5063 & 5043 Magnolia Ave., Riverside

[ SOLD for $620,000 on 2/25/2019 ] Historians rejoice, as we unveil the personal residence of one of the most influential early 20th Century American architects: Henry L.A. Jekel (1876-1960). Most of his architectural styles, such as art deco-style leaded glass windows and wrought iron railings and fixtures with an overall aesthetic quality, are highly evident on this property, which he built exclusively for himself, where he lived with his wife until he died in 1960.

This Spanish Colonial Revival home is divided into two separate units (which could easily be modified –via existing doorway from left side kitchen– into one large 2800 sq ft residence), along with Jekel’s studio, which was once attached to the garage and is now a complete self-contained guest house. The left side of the main house (where Jekel resided) was built in 1920, and the right side (with prominent bell tower) was added for his “attendant” in 1933. There are a total of 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with just under 3,500 sq ft including the studio unit.

LEFT SIDE of MAIN HOUSE (5063 Magnolia):
Approximately 1650 sq ft
1 bedroom and 1 full bath on main floor
1 bedroom (plus a sleeping porch) and a half bath upstairs
Central air/heat
Vintage kitchen with lots of cabinetry
Formal dining room currently used as TV room
Living room with fireplace
Original hardwood floors
Numerous custom art deco leaded glass window accents
Separate indoor laundry room
Original cold storage pantry

RIGHT SIDE of MAIN HOUSE (5043 Magnolia):
Approximately 1200 sq ft
1 bedroom and 1 full bath on main floor
1 bedroom and a half bath upstairs
Central heat
Small vintage kitchen with gas stove
Formal dining room with corner hutch
Original hardwood floors
Custom art deco leaded glass windows and doors
Laundry in basement

There’s an additional room upstairs with a bell tower and an artistic wrought iron balcony; this room is ideal for meditating, or reflecting on the historic aspects of this remarkable slice of history. There is a ‘telephone closet’ under the stairway, and a gorgeous mural of a Flamenco dancer painted on the hallway wall. And don’t forget to look up to see yet another stained glass window, indicative of Jekel masterpieces.

BACK UNIT:
Jekel’s studio, which was attached to a garage, was where he designed most of his famous Riverside buildings. The third and current owner of this property converted the garage and Jekel’s original studio into one unit, complete with:
Approximately 660 sq ft
1 bedroom
1 bathroom (shower, no tub)
Open kitchen with solid counter tops
Living room with French doors overlooking yard
Lots of closet space
The unique one-of-a-kind stained glass windows in Jekel’s studio (which is now the bedroom) are extraordinarily priceless.

HENRY L.A. JEKEL:
Some of Jekel’s famous artistic designs are the tower of the First Congregational Church in downtown Riverside, as well as Benedict Castle, a sprawling 20,000 sq ft complex built between 1922 and 1931, inspired by Spain’s Alhambra. Benedict Castle was originally built as a home for a wealthy financier, and later became a Servite seminary and today houses Teen Challenge of Southern California. Jekel’s other Riverside houses reflect the Romantic revival of the 1920s and include Spanish colonial and Tudor styles, as well as a unique 1923 American colonial revival just 2 doors south at 5121 Magnolia Avenue (a style that most people do not associate with Jekel).

Other features of this unique property are the hand-crafted front doors on the main house, the extra thick walls, and personally hand-placed tiles in the back yard sidewalks by Jekel, as well as a couple fountains on the grounds, and one of the largest and most magnificent ficus trees you’ll probably ever be blessed to stand under. The lot size is 10,454 sq ft (.24/acre) complete with carport and alley access, in addition to a driveway directly off of Magnolia Avenue.

This property has been owned by only 3 families in 98 years. Whoever becomes the steward of this property should consider acquiring landmark status in honor of its 100 year anniversary approaching in the year 2020.

** SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY — DO NOT DISTURB OCCUPANTS **

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THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE FOR THE LEFT SIDE
(5063 Magnolia Avenue)