Eastside
Eastside, for purposes of this site, include the areas of Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Highland Park, and Eagle Rock. All have rich and diverse histories of real estate development. Originally, home to the Tingva tribe, the area was claimed by the Spanish in late 1700’s.
The Spanish government gave a land grant of 36,403 acres to Jose Maria Verdugo, for his devoted service in the military. He named the land Rancho San Rafael. The family mortgaged against, and lost most of the land in a famous settlement. The courts divided Rancho San Rafael into 31 parcels as part of the Great Partition of 1871.
Eagle Rock was one of those parcels, the area is named for the shadow cast from the ledge of a large granite rock. A farming community before incorporation in 1911, and annexation into city of Los Angeles in 1923 for water needs, now filled with architecturally significant homes – Craftsman, Georgian, Mission Revival, Art Deco, Moderne.
Attorney Andrew Glassell was given a large parcel as payment for representation of the case. This area became Glassell Park after he and his family settled and began selling subdivisions. Annexed by the city of Los Angeles in 1912, the area was one of the first to have Los Angeles Railway stops encouraging rapid sales of land.
Highland Park also benefited from the railway stops. Considered to be the 1st streetcar suburban development, it is one of the most scenic in the Los Angeles Basin. Located along the Arroyo Seco and the base of Mount Washington, Highland Park is filled with Victorian as well as Craftsman homes.
Mount Washington was built by railway before streets. Inspired by a ride on Angels Flight in downtown Los Angeles, Robert Marsh, a prominent developer, envisioned a funicular railway to bring guests and possible buyers to the summit where he built Mt. Washington Hotel. The cars ran up and down Ave. 43 until 1919. The hotel was purchased in 1925 by Prahamana Yoginanda and is home still, today to the Self Realization Center.
I often describe Mount Washington & Glassell Park as “living in the woods in the city”. Close to modern conveniences, the highlight of these neighborhoods are there parks and green belt views. Santa Monica Conservancy and the City of Los Angeles Parks Department host several open spaces from serene “city hikes” to short dog walks. These areas are a wonderful place to get lost in your thoughts.
Eagle Rock and Highland Park are less secluded and usually within walking distance of shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and art galleries. The areas often host holiday events and block parties making them an neighborhoods within a vast city.
From bungalows to multi-level moderns, the “hills” and the “flats” have many types of structures and views to choose from. Santa Monica Mountain range on a clear day is spectacular site from any living room window!
