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.
Hattie McDaniels' Residence
2203 S. Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018.
Hattie McDaniels’ Residence, designed by Lester S. Moore, drew inspiration from Spanish Colonial, Italian Renaissance, and Spanish styles that feature stucco walls, red tile roofs, and arched windows.
FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH, Los Angeles
2270 South Harvard Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018.
In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled that segregationist covenants were unconstitutional. Soon, African American stars from Ethel Waters to Louise Beavers moved to West Adams Heights, the area where First A.M.E. Church stands today.
BRITT MANSION AND FORMAL GARDENS
2141 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90018.
Designed in 1910 by architect Alfred F. Rosenheim, this Neoclassical mansion exemplifies luxury from the turn-of-the-century LA with imported fixtures including Italian marble. It now houses the LA84 Foundation, which, inspired by the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, is committed to transforming communities through youth sports. The Foundation boasts the world's largest sports research library.
PEACE AWARENESS LABYRINTH AND GARDENS
3500 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018.
This location contains 3 historic mansions: Italian Renaissance Guasti Villa and two Alpine Tudor homes, the MacGowan Mansion and Briggs Residence.
You’ll find serene gardens and a labyrinth, providing a tranquil setting tucked away from the bustling W. Adams Boulevard.
Built in the early 1900s, it was restored by the Movement for Spiritual Awareness, MSIA, a non-denominational organization representing various sects of the Christian faith.
Once owned by Busby Berkely in the 1930s, this property still serves as a location for filming.
THE WILFANDEL CLUB
3425 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018.
The oldest African American women's club in Los Angeles, The Wilfandel Club, was founded in 1945 by Della Williams and Fannie Williams, in part due to Jim Crow Laws that restricted people of color from other event venues. The clubhouse was constructed in 1912.
STIMSON HOUSE
2421 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
This castle-like mansion has appeared in productions like "House II: The Second Story" and "The Bionic Woman." Built in 1891, the Romanesque mansion has a storied past, having survived a dynamite attack against its owner, lumber magnate Thomas Stimson. A frame house would have shattered into fragments, but the solid stone structure withstood the blast.
WALKER MANSION
3300 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018.
An example of historic architecture in Jefferson Park of the West Adams District, the Walker House reflects the neighborhood's rich history and has been preserved meticulously. It was designed by architect Charles Whittlesey, known for his work in the Victorian, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles characterized by their use of ornate decoration and asymmetrical forms.
Exposition Park Rose Garden
701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
Prior to its construction in 1927, this sunken garden was used for horse, dog, camel, and later, auto racing. Danish sculptor, Thyra Boldsen, installed four large marble statues at the four corners of the garden dedicated to womanhood and motherhood to symbolize joy, life, and love.
Jefferson Park
701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
Jefferson Park, a community of the West Adams District known for its Arts & Crafts bungalows and early 20th-century architecture, was designated a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) in 2011 to preserve its architectural heritage. The area offers a variety of residential filming locations.
Ray Charles Memorial LIbrary
701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
In 2004, RPM International was officially designated a Cultural and Historic Landmark by the City of Los Angeles and named “Ray Charles Square.” On September 23, 2010, on what would have been Mr. Charles’ 80th birthday, The Ray Charles Memorial Library opened its doors to celebrate his legacy. A self-guided tour through his life is available to the public by appointment.
To Protect and Serve Mural
3030 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018.
This mural was completed in 1996 by the late artist Noni Olabisi, with assistance from the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC). Though it generated backlash and political resistance, the mural stands today and portrays many important Black figures such as Huey Newton, Angela Davis, and Bobby Seale.
With an iconic area like the West Adams District, it’s impossible to list all the hidden gems this historic neighborhood has to offer. Feel free to share your own favorite place with the FilmLA community in the comments.
