297 S Orange Grove Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

Mary E. Denham House - National Register of Historic Places

Statement of Significance Summary Paragraph:

The Mary E. Denham House, built in 1895, is a significant example ofthe work of noted Pasadena architect Frederick Louis Roehrig. It is designed in the American Foursquare architectural style with Richardsonian Romaneque detailing, harmoniously integrating the two influences. It meets National Register Criterion C as a significant example of the work of a prominent local architect and meets registration requirements listed in the Multiple Property Documentation Form “Late 19"’/Early 20'^ Century Development and Architecture in Pasadena,” single-family residence property type, American Foursquare subtype.

Narrative Statement of Significance

The property at 297 S. Orange Grove Boulevard is significant under Criterion C. Linder this criterion, the house is a significant example of the work of noted Pasadena architect Frederick Louis Roehrig, designed in the American Foursquare architectural style with Richardsonian Romanesque detailing. Although the setting has changed from widely spaced homes to a residential neighborhood fully developed with large homes and apartment buildings, the house is still recognizable as part of the original “Millionaires' Row” and thus retains its integrity of setting. The house has a high level of architectural integrity through its design, materials, and workmanship. The house exhibits elements of the American Foursquare subtype including two story height, rectangular plan, clapboard exterior, low-pitched hipped roof with shallow eaves, centrally located hipped dormers, substantial front porch and double-hung sash windows. Elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque style include the arched entry, the decorative stonework on the front elevation, and the roofed porch with stone column. The workmanship and materials of the house are exemplified by these features as well as the wood front door and curved wood panels with windows, the decorative ironwork inside the arch, the original metal pipe hand rail, and the shaped corbels. Alterations on the whole are minor, mostly at the rear, and don’t significantly impact the integrity of the resource. Given the minor nature of the alterations, the house retains the feeling of being a house for a prosperous family from 1895. However, the extent of alterations on the original carriage house renders it non-contributing to the property.

The house is a one of the oldest extant designs of Frederick L. Roehrig, a prolific architect from 1887 through the 1930’s. He was proficient in many architectural styles and his early work is cited as reflecting influence by Henry Hobson Richardson, the originator of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. He designed many of the city’s landmark buildings including the Hotel Green, Castle Green, Orton’s School for Girls and approximately 12 houses on S. Orange Grove Boulevard, which was originally known as “Millionaire’s Row.” The Denham House is the last of Roehrig’s “Millionaire’s Row” houses to remain standing.