2845 1/2 Avenel Street

Avenel Cooperative Housing Project, 1947. Gregory Ain, Architect. On the National Register of Historic Places and Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #1221. Brilliantly progressive in 1947, the idea of socially conscious housing stands the test of time. It is quite possible that Ain's early youth spent at the Llano del Rio, an experimental farming colony in Antelope Valley, may have influenced his later ideas as an architect. At Avenel, 10 families pooled their resources to sign on to Ain's social experiment. The 10 ingeniously designed units laid out in two identical rows, integrate both private and public spaces. Each unit has a front patio for utility, and a rear patio that opens up to western facing views. Ain's signature sliding walls can be opened or closed depending on need. The most recent renovation was well-thought out by the owner, Alexsey Antonov along with artist Nora Shields. White oak built-ins in each of the three bedrooms (one can double as a den), are designed for multiple storage uses such as books and other objects. Both sliding doors, doorknobs and pulls for the linen closets are original to the property. The residence includes: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, attached 1-car garage at the front of the building, and an extra spot for guests.