This Grand 1920s Pasadena Mansion Was Designed by Trailblazing Architect Paul R. Williams

Though he passed away over four decades ago, with his brief obituary unceremoniously buried in a Los Angeles newspaper beneath a weather report and an investigation into a regional planning commissioner, noted architect Paul R. Williams nonetheless left a vaunted legacy that continues to live on throughout Southern California. Not only did he work on iconic structures like The Beverly Hills Hotel, where its sign still bears the iconic cursive lettering based on his handwriting, but he also created numerous residences for celebs the likes of Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Now one of the historic gems crafted by the first African-American architect to be admitted into the ranks of the American Institute of Architects has just popped up for sale in the Alta San Rafael neighborhood of Pasadena, asking a speck under $5.4 million.

Originally built and designed by Williams in the late 1920s for local doctor and entrepreneur V. Mott Pierce—president of the World’s Dispensary Medical Association, which manufactured his father’s ‘miracle elixir’ found in almost every medicine cabinet back then—the dwelling was last sold in 2010 for $3.5 million and subsequently restored and renovated. In 2018, the city of Pasadena named the structure a designated monument for its “exceptional representation of the architectural style in addition to possibly featuring regional, state or national significance.”

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Tucked away down a soon-to-be-gated private street, amid almost two acres of land near the Colorado State Bridge, the property includes an L-shaped main home and a separate guest apartment—for a total of five bedrooms and eight baths in a little more than 6,100 square feet, all of it boasting bougie amenities ranging from the original fireside billiards room to a pair of speakeasy- and Tiki-themed bars. There’s also a street-side three-car garage with a vestibule where an elevator and stairway travel to the house and entry courtyard below.

Inside the primary Mediterranean Revival-style residence, a particularly opulent foyer sports a groin-vaulted colonnade that flows to multi-level living spaces. Highlights include a living room that has a coffered ceiling, an ornamental fireplace and arched doors opening out to a terrace offering picturesque views of the San Gabriel Mountains, as well as a handsome wood-paneled library. An elevated dining room connects to the updated kitchen via an octagon-shaped breakfast alcove, while two upstairs primary suites flank a hotel-like seating area.

Rounding it all out are the lushly landscaped grounds, which are showcased by a hand-dug swimming pool and meandering pathways, along with numerous spots perfectly suited to alfresco lounging and entertaining. The residence is also covered by the Mills Act, which offers significant property tax savings in exchange for preserving the historic appearance.

The listing is held by Peter Martocchio, David Goldberg, and Diane Lasell of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Click here for more photos of the Paul R. Williams-designed home.

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