In the lineage of Los Angeles modernism, Echo Park (specifically the hills of Elysian Heights) serves as a living laboratory for mid-century innovation. A significant milestone in the late 2025 market was the $2.59 million sale of the Jules Salkin Residence, a “lost” early work by the legendary John Lautner.
Commissioned in 1948, this residence marks a critical point in Lautner’s career—ten years into his private practice and deeply influenced by his six-year apprenticeship under Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin. The home was “rediscovered” and meticulously restored in 2016 by another architectural powerhouse, Barbara Bestor, ensuring its preservation for the next generation of design stewards.
Structural Integrity & Design Philosophy
The Salkin Residence is a masterclass in organic modernism, rising like a beacon on its own promontory to capture sweeping views from the DTLA skyline to the Pacific Ocean. Its design rejects the boxy austerity of the era, opting instead for a dynamic, wing-like roofline that appears to float above the hillside.
| Feature | Specification |
| Sales Price | $2,590,000 |
| Architect | John Lautner (Original) / Barbara Bestor (Restoration) |
| Style | Early Mid-Century Modern |
| Lot Size | 0.36 Acres (Promontory Lot) |
| Status | LA Historic-Cultural Monument |
Heritage & Unique Amenities
The property is more than a home; it is an artifact of the Taliesin Fellowship’s influence on California’s topography.
- Material Palette: The interiors feature signature red concrete flooring—a direct nod to Wright’s Usonian houses—complemented by warm wood ceilings and expansive glass.
- The Bestor Restoration: Barbara Bestor’s 2016 update introduced a contemporary kitchen featuring black phenolic resin countertops and handmade ceramic tiles, bridging 1940s soul with 2020s functionality.
- Panoramic Vistas: The “H-shaped” layout and strategic siting allow for rare, dual-aspect views that overlook the lush canyon while maintaining a direct line of sight to the Santa Monica coast.
This transaction reinforces Echo Park’s status as a premier sub-market for “Architectural Trophy” buyers who prioritize provenance and historic tax benefits (via the Mills Act) over generic luxury.
Source: Dwell | John Lautner’s Salkin Residence
January 9, 2026
Melissa Menard REALTOR® | Compass
Echo Park & Surrounding Areas Los Angeles
📞 310.729.9726 | DRE# 01858710
📧 melissa@melissamenardhomes.com
🌐 www.MelissaMenardHomes.com