Granada Shoppes and Studios
Also known as: Granada Buildings
Why it's listed
Four three-story brick buildings covered in beige stucco and topped with red clay tile roofs make up this 1927 complex on South La Fayette Park Place in Los Angeles, facing Lafayette Park. Builder and developer Franklin Harper, who was not trained as an architect, set out to create a "street in Spain." Intersecting tile-paved courtyards and passageways separate the buildings, with a reflecting pool and planters, while second-floor balconies with iron railings serve upper-level tenants and join the buildings as bridges. Each segment has its own doors, windows, towers or balconies, so the block reads as many separate buildings. Originally designed for shops, studios and apartments, it was noted at the time as something new in Los Angeles. Later architectural writers described the court as a monument of Southern California architecture and a significant Spanish Colonial Revival work. The exterior remains essentially unaltered, and the buildings are now used as offices.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the buildings are the outstanding creation of builder/developer Franklin Harper and possess high artistic values. Varied architectural detail distinguishes each separately tenanted segment within a unified Spanish-style composition meant to evoke a "street in Spain." They were also unusual for combining residential and commercial uses, and later publications recognize them as a notable example of Spanish Colonial Revival design.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 86003320, listed November 20, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 672 S. Lafayette Park Pl., Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | November 20, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86003320 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1927 |
| Architect / builder | Franklin Harper (1881-1957) |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and unaltered on its original site, with minor interior alterations; use has evolved from commercial and residential to current office use. |
| Acreage | 0.6 |
| Coordinates | 34.06059, -118.28343 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 86003320.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5594104
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.