I’ve had my eye on this gem of an apartment building for a while, but have been waiting for a shot I liked. It popped yesterday on the Art Deco Facebook group. It’s known as the Mauretania and it stands at 520-522 N. Rossmore Ave in Hancock Park, which puts it one block north of the Wilshire Country Club. The Facebook post said it was designed by Architect Milton J. Black for Silas and Margaret Slusher who also commissioned Chateau Rossmore. They named the properties Si-Mar and Mar-Si after themselves. Actor Jack Haley (the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz”) and his wife Flora lived there. JFK rented the penthouse in July 1960 while the Democratic National Convention was held in L.A. So it’s got all kinds of history! The car parked out front seems to be a 1935 Chevrolet, so let’s call this photo circa late 1930s. (Source: Art Deco Facebook group of a Julius Shulman photograph)
Here’s a photo of JFK on the steps of the Mauretania:
Though hidden behind trees, the Mauretania is still with us. This image is from May 2024.
Beautiful!
Truly is a treasure and so glad it is still standing. I do think I liked it more with less trees and bushes which hide some of the architectural beauty.
Yes. It needs some landscaping, but what they have now detracts from the Art Deco vibe.
True! An tribute to architecht Milton J. Black. That neighborhood on Rossmore is old Hollywood, even the lamp posts have been there since the 20s or 30s! An archtecht’s dream. Black also designed movie star Dolores del Rio’s home, which brought him wide acclaim. She lived for many years on Outpost Drive in Hollywood, near Bob Barker. I do not know if that’s the house he designed, or it was another. Could be the Outpost location as the homes are very stylish. Alan Hale, Sr., also lived near her.
That is really lovely!