Dilbeck Estates recently hosted an elegant event for its top producing sales partners and estate agents. The event was held at a listing of Tracie Heileson, an estates director in the La Cañada office.

What is especially noteworthy of this 1927 English Revival compound, now restored to perfection, is that it was designed by legendary architect Paul Williams and known when it was first built as the Harrison House. Heileson shared with guests that the home exudes great tradition with sophistication and warmth, spans over 7,200 sq. ft. of living space, is situated on over one-acre and includes a guest house, pool, three-car garage and a sports court.

This year celebrates the 120th birthday of architect Williams and events are planned to recognize his architecture and his talent as a designer for film legends and entertainers. Earning academic accolades, competition prizes and the respect of his peers, Williams was able to open his own practice in 1922 and became the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s (including the Depression) he found great success in designing homes for wealthy clients in the elite hillside subdivisions like Bel Air, Brentwood and Beverly Hills.

Although residential design remained an important aspect of his practice, commercial and institutional commissions became increasingly significant as did his work beyond Southern California, across the nation and the world. In the course of his five decades career, Williams designed approximately 3,000 buildings and served on many municipal, state and federal commissions. In 1957, he was the first African American elected an AIA fellow.

The guest speaker at the Dilbeck event was Zack Wright, western regional vice president and manager of Christie’s International Real Estate. Wright shared information regarding several new noteworthy programs developed by Christie’s, as well as statistics about Christie’s real estate sales and fine art auctions worldwide. Christie’s remains the only real estate firm owned by an art and auction house, according to Wright. The global reach of Christie’s International Real Estate, the premier marketing firm for luxury properties worldwide and its long standing affiliation with Dilbeck Estates, played a key role in obtaining this architectural estate listing, said Heileson.

Tracie Heileson can be reached at Dilbeck Estates, 1030 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge.