Architecture Field Trip - Glendale, Whiting Woods

What’s your idea for a perfect morning? This is how my Thursday morning unfolded - yoga session, architecture discoveries, wildlife encounters and an unplanned hike.

The plans were simple enough - practice yoga, drive to view a mid-century modern residence near La Crescenta, then head to Descanso Gardens to see if I would be lucky enough to catch sight of the buck that I encountered there last week.

Yoga practice - done

Mid-century residence visit - done. The home, shown below, was built in 1954 and located on a peaceful street bordering the Verdugo Wash, a tributary of the LA River. The original architect was David Lopez and the home was renovated by Levitt Halsey Design and architect David Levitt.

Checking the geotag on my photos, I realized that I had crossed into the Whiting Woods area of Glendale. I did a quick internet search for any other mid-century residences in the area and found there was a Neutra nearby, the Taylor House. So, I input the address into my map app and set off.

On way to the Neutra, I passed by the Schaffer House (architect John Lautner), one that I had visited on a past field trip. Happy to recognize the area, I made a mental note to walk by the Lautner later.

I easily found parking on Whiting Woods Rd and chose to walk the short distance uphill to view the Taylor House. For some reason, I glanced hillside to the right and caught sight of a lone deer very calmly observing me. How exciting is that !?! Being an urban dweller, these wildlife encounters are few and far between.

The Taylor House, perched above the Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve, was built in 1961 for Maurice and Marceil Taylor. The house has a simple boxy shape and offers extraordinary views across the hillside. I could only appreciate it streetside and was pleased to see its bright red door :)

At the end of Whiting Woods Rd., there’s access to the Whiting Woods Motorway Trail. Just a short 10 minute hike up the trail, I was rewarded with a great view towards the San Gabriel Mountains and the valley below.

Since I had errands to run, I had to turn around to take care of that. Still I had time to walk past the Schaffer House, screened for privacy and hidden mostly from view amidst the trees.

I didn’t make it to Descanso, but managed to get my fill of nature and wildlife anyway!