The Clarke Estate, Santa Fe Springs
historic place
The Clarke Estate in Santa Fe Springs, Los Angeles County, is a significant historic place. This residence was completed in 1921 for Chauncey and Marie Rankin Clarke. Architect Irving Gill designed the estate, originally set on 60 acres of orange groves. The Clarkes lived here from 1921 to 1923. Their brief residency ended after oil was discovered nearby in June 1923. The resulting noise and development changed the character of their country retreat. Marie Rankin Clarke was a notable cultural figure. She co-founded the Hollywood Bowl and helped organize the 1932 Olympics. She maintained the estate until her death in 1948. The Clarke Estate is recognized for its architecture by Irving Gill, a master of modernist design. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 1990. Today, the City of Santa Fe Springs preserves this estate for public events and historical tours. It remains a key example of Gill's architectural work.