Ennis House / Frank Lloyd Wright | Classics on Architecture Lab

Architects: Frank Lloyd Wright
Location: 2607 Glendower Avenue, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California
Area: 6,200 sq ft (580 m²)
Year: 1924
Architectural Style: Mayan Revival, Textile Block
NRHP Reference No.: 71000145
California Historical Landmark No.: 1011
Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No.: 149
Photography: Rachel Presser, Architectural Digest, Adrian Scott Fine/L.A. Conservancy, National Trust for Historic Preservation, The MLS, Bobak Ha’Eri, Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The Ennis House, located in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, is a significant example of Mayan Revival architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1924, this iconic residence is the largest and final creation in Wright’s renowned textile block series. The house, a modern architectural experiment, draws heavily from ancient temple design with its extensive use of precast concrete blocks. Today, the Ennis House stands as a cornerstone of American architectural history, celebrated for its innovative approach and enduring landmark status.

Location and Design

Perched atop a hill at 2607 Glendower Avenue, the Ennis House overlooks Los Angeles, providing commanding views of the cityscape. The design, based on ancient Mayan temples, epitomizes Mayan Revival architecture. Its most distinctive feature is the extensive use of 27,000 hand-cast interlocking concrete blocks, which form both the exterior and interior walls. These blocks are patterned with relief ornamentation inspired by the Puuc architecture of Uxmal, an ancient Maya site, contributing to the building’s striking visual identity.

Textile Block System

Wright’s textile-block system, employed in the construction of the Ennis House, was revolutionary for its time. This method involved casting concrete blocks in aluminum molds, each measuring 16” x 16” x 3.5” and made from a mixture of decomposed granite, gravel, and sand from the site. The blocks are woven together with steel rods, giving rise to the term “textile block.” This construction system was an attempt by Wright to explore modular, affordable housing techniques, though the Ennis House, with its complexity, became an exception to that affordability.

Architectural Features

The Ennis House comprises two primary structures: the main residence and a smaller chauffeur’s apartment/garage. These are separated by a paved courtyard, a feature that differs from the vertical design of Wright’s other textile-block houses like La Miniatura and Storer House. The Ennis House instead adopts a horizontal layout, with a long loggia spine on the northern side that connects various rooms.

The house spans 6,200 square feet (580 m²) and includes key spaces such as:

• Kitchen
• Pantry
• Guest room
• Dining room
• Living room
• Master bedroom and bathroom
• Upper terrace
• Second bathroom and bedroom
• Billiard room (added later in 1940)

Construction and Modifications

The construction of the Ennis House faced numerous challenges. Initially supervised by Wright’s son, Lloyd Wright, the project saw its costs increase due to construction complexities. Eventually, Charles and Mabel Ennis took over supervision after the superstructure reached window height, making alterations that deviated from Wright’s original plans. These deviations, while subtle, affected the final design of the house.

In 1940, the house was sold to media personality John Nesbitt, who commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to add a pool on the north terrace, a billiard room on the ground floor, and a heating system. The billiard room addition and the pool remain iconic features of the house today.

Ownership History

The Ennis House has passed through multiple owners since its completion, each contributing to its storied history:

• Charles and Mabel Ennis (1924–1940): The original owners who commissioned Wright to design the house.
• John Nesbitt (1940–unknown): A media personality who added several modifications.
• Augustus O. Brown (1968–1980): The eighth owner who donated the house to the Trust for Preservation of Cultural Heritage, leading to the name change to “Ennis-Brown House.”
• Trust for Preservation of Cultural Heritage (1980–2011): Later renamed the Ennis House Foundation, which oversaw the house for three decades.
• Ron Burkle (2011–2019): Billionaire owner who invested in significant restoration efforts.
• Robert Rosenheck and Cindy Capobianco (2019–present): Current owners, cannabis industry professionals who purchased the house for $18 million.

Cultural Impact

The Ennis House has left a profound impact on both architecture and pop culture. Its unique design, combined with its location in the heart of Los Angeles, has made it a popular filming location and a symbol of architectural experimentation.

Film and Television Appearances

The Ennis House has appeared in over 80 films, television shows, and commercials, making it one of the most recognizable houses in Hollywood. Notable appearances include:

• Blade Runner (1982): The house’s exterior became iconic in the film’s dystopian cityscape.
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Featured as “The Mansion,” the home of characters Angelus, Spike, and Drusilla.
• House on Haunted Hill (1959): A defining role for the house in early Hollywood horror.
• The Day of the Locust (1975): Extensive scenes were filmed within the house.
• Twin Peaks: Interior segments were used in David Lynch’s cult-classic series.

Its frequent media use has earned it the nickname “Blade Runner House” among fans and locals, further embedding it into popular culture.

Architectural Influence

The Ennis House is consistently ranked among the top ten houses in Los Angeles and remains inspiring for architects worldwide. Its geometric patterns, grand spatial arrangements, and the interplay of natural and built environments continue to influence contemporary design.

Restoration and Preservation

The Ennis House’s grandeur has come with significant preservation challenges. Even before its completion, the house exhibited structural issues due to the use of decomposed granite in the concrete mix, leading to cracking and instability. The damage was exacerbated by the 1994 Northridge earthquake and heavy rains in 2005, leading to a partial collapse of the retaining wall.

In response, the Ennis House was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” in 2005. The Foundation estimated $5 million for stabilization and $15 million for full restoration. A combination of a FEMA grant and a $4.5 million loan helped fund the restoration, which included the installation of a new structural support system, replacement of damaged blocks, and roof repairs. The restoration work, completed in 2007, cost nearly $6.4 million.

During Ron Burkle’s ownership (2011–2019), further repairs and renovations were made, ensuring the structural integrity of the house. The current owners continue to maintain and preserve this architectural masterpiece.

Public Access

While the Ennis House is a private residence, its 2011 sale included a stipulation requiring public access for at least 12 days per year. This condition remains binding on all future owners. Visitors can view the house from the outside year-round, and limited interior tours are available during designated days.

Historical Significance

The Ennis House holds multiple designations recognizing its architectural and historical importance. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 1971, designated as California Historical Landmark No. 1011, and named Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 149 on March 3, 1976. These designations reflect the house’s role not only as an architectural icon but also as a cultural touchstone.

A California Historical Landmark Marker at the site reads:
NO. 1011 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TEXTILE BLOCK HOUSES (THEMATIC), ENNIS HOUSE – This house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1924 for Charles and Mabel Ennis. It is one of four textile block houses registered as Landmark No. 1011.

The Ennis House remains a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright’s revolutionary approach to architecture, blending ancient design principles with modern construction techniques. Its intricate textile-block system, Mayan Revival aesthetic, and lasting cultural influence solidify its place as one of the most significant residential structures in American history. As an enduring architectural masterpiece, the Ennis House continues to captivate architects, film directors, and the public nearly a century after its completion.

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Project Location

Address: 2655 Glendower Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.