Introduction to the David Green House

The David Green House is a historic mid-century modern compound miraculously preserved in the foothills of Altadena. The main house, built in 1963 by Randell Makinson, sits beside a 1949 guest house and studio by Frederick Monhoff. Together, they form a private hillside retreat created for sculptor David Oliver Green. The property includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the main residence and a one-bedroom studio dwelling. Priced at $2,449,000, 176 Jaxine Dr, Altadena, is listed by Kate Blackwood at Compass.
The exterior of the primary house by Randell Makinson. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu
The interior with iconic mid-century modern details. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Historical Significance and Survival

The estate holds a notable place in Altadena’s modernist history. It was one of only four homes on its block to survive the recent Eaton Fire. Its preservation offers a glimpse into postwar design ideals that shaped Southern California’s hillside architecture. The site also reflects the area’s long association with artists and educators who lived and worked in the San Gabriel foothills.
The creative terraces and careful landscaping. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

The Architectural Visionaries

David Oliver Green was a sculptor, calligrapher, and educator who shaped his work in metal, wood, and stone. His pieces appeared in exhibitions at LACMA, the Pasadena Art Institute, and the San Diego Museum. Green’s creative passions guided how the home was designed, including the studio by Monhoff, which served as both workshop and teaching space.
A view of the living space with clerestory windows. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Architectural Details and Design

Architect Randell Makinson was a leading authority on Charles and Henry Greene. He was also the Director and Curator of the Gamble House in Pasadena for more than two decades. Frederick Monhoff, who designed the earlier studio, was both architect and illustrator. His work in Southern California and Palm Springs explored light, geometry, and livability.
The second structure built by Frederick Monhoff. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Cohesive Architecture

The two buildings are architecturally cohesive despite being designed years apart. Makinson’s structure is low and horizontal, using post-and-beam construction and exposed framing. Monhoff’s studio also excels in simplicity, but feels lighter and more open. Each building visually highlights the construction materials themselves, specifically wood, brick, and glass.
A careful combination of natural materials. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Interior and Exterior Harmony

The main house includes sculpted ceilings, clerestory windows, and full-height glass walls that open to a deck. A brick fireplace provides a visual anchor in the living area. The house follows the slope of the land and consistently emphasizes a connection between the inside and out. The structure reads as a series of connected planes rather than a single mass.
The brick fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Property Layout and Outdoor Spaces

The property layout has a clear separation between work and living. The Makinson residence occupies the upper terrace and is oriented toward the canyon. Slightly below, the Monhoff studio is accessed by a winding path through flora. The placement of the buildings preserves privacy between them, while still looking visibly unified.
The stairs leading up to the back of the property. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Seamless Transition Between Indoors and Out

Outdoor areas remain an essential part of the compound. Decks and patios extend from each structure into the hillside. Native plants and stone paths surround the buildings. The landscape makes the property feel like it is secluded in nature.
The seamless transition between indoors and out. Photographer © Sinziana Velicescu

Conclusion

The David Green House is an extremely rare property, showcasing two distinct architectural visions. It is both a record of California modernism and a reflection of Green’s creative way of living with his work. The property’s survival and design integrity make it a significant part of Altadena’s architectural story, now more than ever.

FAQs

• Q: What is the significance of the David Green House in Altadena’s history?
  A: The David Green House is significant because it survived the recent Eaton Fire and offers a glimpse into postwar design ideals that shaped Southern California’s hillside architecture.
• Q: Who designed the main house and the guest house/studio?
  A: The main house was designed by Randell Makinson in 1963, and the guest house/studio was designed by Frederick Monhoff in 1949.
• Q: What is the current listing price of the property?
  A: The property is listed at $2,449,000 by Kate Blackwood at Compass.
• Q: What makes the property unique in terms of architecture and design?
  A: The property is unique because it showcases two distinct architectural visions that are cohesive despite being designed years apart, emphasizing natural materials and a seamless transition between indoors and out.