Mark H. Mendez

ON THE MARKET: The Halliburton House | William Alexander Levy, 1938
Laguna Beach, California

Then and now.

Nearly ninety years separate these photographs of William Alexander Levy’s Halliburton House.

Photographer Evan Ramzi revisits several of the original views, capturing the house from nearly the same perspectives and revealing what has changed and what has remarkably remained.

The final images move beyond the comparison, continuing the story through Evan’s own lens and showing the house as it exists today.

A fascinating look at how architecture lives through time.

The Halliburton House is currently offered for sale at $7,500,000.

If you are a buyer interested in privately previewing this property, please contact Brian or me.

Thank you to Jeff Walker @agentsofarchitecture for giving us the opportunity to experience and share this remarkable piece of architectural history.

Contemporary photography: Evan Ramzi @evanramziphoto
Original photography: archival images

THE VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE
Properties With Design Integrity

@thevalueofarchitecture
@markhmendez

#Architecture #WilliamAlexanderLevy

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Mark H. Mendez

THE ADELMAN RESIDENCE | BEVERLY HILLS, 1956

Designed by Thornton Abell and O’Neil Ford, the Adelman Residence is a remarkable example of mid-century residential architecture in Beverly Hills.

Set on nearly an acre, the house combines expansive proportions with the clarity and restraint of the period: floor-to-ceiling glass, high ceilings, generous living spaces, and a strong relationship between architecture and landscape.

The property also carries an extraordinary history. Once part of the Charlie Chaplin estate, the site retains its original 1928 tennis court along with mature landscaping, a swimming pool, guest house, pocket gardens, and long treetop views.

4 Bedrooms
5,000+ SF Residence
39,945 SF Lot
Guest House | Elevator | Pool | Original 1928 Tennis Court

Owned by Benedikt Taschen.

Listed by Drew Fenton and Linda May of Carolwood Estates.

A rare convergence of architectural authorship, provenance, landscape, and careful restoration.

THE VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE
Properties With Design Integrity.

@thevalueofarchitecture
@MarkhMendez

#ThorntonAbell #ONeilFord #AdelmanResidence #EscherGuneWardena #BeverlyHillsArchitecture #MidCenturyModern #LosAngelesArchitecture #ArchitecturalHomes #HistoricPreservation #DesignIntegrity

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Mark H. Mendez

This specific issue is Arts & Architecture, June 1953, Volume 70, No. 6. That is the issue in which Craig Ellwood's Case Study House #16 was published.

The bibliography for the house specifically identifies the original magazine article as "Arts & Architecture, June, 1953.

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Mark H. Mendez

Our newest YouTube video is officially live!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueu8D...

The Sheats–Goldstein Residence is one of John Lautner's greatest masterpieces, and we had the privilege of exploring it with architects James Perry and Kris Conner, whose connection to the home spans decades.

Which image is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

A heartfelt thank you to James Goldstein for his continued stewardship of this extraordinary work of architecture.

Special thanks to Kris Conner and James Perry, cinematographer Luis Flores, Orlando Canelo Hernandez of PB Media, and Jude Xaya for the beautiful Metallic Forms chairs featured throughout.

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Mark H. Mendez

Richard Neutra, Architect FAIA | Mr. and Mrs. Arthur F. McSorley House, 1959

Look closely… can you see what’s changed between Julius Shulman’s iconic 1959 shots and how the house appears today?

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Mark H. Mendez

Where’s Waldo (Schindler)?

Can you spot the differences in these photos?

Historic photos by Julius Shulman, 1946. Color photos by Luis Flores, 2025.

Rudolph Schindler, Architect
The Druckman House, 1941

2764 Outpost Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068

OPEN SUNDAY March 30th 2 – 5 PM

A standout example of modern architecture in the Hollywood Hills, commissioned by Dr. Jacob S. Druckman and his wife Margaret, this home is noteworthy in that it exemplifies the transition from Schindler’s earlier, more International Style work into his later post-war period, in which his buildings became more difficult to read from the exterior. On the bedroom level, we see details which we would expect in his earlier work, with plaster walls and glazed corner conditions, but the work is almost exclusively planar. Upstairs, the architect exposes the structure, the ridge beam, roof rafter,s and plywood decking, which would become a more common feature in his later work.

Here, the so-called “space architect” works with sculptural forms, while retaining his interest in how the home would be used by the occupants, balancing privacy with abundant natural light. Nestled in Outpost Estates, the home features a private Japanese-style garden leading to an open-plan living and dining area, seamlessly connected to the kitchen. A split level transitions to a powder room and guest bedroom, while a few steps down reveal a private suite with three bedrooms, a den, and outdoor access.

The main living area boasts a high, beamed ceiling and large windows that flood the space with light and frame hillside views. Clerestory windows follow the unique roofline, and an original fireplace extends to an outdoor hearth, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Schindler’s built-in cupboards and breakfast nook remain, while a renovated kitchen features contemporary finishes and modern appliances.

4 BD, 2-1/2 BA
1,662 SF
6,917 SF Lot

$2,975,000

Special thanks to listing agent Lilian Pfaff, Ph.D., of Modern California House


#architecture #midcenturymodern #midcenturyhome

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