🏛️ Historic + Architectural Homes of Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city built on reinvention—but some homes are timeless. From the mid-century gems of Gregory Ain and Buff & Hensman to the Spanish Revival estates of the 1920s and sleek contemporary designs of today, LA has long been a haven for architectural innovation and luxury living.

This curated collection highlights the city’s most iconic, design-forward properties—many tucked away in beloved neighborhoods like Trousdale Estates, Los Feliz, Mar Vista, and Studio City. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or lifelong fan of modernist design, you’ll find stories, listings, and inspiration that celebrate LA’s rich architectural legacy.

Want to tour an architectural property or learn more about its value?

Let’s talk. I specialize in the homes that define Los Angeles—and the people who love them.

Originally published in August 2014. Updated in April 2025 with current context and refreshed content.

Address: 3539 Moore Street, Mar Vista, CA
Architect: Gregory Ain
Year Built: 1948
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Neighborhood: Mar Vista Tract (Modernique Homes)
HPOZ Protected: Yes

Nestled in the heart of Mar Vista, this 1948 “Modernique” residence is part of a rare and cherished collection of homes designed by legendary Los Angeles architect Gregory Ain. One of only 52 homes in this progressive postwar tract, the Moore Street residence is a striking example of the era’s commitment to livable, functional, and beautifully understated design.

Originally envisioned as an affordable, modern alternative to traditional postwar housing, Ain’s Mar Vista tract featured minimalist lines, clerestory windows, open-plan interiors, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions—decades before those became mainstream design ideals.

This particular home at 3539 Moore Street had been lovingly maintained, retaining many of its original features while offering subtle updates. It sold in 2014 for $1,250,000, a number that seems almost quaint today in a neighborhood that continues to surge in both demand and architectural relevance.

🧠 Why the Modernique Tract Matters

The Modernique Homes represent one of the few remaining examples of a truly architect-designed suburban development in Los Angeles. Ain worked with landscape architect Garrett Eckbo to create a vision of modernism that was accessible, modest, and deeply rooted in California's lifestyle. The homes’ layout and community-centered design are now protected under a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ).

In a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, these homes serve as a quiet, powerful reminder of what’s worth preserving.

🧭 Architectural Context + Your Real Estate Perspective

Gregory Ain is more than a name on the plans—he’s a significant figure in LA's mid-century movement. His work bridges function and form with clarity, and homes like this offer buyers something that goes beyond square footage: a piece of cultural history.

Looking for more like this?
Explore my Historic + Architectural Homes section, including the Feldman House in Beverly Hills, and current listings in neighborhoods like Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Mar Vista.