The How House, designed by Rudolf Schindler in 1925, was commissioned by James Eads How, grandson of the civil engineer who built the famous Eads Bridge spanning the Mississippi River. How, known as the "Millionaire Hobo" for his devotion to improving conditions for homeless migrant workers, used his St. Louis family fortune to create this unique residence overlooking the train station. He specifically requested additional rooms for travelers needing rest before hopping trains, making his deeply spiritual, anti-materialist lifestyle an ideal match for Schindler's austere modernist vision.
The 2,400 square foot structure cascades down a steep ridge in four stories, integrating seamlessly into the hillside while capturing sweeping views over the LA River valley. Schindler employed a slab-cast concrete base supporting the bottom story, then deployed center-cut redwood beams, poured concrete, and stucco throughout the upper levels. His signature "Schindler Frame" modular proportioning system creates cubical formations punctuated by wood-and-glass walls with delicate mitered glass corners, while deep horizontal elements and a soaring central space reveal Frank Lloyd Wright's influence on his early work.
