The Storer House, built in 1923 in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, is a landmark achievement in Frank Lloyd Wright’s “California Romanza” period. It is one of the four famous Mayan Revival style textile-block houses Wright designed in the Los Angeles area between 1922 and 1924, alongside the Ennis House, the Freeman House, and the Millard House (La Miniatura) in Pasadena.
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The house was commissioned by Dr. John Storer, a homeopathic physician and friend of Wright’s. Because the structure is located on a steep hillside, Wright designed it to take advantage of the dramatic terrain using a series of five distinct levels and multiple terraces.
Preservation and Management
The Storer House has been meticulously preserved over the decades. In 1984, it was purchased by film producer Joel Silver, who undertook a massive, award-winning restoration supervised by Wright’s grandson, Eric Lloyd Wright. Silver’s dedication was so significant that he adopted a modified design from one of the Storer House textile blocks as the official logo for Silver Pictures.
While Silver eventually sold the home in 2002, his stewardship—which included later purchasing Wright’s Auldbrass plantation in South Carolina—helped ensure the home remains one of the best-preserved Wright buildings in Los Angeles.
Architectural Style and Innovation
The Storer House is constructed from concrete “textile” blocks, a material Wright intended to elevate into a high-art medium. These blocks feature four distinct geometric patterns that are both decorative and functional, providing texture while helping to shade the interior. Unlike the later Ennis and Freeman houses, the blocks here were laid without mortar joints, giving them a unique “knitted” appearance.
The interior is just as striking as the exterior. The living room is a magnificent double-height “studio” space with five glass doors that open onto a large front terrace, providing stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline. Traditionally finished with deep red walls and dark wood furniture, the overall effect is both luxurious and dramatic.
Plan Your Visit
Location
📍Location
The Storer House is located in Los Angeles, California. It is nestled in the hills just above the famous Sunset Strip.
🛑Curb-Side Viewing Only
Please be aware that this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home is a privately owned residence and is not open to the public for tours. It is, however, occasionally used for private architectural events or fundraisers. We kindly ask that you respect the owners’ privacy and refrain from trespassing on the property.
🧳Make it a Trip
Because the Storer House is located directly on Hollywood Boulevard, it is easy to combine with a trip to the Freeman House or a visit to Hollyhock House. For a complete day of Los Angeles culture, the house is just minutes away from the Chateau Marmont and the historic shopping and dining of the Sunset Strip.
🏨Hotels in Hollywood
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Kimpton Everly Hotel – A stylish, boutique choice with incredible views of the Hollywood Hills and a sophisticated rooftop scene.
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Chateau Marmont – If you want to lean into the classic Hollywood “noir” vibe of the Storer House neighborhood, this legendary hotel is just down the street.
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Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel – A reliable, highly-rated option perfectly situated for exploring the architecture of the Sunset Strip and the hills.
🎬Movies Filmed on Site
The Storer House has a deep connection to the film industry, largely due to its architectural drama and the influence of former owner Joel Silver.
Lethal Weapon (1987) Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover (The house served as a notable location in this Silver-produced action classic.)
Die Hard (1988) Starring: Bruce Willis (While the movie is set at Nakatomi Plaza, the Storer House has a direct link through Joel Silver; the Nakatomi atrium was modeled after Wright’s Fallingwater, and a model of Wright’s “Butterfly Bridge” appears in the film.)
Additional Resources and Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home. You can also view our curated list of products specifically inspired by the Storer House.
- The Fascinating Secret Behind The Bridge Model In Die Hard, by Lewin Day for The Autotopian, December 27, 2023
- Vintage Storer House Patent Prints, 4 (8×10) Unframed Photos (Amazon)
- Storer House Block Night Light (Amazon)
- View our curated list of products inspired by the Storer House
