Echoes of Hollywood

The hidden treasures of Homewood

By Ashley Armstrong

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hen one thinks of Hollywood Boulevard, the star-studded streets of Southern California come to mind—4.6 miles long, lined with palm trees and pricey boutiques in the heart of Los Angeles.

There is another Hollywood Boulevard right here in Homewood, known not for its movie stars and posh shopping, but rather for its distinct architecture. With tile roofing, wrought iron details, and stucco wall arches, this small community is rich with Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes. Its historical essence has withstood modern advancements, preserving its history for generations to come.

The Spanish-style houses were first envisioned and developed in the 1920s by Clyde Nelson, whose original home still stands on Bonita Drive, now home to Melissa and Richie Salem.

“Our son’s name is Nelson, so when we heard the history of the Nelson Rowell House, it felt like a sweet confirmation that we were meant to live here,” Melissa Salem shared.

Stories that upkeep the spirit of these homes alive are woven throughout the neighborhood. No two homes are the same Melissa, an interior designer noted, “We built our first two homes, and when we found this one, it was unlike anything else. Nothing matches; all the doorknobs turn the opposite direction, and many gates open backward.”

They do not see those quirks as flaws. Instead, they are pieces of history that tell a story far beyond them. A unique treasure they found in Homewood, and were able to add their story to its continued legacy.

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ollywood Boulevard incorporated as its own town on January 14, 1927, with its first and only mayor, Clarence Lloyd. The community was originally built to house iron workers and their families.

The house of Clarence Lloyd, a distinct red burgundy with pillars, still stands on Bonita Drive. Current owners Doug and Nan Unkenholz have lived there for over 40 years, witnessing the neighborhood’s transformation into the beauty it is today.

“Originally, houses were built with empty lots in between each,” Doug said. When the Great Depression hit in the 1920s, the city of Hollywood annexed what is now Homewood, leaving many empty lots and unfinished homes. In the 1950s, single- story ranch homes started filling these spaces to attract more families, explaining the variety of architectural styles scattered throughout the streets.

“When we decided to renovate the kitchen, we found the original land plot map and the deed of the home from 1929 left in one of the cabinets,” Doug said. He still has the lengthy, weathered document that outlined the land’s origins in the 1920s.

Behind the mayor’s historic home are several smaller buildings that were used as servant’s quarters. Here, the original Lloyd family iron crest now resides. The Unkenholz’s shared how the son of Clarence Lloyd, Heck Lloyd, had recently visited the home to see how it changed over the years.

“An original hand crafted table that had been left with the house- we had moved it outside. Heck Lloyd told us how he had built the table with his father and we were able to return it to him and his family,” said Doug and Nan.

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n the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Prado Place stands a house known for its distinct pink color. Katie and Art Tipton were drawn to its historical charm and unique features.

“Being from Miami I was used to Spanish- style homes throughout my life,” Katie, a member of the Birmingham Historical Society, said, “When my husband showed me this small corner of Birmingham, it felt familiar and like a piece of home.”

The classic features of Spanish architecture are evident inside the Tipton’s home, including unique tiles in the entrance. These tiles also appeared in the Salem’s home, further connecting the stories of this vibrant community.

On each of these historic homes is an official Jefferson County plaque giving a glimpse into their pasts. The homes are named after their original owners to pay homage to their rich history.

The story of each home continues on through its current homeowners and the legacy they leave with the home. The current residents of these homes were not in search of a modern, high-tech home but rather a story and uniqueness to add to their lives. Hollywood Boulevard is a small community full of endless stories.