Strathmore / Neutra / Eames

The Strathmore Apartments, Richard Neutra, 1937


The Strathmore is where Charles and Ray Eames lived when they first came to Los Angeles in 1941. It was number 11013 1/2, the upstairs unit shown here. Arts and Architecture owner and editor, John Entenza, introduced the Eames to Neutra and the Strathmore. They would call it home until 1949, when they moved into Case Study House #8, (The Eames House)--total westsiders. 

Neutra and Luise Rainer on the balcony of what would be the Eames's apartment. 
 Photo: Julius Shulman. Personal Collection, Dr. Thomas S. Hines
Via National Register of Historic Places Registration Form


Charles, in his car, in front of the 8-unit apartment complex. The Neutras owned half of the development and the 
other half was built for Adele Friedman.


The Eames at home. Living in the Neutra-designed apartment is said to have informed and inspired the Eames
when designing their future home.  

The “Kazam!” press was built  in a spare room in their apartment.  It was used to create compound curves with wood, for
designs such as the leg splint and many of their other early plywood prototypes. 
Image: The Story of Eames Furniture


Charles made most of the furniture in the apartment.

John Entenza also ended up living in the apartments in 1950, after selling his Case Study House #9, which was designed 
by Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames.  CSH 9 is located next door to the "Eames House. Orson Welles, Eliot Elisofon and a 
list of Hollywood types also called the Strathmore home at various points in time.  
Photo: Julius Shulman. Personal Collection, Dr. Thomas S. Hines
Via National Register of Historic Places Registration Form


I don't think Neutra or the Eames would approve of this hillbilly modern sofa on the porch nonsense. 

Four of the eight units at The Strathmore apartments are now condos and they actually come up for sale now and then.
A new neighbor is coming soon: Neutra's Neighbor