“A wreck” they called it. That’s how Xorin Balbes described the John Sowden House in 2001 when he bought it for $1.2 million. Before us stands this architectural marvel. It’s the John Sowden House also known as the Jaws House or the Franklin House.
Built in 1926 by Lloyd Wright son of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright this Los Feliz residence is a masterpiece of Mayan Revival style. Notice the ornamented textile blocks. They form the striking facade. Some see a Mayan temple others the gaping mouth of a shark. Hence the Jaws House nickname.
John Sowden a painter and photographer commissioned the house. He wanted a showplace for his Hollywood friends. He lived there only a few years though. The style was too controversial at the time. Critics hated the concrete blocks deemed too cheap for an upscale home. Times have changed. The John Sowden House is now a celebrated landmark. It’s on the US National Register of Historic Places.
After Sowden the house had several owners. One was Dr George Hodel a physician. He was a suspect in the infamous Black Dahlia murder. His son a retired police detective claimed his father killed Elizabeth Short in the house’s basement. No bodies were ever found. But rumors persist.
Balbes’ $1.6 million renovation sparked debate. He updated the kitchen and bathrooms. He added a pool and spa to the courtyard. Lloyd Wright’s son criticized the changes. So did architectural historian Dana Hutt. They felt the pool ruined the original design. The courtyard was meant for seating during performances. It was an integral part of the house’s unique layout.
The John Sowden House is more than just a house. It’s a stage for stories of art murder and architectural innovation. It’s a place where history whispers secrets from its walls and its past continues to fascinate. It is indeed one of Lloyd Wright’s most significant works. It has been hailed as the pinnacle of his residential career. The John Sowden House continues to challenge and intrigue all who visit.