La Loma Road Mid-Century Modern Built By Noted Architect Robert Langdon Under Consideration as City Landmark

A draft resolution declaring the Robert Earl Langdon Jr. residence at 1350 La Loma Road in Pasadena as a landmark is up for discussion Monday during a public hearing by the City Council meeting.

A report by the Planning Department said the Langdon residence “embodies the very best of mid-century modern function and form” was built by noted architect Robert Langdon for himself in 1950 while serving as an assistant architect for USC. Langdon was described as “an architect whose work is of significance to the City and region.”

“During his long career, he served as president of the Pasadena Chapter of American Institute of Architects, director of the organization’s California Council and national president of the architectural fraternity SCARAB,” the report said.

Langdon was born in 1918 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and studied at Yale University during the late 1930s. He attended the USC School of Architecture and graduated in 1944, after which he served as Assistant Architect for USC’s postwar expansion. 

Langdon and his former classmate Ernest Wilson, Jr. joined forces and established the firm Langdon and Wilson in 1951. The year prior, Langdon had designed the house at 1350 La Loma Road as his personal residence. He lived there until about 1965.

Langdon lead the firm’s Los Angeles office and its associated projects, overseeing the design of nearly 30 important high-rise office and commercial buildings in downtown Los Angeles, particularly on Wilshire Boulevard, as well as the plans for the original Getty Villa, which opened in 1974. 

The Planning Department said the Langdon residence is “a locally significant, intact example of the Mid-Century Modern property type” and is a representation of Langdon’s work. Langdon is recognized as a significant local architect who designed important modernist buildings, mainly International and New Formalism style offices, throughout Southern California. 

“The subject property is a unique expression of Langdon’s professional style adapted for a residential setting and his personal use,” the report said. “ The building has a high level of architectural integrity (its ability to demonstrate why it is significant) through its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and feeling.”

Properties that are designated as a landmark enjoy such incentives provided by the City, including a Mills Act historic property contract to reduce property taxes in exchange for agreeing to maintain the historic character of the property, the use of more flexible provisions in the State Historical Building Code when making modifications, a waiver of covered parking requirements, and potential variances from modern development standards for historic properties undergoing adaptive use or relocation. 

Monday’s City Council virtual meeting opens for public participation at 4:30 p.m. Public hearings are usually scheduled at 5 p.m. 

To participate in the meeting, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/161482446 and use the meeting ID 161 482 446. The meeting will be streamed live through www.pasadenamedia.org.