During the 1920s, Hancock Park was the most elite residential neighbourhood for rich Angelenos. Throughout the tumultuous and changing decades, the area has still managed to retain a sizable share of prominent names and old money. And all this is practically within the shadow of gritty Koreatown.

An exclusive residential district sprang up, filled with the opulent mansions of some of the most ste4emed names in town. Architectural styles spanned the while range, from Historic Revival to Medieval Norman and mock-Tudor. Although the strictly Anglo neighbourhood welcomed neither Jewish people nor African Americans, residents in 1948 finally allowed Nat King Cole to break the colour barrier.

The once underloved La Brea Avenue, a few blocks west of the Hancock Park boundary, is now one of the city’s hottest districts. The thoroughfare’s 1930s art deco and Spanish buildings have been revived and are filled with contemporary art galleries, antiques dealers, chic boutiques, and hip restaurants.