 |
| 624 East Foothill Boulevard |
First up was 624 East Foothill Boulevard. In area that has an abundance of really impressive Craftsman Bungalows, sometimes we've overlooked a few gems and this is definitely one of them.
 |
| The porch at 624 East Foothill Boulevard |
This is a house that exemplifies the saying "it's all in the details". At first glance, our thought was...nice Craftsman. But look close, there's lots of stuff going on here. Yes, its a Craftsman Bungalow but it's the Colonial Revival accents that make it unique. There are few other Craftsman/Colonial mash-ups in town, but we'd have to say, that this one is probably one of the best. The designers and builders of the house...the Tifal Brothers who are at the top of the list of the Who's Who of Monrovia Craftsmen.
The Commission voted to recommend approval of Historic Landmark No. 131 to the City Council.
The next house for consideration is located at 240 West Hillcrest Boulevard. Unlike the house on Foothill, this one has been on our radar for a long time. Built in 1887, it is one of the oldest houses in Monrovia. In fact it was built the same year Monrovia became a city. The house is a wonderful example of a dwelling from the Victorian era...also with some Colonial Revival components. When the house was built, it was on the corner of Banana and Magnolia Avenues. That's right, Hillcrest used to be called Banana. In the early 1900's, the house was moved to the east to its current location. It was then that the Colonial porch elements were added, as well as the granite foundation.
 |
| 240 West Hillcrest Boulevard |
In addition to the architecture, the house has some connections to William Monroe, one of Monrovia's founders. The house was built for George Dumbell, who who was Monroe's bookkeeper.
At the close of the hearing, the Commission also recommended approval to the City Council of Historic Landmark No. 132.
If you want to read more about either house, check out the staff reports:
