THE SOWDEN
HOUSE

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THE SOWDEN
HOUSE

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The
Story

The Black Dahlia Murder - Hollywood’s most notorious unsolved murder case unfolded on the morning of January 15, 1947 when a woman found what looked like a mannequin in an empty lot on Norton Avenue between 39th & Coliseum Streets in Los Angeles.

What appeared to be a mannequin was actually the mutilated body of 22-year old, aspiring actress Elizabeth Short. The case quickly garnered media attention. Newspapers sensationalized the details of Elizabeth Short’s personal life and the crime, creating the "Black Dahlia."

Seventy years have passed, and the case remains unsolved.

The
House

Designed and built by esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. in 1926, intended to host lavish events and live performances, the house was built for artist and photographer John and Ruth Sowden.

A trained landscape architect, set designer with Paramount Studios, and construction manager for his father’s homes in Los Angeles – Lloyd Wright created a unique Mayan-inspired, Art Deco estate in the heart of Hollywood.

Built using concrete textile blocks, the Sowden House has been recognized as one of Lloyd Wright’s most important works. Masterfully updated and preserved, it retains its place as a unique masterwork of American architecture and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

What's
in Store

The Sowden House has unique history in Hollywood - well beyond rumors that a former resident was involved in the Black Dahlia murder.

In recent years, it has served as the set for Martin Scorsese’s “Aviator,” commercials for American Express, and episodes of “America’s Next Top Model” as well as a favored location for celebrity fundraisers and private events.

What does the next chapter hold for this famous estate? Contact us today to find out.

BY THE SOWDEN HOUSE

© Copyright 2017 The Sowden House Foundation