Pelanconi House

The Pelanconi House, the oldest brick house in Los Angeles

Discreet but essential, the Pelanconi House is often presented as the oldest fired-brick building still standing in Los Angeles. Located on Olvera Street, it testifies to the contribution of European immigrants to the young city. The Los Angeles audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this little-known page of the district's history.

Built by an Italian settler

This small square house was built by an Italian settler, in the second half of the nineteenth century, and is considered the oldest fired-brick building in Los Angeles. It illustrates the role of European immigrants, Italian and French in particular, in the development of the old centre. Now integrated into Olvera Street, it recalls the diversity of the city's origins.

What to see

The house, modest but full of history, is discovered on Olvera Street, among the other old buildings of the district. Its fired brick contrasts with the adobe of the neighbouring constructions and testifies to the evolution of building techniques. It is a stop for the history-curious, completing the discovery of the origins of Los Angeles at El Pueblo.

Practical information

The Pelanconi House lies on Olvera Street, in the El Pueblo district, in the centre of Los Angeles, reachable on foot. The building is discovered from the street, integrated into the historic market; access conditions inside depend on its current uses. It is best to enquire on site for any visit.

Why is the Pelanconi House remarkable?

Because it is often presented as the oldest fired-brick building still standing in Los Angeles, built by an Italian settler on Olvera Street.

Where is the Pelanconi House?

On Olvera Street, in the historic El Pueblo district, among the oldest buildings in Los Angeles.