Case Study Designer Craig Ellwood’s Landmarked Courtyard Apartments List for $2.85M

The building was originally designed in the ’50s as four interlocking flats for celebrity TV host Roy Maypole.
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For the first time in 15 years, Craig Ellwood’s Courtyard Apartments are back on the market. Built between 1952 and ’53, the residence was originally created as four interlocking apartments for celebrity television host and producer Roy Maypole. Ellwood gained international recognition for the complex shortly after its completion, taking home first prize in the Collective Housing category at the São Paulo Art Biennial architecture competition in 1954.

Known as The Courtyard Apartments, Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #801 was originally built between 1952 and 1953 as a four-unit complex. The structure now comprises three separate apartments, as two were merged into a single residence years later.

Known as The Courtyard Apartments, Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #801 was originally built between 1952 and 1953 as a four-unit complex. The structure now comprises three separate apartments, as two were merged into a single residence years later.

Spanning a total of 3,360 total square feet, the structure was originally built as four two-bedroom units. The current layout comprises one larger, two-bedroom unit and two of the original two-bedroom units.

A look inside the larger apartment, which was last remodeled in 2010. Much of the original detailing is still intact, although changes included a new kitchen and an open floor plan between the previously back-to-back units.

A look inside the larger apartment, which was last remodeled in 2010. Much of the original detailing is still intact, although changes included a new kitchen and an open floor plan between the previously back-to-back units.

While each apartment was meticulously maintained throughout the years, the larger unit received a more thorough restoration in 2010 by architects Linda Taalman and Alan Koch. At the time, the then-married couple lived in the space and tracked their revamp process in an exclusive renovation series for Dwell.

A look at the living room in the larger apartment. Full-width glass and sliding doors create an instant indoor/outdoor connection and provide direct access to one of the four private courtyards—a distinct feature of Ellwood’s original design.

A look at the living room in the larger apartment. Full-width glass and sliding doors create an instant indoor/outdoor connection and provide direct access to one of the four private courtyards—a distinct feature of Ellwood’s original design.

With original detailing such as wood ceilings, sliding glass walls, and concrete floors, the landmarked status of the complex also confers Mills Act tax benefits for the new owners. Scroll ahead to take a peek at the unique property, currently listed for $2,850,000.

Concrete flooring continues out into the courtyard, creating a more seamless flow between inside and out.

Concrete flooring continues out into the courtyard, creating a more seamless flow between inside and out.

Upstairs in the larger unit, a skylight invites ample natural light deep into the space. 

Upstairs in the larger unit, a skylight invites ample natural light deep into the space. 

The larger unit offers two spacious bedrooms, with one on each end of the combined unit.

The larger unit offers two spacious bedrooms, with one on each end of the combined unit.

A peek at another courtyard terrace in one of the smaller units. The entire facade of the structure features exposed steel, glass, and brick—signature elements of Ellwood's designs. 

A peek at another courtyard terrace in one of the smaller units. The entire facade of the structure features exposed steel, glass, and brick—signature elements of Ellwood's designs. 

Inside the first of two smaller units, bright blue cabinets contrast with the white-painted brick and wood ceilings. The original fireplace serves as the main focal point in each of the apartments.

Inside the first of two smaller units, bright blue cabinets contrast with the white-painted brick and wood ceilings. The original fireplace serves as the main focal point in each of the apartments.

The second of two smaller apartments offers identical features, with a flipped floor plan. Here, the red brick walls were left unpainted to complement this unit's red color scheme.

The second of two smaller apartments offers identical features, with a flipped floor plan. Here, the red brick walls were left unpainted to complement this unit's red color scheme.

A look at one of the bathrooms. Exposed brick and the use of simple materials continues into this space.

A look at one of the bathrooms. Exposed brick and the use of simple materials continues into this space.

An up-close view of the fourth courtyard space.

An up-close view of the fourth courtyard space.

1570 La Baig Avenue in Los Angeles, CA, is currently listed for $2,850,000 by Mike Deasy and Sara Clephane of Deasy Penner Podley.

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