Los Angeles is a city where the past often hides in plain sight. From century-old theaters and restaurants from the golden age of Hollywood, these places offer a glimpse into the stories, communities, and cultures that shaped the city.
Now, this spot has officially earned a place among the region’s protected historic treasures: Altadena’s unincorporated Historic Highlands is officially L.A. County’s first historic district, marking a major milestone in the effort to preserve one of the area’s most architecturally significant neighborhoods.
After years of advocacy from residents and preservation groups, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the final ordinance this month, following legal review and recommendations from county preservation and planning commissions.
L.A. County’s first historic district
The new district protects 77 parcels containing nearly 80 historic homes, creating guidelines designed to preserve Altadena’s Historic Highlands, defining architectural features while still allowing thoughtful improvements and continued growth.
The designation is especially meaningful as Altadena continues recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire in 2025, which destroyed thousands of structures across the community. While Historic Highlands was spared from the flames, the recognition helps to both acknowledge the neighborhood’s architectural importance and ensure its character can be protected for generations to come.
A historic neighborhood with early 20th-century charm
Located in northern Altadena, Historic Highlands tells the story of the community’s transformation during the 1920s, when former orange groves were developed into residential neighborhoods.
The area is known for its collection of early 20th-century homes featuring iconic architectural styles, including Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor, and other period designs. Together, these homes showcase the evolution of Altadena and reflect the architectural trends that shaped SoCal during the early suburban era.
With its tree-lined streets and remarkably intact collection of historic residences, Historic Highlands has become one of Altadena’s most recognizable neighborhoods.
