How 1940s-era bungalows of the Mar Vista Tract are nurturing the community

The Mar Vista Tract, a historic district in Los Angeles, consists of 52 modernist bungalows designed by architect Gregory Ain in the 1940s. These homes, originally conceived as 'social art' to address common architectural problems, have fostered a strong sense of community among their residents. Despite being located in a blue-collar area and initially struggling to attract buyers due to their progressive design and higher price point compared to surrounding properties, the tract eventually became a desirable place to live. Ain's design philosophy emphasized maximizing space and flexibility within the small 98 sq m bungalows. He achieved this through the use of sliding doors, open kitchens, and varied layouts by flipping and rotating the basic floorplan and changing garage positions, making each home subtly unique. Collaborating with landscape architect Garrett Eckbo, Ain incorporated fenceless, communal gardens planted with diverse species and fruit trees, encouraging social interaction and trading among neighbors. The homes, completed in 1948 and marketed as "Modernique Homes," highlighted innovative features like adaptable bedroom configurations and floor-to-ceiling windows. Initially, the Mar Vista Tract was a commercial failure. Prospective buyers in the late 1940s did not fully appreciate Ain's nuanced vision, with homes costing $12,400 when neighboring properties were a third of that price. The area was also perceived as isolated, a sentiment captured in the 1949 film noir *Tension*. However, the unique design attracted architects and designers, including the founders of Architectural Pottery, who appreciated the architectural value. Over the decades, residents have deeply valued the tract's unique character. When larger "McMansions" began to appear in the surrounding area in the late 1990s, posing a threat to the original architecture, residents organized. A grassroots movement, led by figures like Amanda Seward and Anni Michaelsen, campaigned for the Mar Vista Tract to become a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ). This was an unprecedented move for postwar modernist buildings. After years of effort, 50 out of 52 homeowners voted in favor of the HPOZ in 2003, protecting the street-facing facades and requiring approval from a resident board for most renovation work. This protective measure ensured the preservation of Ain's architectural legacy, which had been undermined by a lack of commissions after he was investigated as a suspected communist. The community spirit that Ain sought to create was ultimately the force that saved his work. Residents like Gillian Tennant and Steven Summers, Angela Caputo, Ken Kook, Maya Cook, Takashi Yanai, Ruth Handel, Lloyd Scott, Bonnie Jones, and Anni Michaelsen, share anecdotes illustrating the strong communal bonds and appreciation for the architecture. They describe a safe, welcoming neighborhood where children play freely, and impromptu social gatherings, like live bands in front yards or dance performances, are common. The resilience of the homes, demonstrated by their lack of damage during the Los Angeles earthquake, further highlights their quality. The ongoing engagement of residents in preserving and celebrating the tract's heritage, including documenting its history and hosting cultural events, ensures that Ain's vision of architecture as a "social art" continues to thrive. #Architecture #ModernistDesign #CommunityBuilding #LosAngeles #HistoricPreservation #UrbanPlanning #GregoryAin #ResidentialDesign #Architecture #ModernistDesign #CommunityBuilding #LosAngeles #HistoricPreservation #UrbanPlanning #GregoryAin #ResidentialDesign

12 months ago

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