Remember Nat King Cole as we gather here in Hancock Park. Hancock Park is a neighborhood in Los Angeles. It is known for its beautiful homes and rich history.
Hancock Park owes its existence to George Allan Hancock. He was a developer and philanthropist who subdivided the land in the 1920s. The Hancock family donated land for a park in 1916. This preserved the La Brea Tar Pits. Hancock inherited 4400 acres from his father. His father acquired it from the Rancho La Brea property. Residential development began around 1919.
Hancock Park experienced controversy in 1948. Nat King Cole, a famous African American singer, bought a house here. He faced protests from the Hancock Park Property Owners Association. They tried to prevent him from buying the house. The association even tried to buy the house from him. Cole endured months of abuse. His dog was poisoned. Racial insults were burned into his lawn. Despite the racism, Cole stood his ground. He famously said he did not want undesirable people in the neighborhood either.
Residents of Hancock Park also resisted development. They opposed public transit projects on Wilshire Boulevard. They feared increased development and crime. Their resistance led to accusations of racism. A proposed Metro Rail extension lacked a station in Hancock Park. Congressman Henry Waxman supported their cause. He secured a ban on the rail line in the area.
Hancock Park has about 1200 homes. The boundaries are Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Melrose Avenue to the north. Highland Avenue is on the west and Rossmore Avenue is on the east. The Los Angeles Times redefined the area in 2009. This extended it west to La Brea Avenue. The Hancock Park Homeowners Association disagrees with these boundaries.
The Hancock Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zone was adopted in 2008. It protects the architectural character of the neighborhood.
Hancock Park has a diverse population. In 2000, the population was 9804. The median age for residents was 37. Hancock Park is home to a community of Orthodox Jews. They make up a significant portion of the neighborhood.
Hancock Park is home to several historic cultural monuments. These include the Queen and Washingtonia Robusta Palm Trees, La Casa de las Campanas, and The El Royale. The Wolff-Fifield House and The Ravenswood are also landmarks.
Several consuls general reside in Hancock Park. The official residences of Argentina, Great Britain, and Canada are here. The Consul General of Japan also has a residence here.
Hancock Park has appeared in popular culture. The home from “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” is located here.
Many notable people have lived in Hancock Park. These include Muhammad Ali, Nat King Cole, and Shonda Rhimes.
Hancock Park remains a desirable neighborhood. It is known for its beautiful homes, rich history, and famous residents. It is a testament to the development and history of Los Angeles.