Imagine stumbling upon a hidden architectural treasure, long forgotten and nearly unrecognizable, only to uncover its true brilliance. This is the story of the Jules Salkin Residence, a modest yet remarkable home designed by the legendary John Lautner, one of Southern California’s most celebrated architects. But here’s where it gets fascinating: despite its humble beginnings in 1948 as a two-bedroom, one-bath house in Echo Park, Los Angeles, this gem nearly vanished under decades of alterations. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn’t even officially recognized as part of Lautner’s portfolio until 2014! But why was it overlooked? The answer remains a mystery, but its rediscovery sparked a journey of restoration that’s nothing short of inspiring.
Lautner, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, originally crafted the home using economical materials like dyed-red concrete and Douglas fir, aligning with Wright’s Usonian principles. However, years of piecemeal changes by its long-time owners left the house a shadow of its former self. When the family decided to sell, the John Lautner Foundation finally confirmed Lautner’s authorship, though the design was barely visible beneath layers of neglect. Controversially, some argue whether the restored home truly reflects Lautner’s vision or if it’s a modern interpretation—what do you think?
Enter fashion designer Trina Turk and her husband, Jonathan Skow, who saw potential in the weathered estate despite its condition. Their purchase for $1.2 million in 2014 ignited a multi-year restoration led by architect Barbara Bestor and contractor Marshall Knoll. The team meticulously removed non-original additions, replaced leaky glass walls, and restored features like clerestory windows and redwood siding. They even converted a third bedroom back into its original carport, staying true to Lautner’s blueprints. But here’s the kicker: was reverting to the original design the right choice, or should some modern updates have been preserved?
The results were stunning. The home was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and won the LA Conservancy’s top preservation award in 2018. When Turk and Skow listed it for just under $2.4 million in December 2025, it went under contract in just three days. Is this a testament to Lautner’s genius, or the power of restoration in today’s market? Let’s discuss in the comments—what would you have done differently?
Geoffrey Montes, an associate editor at ELLE Decor with a passion for real estate and design, brings this story to life. With a background at Architectural Digest, Galerie, and Preservation, he’s no stranger to uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. This tale isn’t just about a house—it’s about the enduring legacy of an architect and the power of vision to transform the forgotten into the unforgettable.
