Sharing much of the history of Hollywood, Spaulding Square was developed in the 1920s. Named after California architect, Albert Starr Spaulding, who developed the eight block area between 1916 and 1926. Most of the early residents were silent film stars and directors.[1] There are approximately 160 homes In the area. Most are Colonial-style bungalows, with some other revival styles such as Italian, Renaissance, English, Mediterranean, Spanish, Prairie and Craftsman.[2]
The neighborhood location off Sunset Boulevard and its proximity to Hollywood movie studios proved popular for film technicians and starlets. Actress Lucille Ball and director Hugo Hass both lived in the area.[3] One early resident was Rudolph J. Berquist,[4] a renowned cinematographer known for early works like Camille (1921 film) and One Night in Rome. He built his personal residence at 1400 N Ogden Drive in 1919 [5] and the house is now part of the HPOZ, remaining in perfect condition to this day.
The neighborhood is a popular location for films, TV shows and commercials. Several horror classics use the neighborhood homes as location including Halloween, with 1530 N. Orange Grove appear in Halloween and 1428 N. Genese appears in A Nightmare on Elm Street.[6]
In 1993, Spaulding Square was designated a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) by the city of Los Angeles, with the object to preserve the historic architecture found in the community.