1300 Mount Curve Ave E
Altadena, CA 91001, USA

Charles J. Martin House -National Registry of Historic Places

Statement of Significance:
Constructed in 1903 according to designs by Minneapolis architect William Channing Whitney, the Charles J. Martin House at 1300 Mount Curve Avenue is a well preserved and excellently maintained example of the early twentieth century "city estate". The design is executed in the Renaissance Revival mode, an architectural style particularly applied to large scale residences or "mansions" in the early years of this century; it was also one of the styles in which the architect Whitney excelled. Further, it is increasingly rare in metropolitan areas to find such an estate which has retained its grounds intact.

Charles J. Martin was a prominent businessman who was deeply Involved in the development of the Minneapolis flour milling industry. For many years he served as secretary and treasurer of the Washburn-Crosby Milling Company, later reorganized as General Mills. In addition to his business interests, Martin was involved in civic affairs, such as the promotion of city parks, libraries, and art societies.