance. The recessed main entrance consists of an arched opening flanked by scored stucco and keystone arch with decorative cartouche, rondeles, and quoins. Wood French doors on ground floor are accentuated by decorative quoin surrounds. A stucco cornice moulding wraps the second floor. The slightly asymmetrical window configuration on the second floor includes pairs and a triple arrangement of wood casement windows. Two arched bottle glass casement windows are located over the centered portico entrance. The subject building has a smooth stucco surface. Significant interiors include cathedral ceilings, extensive wrought iron, woodwork, fireplaces, hardwood floors, light fixtures. Secondary buildings include a garage.

The proposed Ralph J. Chandler Residence historic monument was designed by architects Henry F. Withey and Carleton M. Winslow (1931 addition). Henry F. Withey (1880-1969) is recognized for publishing his Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased) and for designing several Los Angeles area high schools. Carleton M. Winslow (1876-1946) worked closely in his early years with master architect Bertram Goodhue, working together on the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and completing the design of the Los Angeles Central Library after Goodhue’s death. Winston is recognized for his ecclesiastical designs such as St. James Episcopal Church in South Pasadena and several prominent churches in Glendale, Pasadena, Monrovia, and Beverly Hills. He also designed several residential buildings in South Pasadena Ralph J. Chandler Residence CHC-2011-913-HCM Page 3 of 4 and San Marino that are identified in Gebhard and Winter’s Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles.

The subject building was constructed for Ralph J. Chandler (1891-1966). A nephew of Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, Ralph J. Chandler was vice-president and general manager of the Los Angeles Steamship Company and was regarded as a major figure in the steamship industry of Los Angeles.

Alterations to the subject building include the major 1931 addition, some room additions, and kitchen remodel.

The Ralph J. Chandler Residence property successfully meets one of the specified Historic-Cultural Monument criteria: “embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type specimen, inherently valuable for a study of a period style or method of construction.” As a distinguished residential building designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, the property qualifies for designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument based on these criteria.

History:

The owner/builder was Ralph J. Chandler of the Ralph J. Chandler Shipbuilding Company headquartered in Wilmington. Chandler was later Vice-President of the Matson Navigation Company. Prominent in the shipbuilding industry, he was a frequent witness at Congressional hearings. The architect, Henry F. Withey, wrote a much read biographical dictionary of American architects in 1956.

Listed at $1,249,000 in August, 2003. (Source: real estate brochure)

Listed at $3.3 million in 2008. (Source: real estate brochure)

1930 census:
1926 No. Hobart Blvd. (Value: $30,000): 1) Ralph J. Chandler, owner and head of household; 40 year old white married male; married at age 30; born in California; father born in New Hampshire, mother in England; Vice-President of a steamship company. 2) Lenora Chandler, wife; 38 year old white married female; married at age 28; born in Texas; father born in Georgia, mother in Missouri; not working. 3) Ralph J. Chandler, Jr., son; 8 year old single white male; in school; born in California. 4) Andrew F. Chandler, son; 5 year old single white male; in school; born in California. 5) Sidonia Ford, servant; 40 year old married Negro female; married at age 21; born in Louisiana; father born in Kentucky, mother in Louisiana; a servant in a private family. 6) Louise D. Kohler, nurse; 44 year old single white female; born in Germany; parents born in Germany; speaks German; to U.S. in 1893?; a servant in a private family.

1940 Census:
1926 Hobart Boulevard (Value $12,000): 1) Ralph Chandler, head of household; white married male 49 years of age; born in California; general manager of a steamship company; earns more than $5,000. 2) Lenore Chandler, wife; white married female 47 years of age; born in Texas; not working. 3) Ralph Chandler, Jr., son; white single male 18 years of age; born in California; in school. 4) Andrew Chandler, son; white male 7 years of age; born in California; in school. 5) Lulu Moore; maid; Negro widow 58 years of age; born in Louisiana; housekeeper in a private family; earns $420.