1845 Niodrara Drive

Rodriguez House, 1941. Rudolph Schindler, Architect. City of Glendale Historic Monument #24 with a Mills Act property tax reduction. This property is located within the sylvan Niodrara Drive Historic District (see attached nomination in Docs Folder). Designed for celebrated musician and classical radio commentator Jose, June, and their two sons, Rodriguez House is an early example of Mid-century post and beam construction, with wood trusses that cantilever over spacious living and dining areas. Organic building materials stone, glass, and especially Douglas fir create dramatic volumes where indoor and outdoor living spaces merge. The L-shaped plan maximizes light and privacy. The principal living space is elevated over the entry level, providing panoramic treetop vistas and direct access to the gardens. The gardens, seasonally enlivened with native plantings from the Theodore Payne Foundation, incorporate an organic-shaped swimming pool and spa, an original pond, flagstone footpaths, and private mini-amphitheater seating areas for social gatherings. A generous construction budget allowed for world class stone masonry, and built-in metal artwork by June's sister Margaret Giesler Buxton (including a copper fireplace in the shape of a campfire), render this residence exceptional even among master architect R. M. Schindler's many brilliant compositions.