South Arroyo in Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Merritt Mansion
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 22, 2020
1. Merritt Mansion Marker
Multimillionaire Hulett C. Merritt (1872-1956) began construction of his home at 99 Terrace Drive in 1905. Also known as Villa Merritt Ollivier, the home was designed by architect W.F. Thompson based on interior and exterior drawings supplied by Merritt himself. Originally on four acres, it was built at a cost of $1,100,000. The home also featured a formal Italian garden and a pergola to the west, which was considered one of the most outstanding gardens on South Orange Grove.
Mr. Merritt was an investment banker, a partner of John D. Rockefeller, built the Duluth, Missabe & Northern Railway with his father and uncles, was one of the founders of U.S. Steel Corporation and established one of the predecessor companies that eventually became Southern California Edison.
While Hulett C. Merritt was constructing a home here at 99 Terrace Drive, his father, Lewis J. Merritt (d. 1929), also built his own home at the south end of Terrace Drive, on what is now 359 East Del Mar Blvd.
Erected 2019.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 34° 8.638′ N, 118° 9.459′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Arroyo. It is on Terrace Drive south of Green Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 S Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena CA 91105, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ambassador Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Ambassador Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Terrace Villa Mansion (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Worldwide Church of God and Ambassador College
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 22, 2020
2. Merritt Mansion Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 22, 2020
3. Merritt Mansion - west side
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 22, 2020
4. Swimming Pool
The Italian garden reflecting pool/fountain was recently rebuilt as a swimming pool for the new condominiums nearby.
Public Domain
5. Merritt Mansion and Fountains
The fountain is now a swimming pool. The university buildings have been demolished.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 6,465 times since then and 793 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 26, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on August 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
