Located in the heart of West LA, the Earthquake House is a modern industrial loft-style residence by award-winning architect David Ming Li. Named for its innovative structural system, the home is supported on visco-damper base isolators designed to protect it from earthquakes, making it both an architectural masterpiece and a rare find. Upon entering, soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and open-concept living fill the space with natural light and inspiration, complemented by steel as the primary structural framework. The home also incorporates distinctive materials, including galvanized sheet-metal refrigeration panels and translucent Kalwall sheeting. The three-story residence offers a light-filled, private, and highly creative living environment. The kitchen and dining area feature ample storage, stainless steel appliances, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The spacious primary suite showcases wood beams, exposed ironwork, and a meticulously designed bathroom with a floating dual vanity and large frameless glass shower, along with a massive walk-in closet with extensive built-ins. Two additional bedrooms with en suite bathrooms reflect the same industrial character carried throughout the home. An additional upstairs living area provides flexible space for intimate gatherings, an office, or art studio, and includes a dedicated office nook. The private yard features a wooden deck and teahouse, while the home itself is set back from the street for added privacy. Additional highlights include a two-car garage with 14-foot ceilings and an industrial roll-up door, a basement, solar panels, and generous storage. A truly one-of-a-kind property, the Earthquake House is a creative's dream, ideally located near Sawtelle, the beach, and everything the city has to offer.
Est. $5,073 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 1955 1/2 Purdue Ave
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
TheMLS #26653349
Jun 5, 2026
Sold
$2,290,000
$585/sq ft
May 22, 2026
Contingent
—
Apr 15, 2026
Relisted
—
Apr 7, 2026
Contingent
—
Mar 19, 2026
Price Changed
$2,624,000
$671/sq ft
Feb 19, 2026
Listed
$2,699,000
$690/sq ft
REALLYO #1
Dec 3, 2025
Rental Removed
$12,500
$3/sq ft
Nov 16, 2025
Price Changed
$12,500
$3/sq ft
Oct 24, 2025
Listed for Rent
$13,500
$3/sq ft
CRMLS #OC25244133
Dec 12, 2025
Rental Removed
$12,500
$3/sq ft
Nov 12, 2025
Price Changed
$12,500
$3/sq ft
Oct 22, 2025
Listed for Rent
$13,500
$3/sq ft
TheMLS #24-404999
Dec 2, 2024
Sold
$2,250,000
$575/sq ft
Nov 12, 2024
Pending
—
Oct 23, 2024
Contingent
—
Aug 5, 2024
Price Changed
$2,500,000
$639/sq ft
Jun 17, 2024
Listed
$2,100,000
$537/sq ft
+30
First time on the market. The award-winning architect, artist and educator David Ming Li Lowe's own home built in 1990, a masterpiece of residential design. As part of the A. I. A. centenary celebration, this project was selected as one of the nation's 100 most important, receiving accolades for its design. Assumably the first in America built on visco-damper base isolators to protect it from earthquakes, along with steel as the major structural framework. Also used were precious materials like galvanized sheet-metal refrigeration panels and beautiful translucent Kalwall sheeting. The 3-story home is a light-filled, private, artistic and creative space, just waiting for a new owner's personal touches. The floor plan is easy to adapt to multiple uses, as creative space, as an office, tech startup, or production studio, etc. . Located in the desirable and hip Sawtelle neighborhood, with many restaurant choices and easy to get to the beach and many LA attractions. The private yard includes a wooden deck and a teahouse, and the home is set back from the street. The 2-car garage has 14' ceilings and an industrial roll up door. There is a basement, solar panels and storage. The property also expanded land use concepts. Technically a condominium, Ming-Li Lowe created what is effectively 2 single family residences on a R-2 lot. No HOA.
TheMLS #23-327721
Apr 16, 2024
Price Changed
*
Oct 30, 2023
Listed
*
As the MLS and public records start to fill up, we'll list the details here.
Public record
Beds
—
Baths
—
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
—
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
—
Year built
—
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Los Angeles County
APN
4261-028-032
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Feb 20, 2026.
Property details
Parking
Garage
2 Car Garage, Garage Is Attached, Parking for Guests - Onsite
Dishwasher, Dryer, Washer, Refrigerator, Alarm System, Built-Ins, Solar Panels, Range/Oven
Heating & Cooling
Central Cooling
Central Heat
Exterior
Building Information
Three Or More Levels
Detached
Detached/No Common Walls
Property Information
Property Type: Residential Single-Family
Land Information
Other Structures: Other
Lot Information
Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 5,196
Lot Size (Acres): 0.2393
Zoning: LAR2
Financial
Assessment Information
Assessor Parcel Number: 4261-028-032
Location
Location Information
Directions: South of Santa Monica Blvd, west of Sawtelle
Public facts
Beds: —
Baths: —
Sq. Ft.: —
Stories: —
Lot Size: —
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: —
Year Renovated: —
County: Los Angeles County
APN: 4261-028-032
Home facts updated by county records on Feb 20, 2026
Other
Documents & Disclosures
Disclosures: None
Around this home
Schools
Nora Sterry Elementary School
Public K-5 • Assigned • 0.3mi
3/10
Daniel Webster Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 1.1mi
6/10
University Senior High School Charter
Charter 9-12 • Assigned • 0.8mi
6/10
Provided by GreatSchools
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