6354 Painter Avenue was built in 1916. This residence was originally designed in the Queen Anne architectural style, constructed by developer Lindley Baldwin as a residence for his family. His Pasadena based firm Baldwin, Jessup, and Company surveyed the Thomas Ranch site, which was subdivided to create the Whittier colony in May 1887. In 1889, Baldwin sold the residence to banker Washington Hadley, an immigrant from Lawrence, Kansas. Hadley acquired a major interest in the Pickering Land and Water Company, which was responsible for early Whittier development, serving as president of its board for multiple years from 1890 to 1898. The residence was later expanded and redesigned to feature Tudor Revival style.
This residence is significant as an excellent example of Tudor Revival architectural style. Paralleling rise of Spanish Colonial Revival, eclectic English and French inspired Period Revival styles distinguished Whittier buildings constructed in the 1920s and 1930s. These eclectic styles were attributed to architects trained in the tradition of l’Ecole des Beaux Arts, a group of influential French design institutions that emphasized literal representations of European architectural precedents, while exuding aura of opulence through extensive detail during an economically prosperous era. Increased appreciation among Americans for Great Britain and France, precipitated by positive interactions with these countries during World War I and romanticized depictions of their architectural landscapes in motion pictures of the era, further contributed to popularity of architectural styles referencing these countries.
Local designation date is July 7, 2015. The identification number is #93. No Mills Act Agreement was established at the time of the Local Designation.
SOURCES: The information above has been obtained from the original local designation documents and edits from the Whittier Historic Neighborhood Association. It may also include ongoing current ownership input. Please contact us with updated information that you possess.