On July 4th, a spectacular grand opening of the Arthur Blair Historic Inn was held as a fundraiser for the Monrovia Historical Society. More than 200 people attended this event offering the community a unique opportunity to tour three stunning structures: the historic Blair House, the Brossart House, and a newly constructed companion building designed to seamlessly complement the original Victorian architecture.
The extraordinary restoration and attention to historic charm were made possible by the magnificent work of Saxony Design Build Inc. Owners Jeff Godbold and Joshua Cain led the team in preserving these historic gems, ensuring that every detail reflects the buildings' magnificent heritage.
Now officially open (reservation information coming soon), the property has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast. We invite you to visit their website to learn more about this remarkable preservation success story and book your stay at one of Monrovia's most historic landmarks. Visitors can also look forward to dining at Viola's Bar & Bistro, which is located on-site.
The extraordinary restoration and attention to historic charm were made possible by the magnificent work of Saxony Design Build Inc. Owners Jeff Godbold and Joshua Cain led the team in preserving these historic gems, ensuring that every detail reflects the buildings' magnificent heritage.
Now officially open (reservation information coming soon), the property has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast. We invite you to visit their website to learn more about this remarkable preservation success story and book your stay at one of Monrovia's most historic landmarks. Visitors can also look forward to dining at Viola's Bar & Bistro, which is located on-site.
The Arthur Blair Historic Inn is one of Monrovia's most remarkable preservation success stories. The property consists of two neighboring Victorian homes built in 1887, during Monrovia's first great building boom, along with a newly constructed companion building designed to complement the historic architecture. Together they have been transformed into a boutique historic inn, preserving an important piece of the city's heritage while giving the buildings a sustainable new use.
The Blair House at 508 South Ivy Avenue was designed and built in 1887 by pioneering Monrovia architect Luther Reed Blair as his family residence. It is an excellent example of Eastlake Queen Anne Victorian architecture, distinguished by its decorative woodwork, tower, stained glass, and ornate front porch. The house has had an extraordinary history—it was moved once in 1927 to Duarte Road and again in 1993, when it faced demolition.
The Brossart HouseNext door at 512 South Ivy Avenue stands the John and Julia Brossart House, also built in 1887. Although simpler in style than the Blair House, it is one of Monrovia's oldest surviving residences. Originally constructed on Heliotrope Avenue, it too was relocated—moved to Lemon Avenue in the early 1900s before eventually arriving at its present Ivy Avenue location. It later became the longtime home of Steve Baker.
The Blair House at 508 South Ivy Avenue was designed and built in 1887 by pioneering Monrovia architect Luther Reed Blair as his family residence. It is an excellent example of Eastlake Queen Anne Victorian architecture, distinguished by its decorative woodwork, tower, stained glass, and ornate front porch. The house has had an extraordinary history—it was moved once in 1927 to Duarte Road and again in 1993, when it faced demolition.
The Brossart HouseNext door at 512 South Ivy Avenue stands the John and Julia Brossart House, also built in 1887. Although simpler in style than the Blair House, it is one of Monrovia's oldest surviving residences. Originally constructed on Heliotrope Avenue, it too was relocated—moved to Lemon Avenue in the early 1900s before eventually arriving at its present Ivy Avenue location. It later became the longtime home of Steve Baker.
Steve Baker's Legacy
Steve Baker was a fifth-generation Monrovian, the city's official historian from 1991 until his passing in 2022, and one of Southern California's most respected historic preservation advocates. Realizing the Blair House was threatened with demolition in 1993, Baker purchased the structure, arranged for its relocation next to his own Brossart House, and devoted decades to painstaking restoration. His vision was always to preserve Monrovia's architectural heritage by giving these historic homes a viable future. Read our 2022 tribute to Steve Baker here.
Today's Arthur Blair Historic Inn
Following Baker's death, his vision has continued. The restored homes have become the Arthur Blair Historic Inn, complete with guest accommodations and the soon-to-open Viola's Bar & Bistro. The project preserves two of Monrovia's oldest Victorian homes while allowing visitors to experience the city's rich history firsthand—a fitting tribute to Steve Baker's lifelong commitment to historic preservation. In 2024, The Blair and Brossart Houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places and were officially designated as Historic Landmarks by the City of Monrovia recognizing their architectural and historical significance.
Steve Baker was a fifth-generation Monrovian, the city's official historian from 1991 until his passing in 2022, and one of Southern California's most respected historic preservation advocates. Realizing the Blair House was threatened with demolition in 1993, Baker purchased the structure, arranged for its relocation next to his own Brossart House, and devoted decades to painstaking restoration. His vision was always to preserve Monrovia's architectural heritage by giving these historic homes a viable future. Read our 2022 tribute to Steve Baker here.
Today's Arthur Blair Historic Inn
Following Baker's death, his vision has continued. The restored homes have become the Arthur Blair Historic Inn, complete with guest accommodations and the soon-to-open Viola's Bar & Bistro. The project preserves two of Monrovia's oldest Victorian homes while allowing visitors to experience the city's rich history firsthand—a fitting tribute to Steve Baker's lifelong commitment to historic preservation. In 2024, The Blair and Brossart Houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places and were officially designated as Historic Landmarks by the City of Monrovia recognizing their architectural and historical significance.
RSS Feed