Architecture&Beyond Lecture Series

Author to Speak on Iconic Ranch-Style Homebuilder May 17 at Los Feliz Library

Author Chris Lukather will speak on popular San Fernando Valley builder William Mellenthin at the Architecture&Beyond; Lecture Series Thursday, May 17, 6:45-7:45 p.m., at the Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave.

The book, entitled “A Birdhouse in Paradise: William Mellenthin and the San Fernando Valley Ranch Homes,” follows the suburb developer who built some 3000 homes during his 30-year career.

Lukather, a writer with a passion for art and design, started researching his book after going to an open house at one of Millenthin’s “birdhouse” ranch homes. 

 Architectural critic Alan Hess, who wrote the book’s forward, said WWII GIs in search of the good life they had been fighting for found it ranch houses.  He called them “comfortable, affordable, moderately modern, pleasingly modest, all-American.”.

Skylight Books will be on hand for the selling and signing of the book.

The free lecture series, offered for more than a dozen years, is supported by the Friends of Los Feliz Library and merchants of Los Feliz Village BID.

For more information, call the Los Feliz Branch Library at (323) 913-4710.

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[Contact:  Lynne T. Jewell @ 323.244.6706]