Historic 1930's Van Nuys House Designed by African-American Architect James Garrott Currently in Pending Status

By Marty McFly - Monday, October 6, 2014 - No Comments

Image courtesy Bing Maps

Images courtesy Century 21

The hardworking preservationist, Marcello Vavala from the LA Conservancy, first alerted me to this historic property at 15401 Saticoy Street that I completely had no idea about (you can view more pics below). Check out the history from Mr. Vavala:

It was built in 1933, but was originally at 6820 Van Nuys Blvd. just north of Vanowen. The architect was James Garrott, a respected African American architect who has been overshadowed by Paul Williams, though he had several important commission of his own (he designed the original Golden State Mutual Life Insurance bldg. on Central Avenue). The house was commissioned by an Armenian (we believe) by the name of George Alexanian, who was born in Turkey in 1887 and immigrated to the US in 1907. The only known occupation so far identified for him is a shoemaker; perhaps more will be uncovered later.

He apparently owned the original property on Van Nuys prior to the 1933 house. There’s a permit for a small addition to an earlier house in 1928 on that parcel while he was the owner. In 1953, he had the 1933 house moved to its current location on Saticoy, and lived there a while longer.

The home measures 3 Beds/1.75 Baths on 2,675 sqft on a total lot size of 0.61 acres built in 1933 and currently listed for $729,000 which is under a pending status. The listing description states:

PRICE REDUCED on this private gated estate * 26,400 SQUARE FEET OF FLAT LAND, STREET TO STREET * One of a kind authentic old charm * 2-storey Spanish style villa, set back from the street * Circular driveway with 2 electronic gates * Tiled roof * Almost 2,700 square feet of living space * 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room plus a bonus room downstairs which could be utilized as office/den/study or possibly a 4th bedroom * Huge formal living room with high ceiling, fireplace and French doors that open up to 2 covered patios and child-safe, sparkling pool * Formal dining room coupled with eating area in kitchen * Carved archways, stained glass windows in living room and dining * Hardwood floors thruout * Ceramic tiles in family room, kitchen and baths * French doors and 2 balconies in master bedroom * Expansive yard abounds with fruit trees and ornamental plants * Truly an entertainers delight * Driveway parking for 10 or more cars, possible * This property presents a great opportunity for owner, builder, developer or someone with construction skills to possibly build multiple homes * Garage conversion (permit unknown) has 2 rooms and a 3/4 bath * Can be converted back by Buyer/New owner * PLEASE READ AGENT REMARKS REGARDING SHOWING, ETC. !!!

I did some investigating myself and found that the home is currently owned by the De Guia Family Trust with Bienvenido M. and Dativa M. De Guia as the co-trustees. The De Guia's also maintain condos in Woodland Hills and Encino and the listing agent for this property has the last name of De Guia. This property was purchased by the De Guia's in 1988 for $301,000 from Theodore Sirkin who was previously living in Hidden Hills and may have owned other properties throughout the SFV. These properties are like finding a needle in a haystack that need to be preserved to prevent history from being lost. I have a good feeling this home will remain the same.

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here.