Paul Revere Williams: Building a Legacy
The architect built homes for Hollywood's elite.
1 / 10
A Legendary Architect - Over the years, architect Paul Revere Williams put his personal stamp on Hollywood, designing luxurious properties for iconic A-listers including Lucille Ball and Bill Cosby. Starting his firm in Los Angeles in 1922, he overcame racial adversity to become one of the most heavily sought after names in the field. Today, his homes still fetch millions and remain favorable among Hollywood's elite. Keep reading for a closer look at Williams' life and legacy. — Britt Middleton (Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library/Herald Examiner Collection)
2 / 10
Early Years - Williams was born in Los Angeles on Feb. 18, 1894. After studying engineering at the University of Southern California, he became a certified architect in 1921. Williams is credited as the first certified African-American architect west of the Mississippi River. (Photo: Public Domain via U.S. Census Bureau)
3 / 10
Around the World Man - In more than 50 years in the business, Williams worked on nearly 3,000 residential and commercial spaces around the world. "He used to say if you could look at a house in a magazine from 40 years ago and still like it, that was good work," his granddaughter Karen E. Hudson told the Los Angeles Times recently. (Photo: Public Domain via U.S. Census Bureau)
4 / 10
Breaking Barriers - In 1923, Williams became the first African-American to join the American Institute of Architects. He was inducted as the organization's first Black fellow in 1957. Among many other honors, he was awarded the NAACP's Spingarn Medal for his contributions in 1953. (Photo: Courtesy of The American Institute of Architects)
5 / 10
Where Comfort Meets Grand - The style of Williams' homes were described as "comfortable yet elegant, family oriented while suitable for large-scale gala" by Los Angeles Times reporter Lauren Beale, in a recent article. Williams was known for mastery of many architectural styles, including Colonial, English Tudor and Spanish Revival. Of his most celebrated spaces is Williams' concept for the famed Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, pictured above. (Photo: Paul Harris/Celebrityhomephotos.com)
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 10
Very Hollywood - In addition, he designed the luxury hotel's Fountain Coffee Shop and Crescent wing. In the 1940s, Williams designed a suite, featuring his signature curved walls, that was later named in his honor. Stars including Jimmy Fallon have called the historic space their home away from home. (Photo: WikiCommons)
7 / 10
Public Structures - In addition to his commercial work, Williams deigned the Shepard Ivory Franz Hall II at the University of California, Los Angeles. Completed in September 1967, the 124,600 square-foot structure "featured three basement levels with eight levels above ground for psychology laboratories and study facilities," writes the Paul R. Williams Project. (Photo: David Horan, 2010, Courtesy the Paul Revere Williams Project, Art Museum, University of Memphis)
8 / 10
A Home Fit for Hollywood Royalty - Among his most famed residential homes was the design for the Palm Springs abode of Lucille Ball and her bandleader husband, Desi Arnaz. The 4,400 square-foot space housed six bedrooms and a swimming pool. It also featured an outdoor Lanai space, bridging the interior living space with that of the Southern California landscape (another hallmark of Williams' style). (Photo: Keystone/Getty Images)
9 / 10
The Lahr Estate - High ceilings and sweeping grand entrances were also perennial favorites for the great architect, such as the Coldwater Canyon-area home designed for actor Bert Lahr, pictured above, in 1941. Sitting on 1.3 acres, the home has been valued at $25.58 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. Its past residents include musician Paul McCartney and actress Melanie Griffith. (Photo: WikiCommons)