In the early 1950s, the work of architect William Pereira was all over Los Angeles. When Pereira was given the chance to design a home for Leonard Firestone, the head of the Firestone company and former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, the architect selected high-quality, commercial-grade materials and finishes which have subsequently withstood the test of time. According to the Mod Mirage author, if the home were built today to the same standards, it would cost $15 million.