AKA: Kelly, Miriam, House, Pasadena, CA

Structure Type: built works - dwellings - houses

Designers: Neutra, Richard J., Architect (firm); John A. Blanton (architect); Richard Josef Neutra (architect)

Dates: constructed 1957

1780 Devon Road
Pasadena, CA 91103-1107

OpenStreetMap (new tab)
Google Map (new tab)
click to view google map
Google Streetview (new tab)
click to view google map

John P. and DeVee Clark saw Neutra lecture in 1955 because of the architect's connection to Frank Lloyd Wright; impressed with him, they asked him whether he might design a residence for them. He first asked how much money they wanted to spend, and when he heard $39,000, he then asked them about their lot. Neutra viewed the lot, and, five months later, delivered an initial two-floor scheme that seemed too expensive to the Clarks. They also told the architect, that, because John Clark was a pianist (and a music teacher), he needed a larger living room to accommodate a grand piano. Neutra balked momentarily, and asked if the musician would settle for playing on a spinet. Clark refused, and Neutra then produced a second design costing $43,000 that they accepted. The Clarks, and their two daughters, aged 12 and 14, occupied the house after a 10-month construction phase just a little before 12/25/1957. Miriam Kelly purchased the house c. 2002 from the Clark Family.

Neutra's employee, John A. Blanton, supervised the Clark House's construction.

PCAD id: 12365