The History of Our South Carthay Neighborhood

Located on the former vegetable fields for the Ralph's Market stores, development of the houses in the South Carthay HPOZ did not really begin until the early 1930s. remarkable for the consistency and integrity of its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, almost half of its single-family dwellings were designed and built by Greek developer Spyro George Ponty, who also built homes throughout the Los Angeles area and Beverly Hills. Other contractors who built homes within the undeveloped tract also espoused the Spanish Colonial Revival style, giving the neighborhood a visual unity-- low-pitched tile roofs, arched doors and windows and smooth stucco exterior finishes. Unlike today's tract housing, South Carthay residences are exceptional in their quality construction, skilled craftsmanship, decorative detailing and individuality-- no two homes are exactly alike.

The History Project Committee published a special edition of South Carthay News covering the history of our neighborhood, including interviews with five long time residents and historical photos. Click to open this PDF file.