Description

This small house is considered the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles. It was constructed in 1818 by the then-mayor of L.A., Don Francisco Avila, and was occupied by his family for forty years after its construction. It was made of 2.5- to 3-foot thick walls that were crafted from sun-dried adobe bricks, had 15-foot-high ceilings, a large inner courtyard, packed-earth floors, and a flat tar-covered roof. Today, the house looks a bit different than its original prototype, as it has lost much of its size and shape over the years. It has been beautifully restored and is now a major attraction in the popular Mexican market-themed Olvera Street area.