A Fusion of History and Modernity: Revitalizing a Silver Lake Property
In the densely populated landscape of Los Angeles, discovering an undeveloped parcel of land without a significant past is indeed a rarity. However, a particular half-acre site, offering views of the Silver Lake Reservoir, is steeped in a captivating history. This land was once the estate of Julian Eltinge, a renowned vaudeville artist celebrated for his convincing female impersonations. His remarkable ability to portray women led him to become one of the highest-paid entertainers of the 1920s. Eltinge's legacy is deeply intertwined with the LGBTQ+ history of Silver Lake, a neighborhood that also served as the birthplace of the Mattachine Society in 1950 and a focal point for queer activism.
Eltinge constructed a grand, castle-inspired Spanish Revival residence on a commanding hilltop in 1918, complementing it with an elaborate "Andalusian garden" below. This formal garden featured an octagonal fountain feeding into a rectangular pool, culminating at a classical pergola. After Eltinge's career waned during the Great Depression and his passing in 1941, the property was eventually acquired by Charles Knill, who diligently preserved its historical integrity and Eltinge's memorabilia. In 2015, real estate developer and interior architect Scott Boxenbaum, keen on a water-view lot, initiated negotiations with Knill. A key condition of the sale was Boxenbaum's commitment to restoring the garden, which had suffered significant degradation over the decades. The lengthy negotiations ultimately resulted in a successful acquisition and a vision for the property's future.
Boxenbaum enlisted Takashi Yanai of Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects, known for his work on Boxenbaum's parents' home. While admiring Yanai's modern aesthetic, Boxenbaum desired a distinct, dark-hued structure that would harmoniously blend with the environment, echoing the "gravitas and tranquility" he admired in Japanese architecture. A crucial aspect of the design was creating a pet-friendly environment, humorously dubbed a "very large doghouse" by Boxenbaum's spouse, Ruth Pierich. The 4,500-square-foot house features second-story windows angled to maximize reservoir views, custom dark-gray cinder blocks creating geometric textures, and charred wood siding treated with the Japanese shou sugi ban technique. Yanai’s design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, with a large sliding glass wall on the first floor and terraces reminiscent of Japanese engawa. Landscape architects Jenny Jones and Diego Lopez of Terremoto were tasked with revitalizing the garden. Recognizing the impossibility of an exact historical recreation due to hillside erosion, they drew inspiration from the original design while incorporating contemporary ecological principles. The decorative pool was transformed into a poppy planter to conserve water, and native plants were reintroduced, fostering a thriving ecosystem that now attracts diverse wildlife, transforming the property into an impromptu nature preserve. This project masterfully blends historical respect with innovative design and environmental consciousness, resulting in a unique and inspiring living space.
This ambitious project exemplifies the profound impact of thoughtful design and restoration. By honoring the past while embracing modern innovation and ecological principles, a property can be transformed into a vibrant and sustainable space. Such endeavors not only breathe new life into historical sites but also foster a deeper connection between human habitation and the natural world, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and enriching environment for all.