Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn facts for kids
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Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn
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Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn, 2008
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 845 S. Lake St., Los Angeles, California |
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| Built | 1901 |
| Architect | Parkinson, John |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival-Art Nouveau |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000482 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 4, 1979 |
The Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn is a large and beautiful house in Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1901. This special building is known for its unique style, which mixes Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival architecture.
The house was designed by a famous architect named John B. Parkinson. He also designed other well-known buildings in Los Angeles, like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Union Station, and Los Angeles City Hall. The Susana Machado Bernard House is famous for its tall, open rooms and curved walls, which give it a grand, old-fashioned look.
In 1979, the house was recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. This means it's an important building that the city wants to protect. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places, which is a list of important historical sites across the United States.
Since 2002, the house has been used as Casa Libre/Freedom House. This is a special place that helps young people who need a safe home. It provides a shelter for minors who are experiencing homelessness.
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History of the Bernard House
The Susana Machado Bernard House was completed in 1901. It was designed by John B. Parkinson. He was a very important architect in Los Angeles. His designs often included grand features and unique styles.
Architectural Style
The house shows a mix of two interesting architectural styles.
- Gothic Revival: This style brings back ideas from medieval Gothic cathedrals. It often includes tall windows, pointed arches, and a grand feeling.
- Art Nouveau: This style was popular around the time the house was built. It uses flowing lines, natural shapes, and decorative details.
The combination of these styles makes the Bernard House very special. It has a large size, about 10,000 square feet (929 square meters). It also has a carriage house, which was a building for horses and carriages in the past.
A Home for Young People
In 1996, the Center for Human Rights & Constitutional Law bought the property. They wanted to use the house to help people. Since 2002, it has been known as Casa Libre/Freedom House.
What is Casa Libre/Freedom House?
Casa Libre/Freedom House is a shelter that can house up to fourteen young people. It helps minors who are homeless or need a safe place to stay. Many of these young people are immigrants from Latin America who arrived without family.
The shelter provides many important services. They help the young people with schooling. They also offer counseling to help them through difficult times. Medical care is also arranged for those who need it. The goal is to give these young people a safe and supportive environment.
Location and Recognition
The house is located near MacArthur Park in the Pico Union area of Los Angeles. Its beautiful Gothic front stands out on the corner of South Lake Street and James M. Wood Boulevard. Because it is a state, county, and federal historic site, it is well-preserved.
The work done at Casa Libre/Freedom House has been recognized. In 2003, the Los Angeles Times newspaper wrote about the shelter. They highlighted how the historic house was being used to do good work in the community.
