Located in the heart of Los Angeles’ Lafayette Square, this residence used to belong to renowned architect, Paul R. Williams. After shaping the Los Angeles architectural landscape, this home was designed for his own enjoyment. With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, it ultimately sold for $4,200,000 – the highest price in the neighborhood’s history. The property was listed and sold by Jenna Cooper with Compass.
Paul R. Williams was one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century American architecture. He completed more than 3,000 projects across his career, helping define much of Los Angeles’ residential environment. In 1923, he became the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects and later its first Black Fellow, building a practice that ranged from private homes to major commercial and hospitality commissions across the city.
The house was completed in 1952 as Williams’ own family residence. Its architectural language combines stone floors, concrete block structure, recessed ceiling details, clerestory openings, and broad wall-to-wall glazing. Wood built-ins are integrated throughout, reflecting his approach to functional domestic planning while maintaining visual restraint.
A six-year restoration was carried out by Escher GuneWardena, with interiors by Billy Cotton and Leyden Lewis. The work focused on retaining original millwork and selected furnishings. The historic St. Charles cabinetry was also restored, while new mechanical and environmental systems were integrated with minimal visual disruption.
The ground floor is organized around a formal entry sequence leading to living and dining rooms. A solarium sits adjacent to the main circulation path. The living room includes a stone fireplace and a mirrored wet bar. A kitchen with breakfast area, powder room, and a guest suite with exterior access complete the level.
The upper floor contains the primary suite, which includes dual bathrooms, a walk-through closet, and a private balcony facing the rear grounds. Two additional bedrooms are located on this level, one with an en-suite configuration, arranged along a simple plan that prioritizes natural light.
Outdoor space is composed of a lawn framed by mature trees and dense hedging. A rectangular reflecting pool with a fountain is positioned as a central element in the landscape. The arrangement prioritizes privacy while maintaining open views from interior rooms toward the garden.
The property holds Historic-Cultural Monument No. 170 designation from the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. Modern upgrades include updated air and water filtration and discreet climate control systems. As a preserved, highly-personal work of Paul R. Williams, the residence reflects both architectural continuity and sustained market interest in historically significant Los Angeles enclaves.
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