Hollyhock House

Hollyhock House
Originally uploaded by CD-13.

The Hollyhock House, nestled atop Barnsdall Park on the edge of Hollywood, has long been a tourist attraction for students of architecture and students of history. The first of Frank Lloyd Wright's California Houses, Hollyhock was one of the most significant designs of the architect's career, and was a watershed moment in the progression of his signature style.

Now, Hollyhock has been designated one of twelve new National Historic Landmarks by the Secretary of the Interior. Fewer than 2500 places have earned the distinction of National Historic landmarks, and Hollyhock has taken its place alongside Washington's Mount Vernon and Jefferson's Monticello as American architectural monuments. Though the house is beginning to show some signs of aging, my office continues to work to make sure that it is a jewel of the city and a valued historic resource that will be preserved for the broader community. This summer, we'll be opening up the great lawn, with drought-resistant landscaping and a semi-circle imprint that will complete Wright’s vision for the lawn. Look for more improvements at the house, as we continue to embrace Hollyhock's history and preserve Wright's legacy for future generations.