Trailblazing Black LA Architect Gets Recognition In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Hollywood is now home to a new square named in honor of trailblazing Black Los Angeles architect Paul Revere Williams.

Paul Revere Williams Square is the new name for the corner of St. Andrews Place and De Longpre Avenue, between the Home Depot and Target on Sunset Boulevard.

Williams, born in LA in 1894, was the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects. He built some 2,500 homes, the majority in the Southland and counted Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and Cary Grant as clients. More recently, Denzel Washington, Ellen DeGeneres and Andy Garcia have lived in Williams-designed homes, NPR reported.

He also designed the the Beverly Hills Hotel's Crescent Wing and renovated its lobby and Polo Lounge — and created the hotel's iconic logo, according to USC.

Eight of his works are on the National Register of Historic Places, according to USC.

"Despite facing relentless discrimination, Paul R. Williams left an indelible impact on Los Angeles," Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez said at the dedication ceremony earlier this month. "Ahead of his 130th birthday this weekend, we are proud to open Paul R. Williams Square in Hollywood as a long-overdue recognition of his trailblazing career."