52nd Place Historic District

The 52nd Place Historic District is a residential area in South Los Angeles containing 37 one-story Craftsman houses built between 1911 and 1914. Each building features signature elements such as gabled roofs, overhanging eaves, and brick chimneys that define the neighborhood's character.

The district was established in the early 1910s as an affluent white neighborhood with newly built single-family homes. During the Great Migration in the 1930s, African Americans moved into the area in increasing numbers, fundamentally shifting the neighborhood's demographic and social composition.

The houses display Craftsman design elements with their characteristic overhanging eaves and front porches, which shaped how residents lived and interacted with their neighbors. This architectural style created outdoor spaces where the community naturally gathered and spent time together.

The district runs along 52nd Place between McKinley Avenue and Avalon Boulevard and is easy to navigate on foot. The homes sit closely together, allowing visitors to view the architecture and style from different angles as they explore the neighborhood.

The district was home to prominent figures in the African American community, including jazz singer Ivie Anderson and media entrepreneur and activist Joseph Bass. These residents contributed to the cultural and political movements of their era through their work and commitment.

Location: Los Angeles

GPS coordinates: 33.99472,-118.26278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45