The Paul R. Williams Residence :: Paul R. Williams, FAIA, 1951

Conceivably America's foremost African American architect of the 20th Century, Paul Williams built his own house as a practical testament to his very particular vision of postwar modernism. The entry, foyer and stairway reflect Willams' earlier romance with Hollywood Regency: oval spaces, reverse curves, and the playful, almost Deco banister. But the exterior clearly underscores the new era with its second story terrace sharply cantilevering over the gentle round of the lanai below. Inside, both the lanai and living room open the patio and gardens, inviting guests in toward the specially designed curved sofas. But, while the lanai is informal, offering an indoor-outdoor appeal, the living room is elegantly intimate, softened by the green marble hearth and soffit ceiling. The well-proportioned formal dining room centers on a splendid Regency buffet built into and extending from floor-to-ceiling windows on the north wall. Adjacent is an original classic St. Charles kitchen with breakfast area. Upstairs, the master suite abounds with wardrobe closets surrounding a commodious dressing room, along with two bedrooms ensuite with baths and direct access to the nearly wrap-around roof terrace and upstairs kitchenette. Additionally: Guest house with bath, living room bar, powder room, gated driveway and gated street. Williams' granddaughter summarizes it best: "The home Williams designed for himself was built around the importance of his family, their love for entertaining, his own preference for green, and the clean lines of the postwar period."