Oxford Square

Can you imagine a Los Angeles neighborhood steeped in history, charm, and architectural beauty? Right here before us lies Oxford Square, a designated Historic Preservation Overlay Zone nestled in the heart of Mid-Wilshire. Oxford Square whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when horse-drawn carriages traversed its streets and the earliest homes began to rise in 1899. The neighborhood, brimming with character, encompasses 183 residences, varying in size from cozy 959 square foot bungalows to grand 5067 square foot estates. The average home in Oxford Square is around 2162 square feet, often boasting three bedrooms and two bathrooms. As you stroll through Oxford Square, take note of the architectural styles that define its unique character. The influence of the Arts and Crafts and Period Revival movements is evident in the Craftsman, American Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean Revival homes that grace the neighborhood. Imagine the families who once lived within these walls, their stories woven into the very fabric of Oxford Square. The neighborhood’s rectilinear gridded street pattern, the concrete-paved streets and sidewalks, and the landscaped parkways lined with mature Canary Island date palms create a cohesive streetscape. Picture the gentle sloping lawns and the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. In 1907, while Oxford Square was still in its infancy, the Harriman interests began constructing a four-track subway line south of Wilshire Boulevard, forever changing the landscape and connectivity of the area. Decades later, in 1991, concerned residents of Oxford Square and the neighboring Windsor Village successfully petitioned the City Council to close 10th Street at Victoria Avenue. This measure aimed to enhance safety and reduce crime following a period of burglaries, robberies, and even a homicide. Oxford Square continued to evolve, and in 2015, the neighborhood association championed the creation of a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. Their efforts culminated in the City Council’s approval and adoption of the preservation plan in 2017. This designation ensures that the unique architectural heritage and character of Oxford Square will be cherished and protected for generations to come. So, as you wander through Oxford Square, let your imagination transport you back in time, envisioning the lives and stories that have shaped this remarkable neighborhood.