Avenel Cooperative Housing Project

The Avenel Cooperative Housing Project is a residential complex containing ten identical units arranged in two rows of five, stepping back progressively from the street frontage. Each unit spans approximately 960 square feet and includes a private back patio with movable interior walls that allow residents to reconfigure their living spaces.

Architect Gregory Ain designed this residential complex in 1947 as a model for efficient urban housing solutions. The project emerged during a period when innovative residential concepts sought to demonstrate how affordable and practical housing could be built for city communities.

The residents who first moved in held progressive political views, and the project became known as a gathering place for like-minded people in the neighborhood. This reputation shaped how the community was perceived during a period of strong social divisions.

This residential complex is located in an active neighborhood with regular traffic and is best reached by walking or public transportation. Since it remains a private residential community, outside access is limited, though the exterior architecture can be viewed from the street.

The staggered arrangement of the units creates optical depth that makes the compact complex appear more expansive than it actually is. This design approach was unconventional at the time and reveals how skillfully Ain used spatial planning to maximize the sense of openness.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 34.11028,-118.26750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43