The Phillips House was built in 1887 by local real estate entrepreneurs George Ford and James Myer for Aaron Phillips, an Iowa hardware merchant who had relocated to Los Angeles that same year. In a remarkable display of pioneering spirit, Phillips's wife, Maria and daughter Grace had traveled west a year earlier to scout the promising area, arranging for the site purchase and home construction in the newly developing Angelino Heights neighborhood with Aaron's approval from afar. This calculated risk represented the bold moves early settlers made on Los Angeles's potential.
Standing on a prominent corner lot, the residence masterfully blends two distinct Victorian architectural styles, combining the sharp angles and geometric decoration of the Eastlake style with the overall decorative exuberance that defines the Queen Anne style. The structure features extravagant decoration on all sides, making it a commanding presence in the historic district. Its 2,940-square-foot interior boasts unusually large rooms connected by massive sliding doors, beautiful mantels adorned with Victorian ceramic tiles, brass hardware throughout, and a generous staircase anchoring the large entry hall.
