The West Adams District is home to some of the most sought-after residences from the 20th century in Los Angeles. In this article, FilmLA’s DEI Advisory Committee takes us on a tour of the District, bounded by the Santa Monica Freeway on the north, Vermont Avenue on the east, Western Avenue on the west, and Jefferson Boulevard on the south. The area, rich in historic architecture and unique locations, has been featured in various film and television productions since the start of the Silent Film era in Los Angeles.
In the early 1900s, movie stars and film directors including Buster Keaton, Rupert Hughes, W.C. Fields, Fatty Arbuckle — as well as the Talmadge sisters Constance, Norma and Natalie — lived in mansions in and near the West Adams District. Unsurprisingly, West Adams’ became known as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Non-locals know the neighborhood best from seeing its many stately homes featured on the big and silver screens.
The historic neighborhood has seen many transformations over the years. Up until the 1940s, most of the West Adams District was governed by restrictive covenants put in place to prevent existing homeowners from selling to African Americans. Actress and civil rights activist Hattie McDaniel broke the barrier and bought a beautiful home on the 2200 block of Harvard.
McDaniel had already made history by becoming the first Black American winner of an Academy Award for “Gone With the Wind.” She made history again after eight white Sugar Hill residents sued to have their Black homeowner neighbors evicted from their homes. McDaniel won the civil rights case (Tolhurst v. Venerable) in 1945. Remembered as the “Sugar Hill Case,” it determined that Hattie and other Black Americans had every right to live in the neighborhood.
In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled that segregationist covenants were unconstitutional, and soon more African American stars from Ethel Waters to Louise Beavers moved to West Adams Heights, the area where First A.M.E. Church stands today.
In the early 1960s, the construction of the Santa Monica Freeway divided the neighborhood in half. Following this, some of the neighborhood’s homes were lost to neglect. In the decades since, thanks to the work of homeowners and historical preservationists, the community went on to experience an economic resurgence.
Today, many of the area’s original homes, lovingly and carefully restored, remain featured locations for filmmakers seeking time-stamped aesthetics for their projects.
Meanwhile, the section of the West Adams Boulevard that stretches from Crenshaw Boulevard to Fairfax Avenue is experiencing an influx of new development, adding modern architecture to complement the existing retro vibe. Home to a thriving art community, this street showcases a collection of murals painted by community members and LA natives, all associated with its vibrant cultural heritage.
Below you will find an annotated gallery of incredible West Adams locations. Keep in mind, when considering any location for filming use, it’s essential to contact the property owners or relevant associations to discuss availability and owner requirements.
It’s also a good idea to call FilmLA’s Solution Services team to understand all conditions that apply to permits for filming in the City of Los Angeles.
