Gregory Ain Mar Vista Tract

“Roll down the window put down the top/ Crank up the Beach Boys baby/ Don’t let the music stop,” Randy Newman sings in his LA spoof turned anthem.  Regardless of whether we accept this song, it confirms our reputation linking Los Angeles and convertibles.

Well, 35 years before Randy Newman released Trouble In Paradise, Gregory Ain was also linking the California Dream and convertibles.  The dream- modern, post-war, sunshine-filled indoor/outdoor living. The convertible- the living room wall that can open so the room expands into the yard and the bedroom walls that can open to make one giant master bedroom.

The 1948 Advanced Development Company ads marketed these homes as “Modernique.” According to the Office of Historic Resources, the word is a combination of modern and unique.  The tract became an HPOZ because its residents came together and fought for its designation in 2003.  So, yes, that is quite unique.  The ranch-style neighborhood in which I grew up has been shamelessly mansionized.  But, these 1,060 square foot homes arranged in 8 different ways with respect to their placement to the street and to the garage… Residents are moved to protect them.  There’s just something about them.

To learn more that something something, check here: http://marvistatract.org/history.html