Laura Collins

One of the most notable homes in LaFayette Square is the J. Phyromn Taylor residence , designed by his friend, renowned architect Paul Williams. The home on Wellington Road is a luxurious reflection of a sophisticated lifestyle in the ’50s. Surprising angles, exotic woods, and bespoke mid-century light fixtures mix with elegant dressing rooms and beautifully proportioned rooms.

Just as elegant as the house, is the current owner Lauran Smith, granddaughter of the Taylors. She and her husband George have lovingly restored the home to its past glory, preserving it for future generations.

Dr. and Mrs. J. Phyromn Taylor with their children Gwendolyn, Phyromn Jr., and Gloria, had moved to Los Angeles from Shreveport, Louisiana in the 1940s. Their first home was located in the “Sugar Hill” area of Los Angeles, where the last vestiges of grand mansions still remain. There, they held elegant soirees and memorable coming out parties for their children. Lauren describes her socially prominent grandparents as “very much involved in the community, and in the church.”

“My grandmother started the Charles Drew Auxiliary, comprised of African American Doctors’ wives, who worked to better health care for the African American community,” she said. “My grandparents were founding members of Holman United Methodist Church. They believed in hard work and strong faith. They taught us to be proud of our heritage as Black people. Coming out parties were one of the social outlets for the young people of the time. My aunt Gloria was in the first Links Cotillion here in Los Angeles. My sisters and I carried on that tradition of participating in the Links Cotillion as well.”

Lauren’s grandparents raised their children in an intellectually and artistically stimulating household. “They surrounded themselves with art, music their entire lives. My uncle Phyromn was an accomplished jazz saxophonist so music was definitely a part of our lives. My Mom was a Music major in college as well. Very social, Paul Williams designed their house with their desire to entertain in mind. My grandparents were proud to have an African American man, their friend, design their unique house,” she said.

Lauran and George Smith

Lauren’s parents met at Howard University and moved to View Park when Lauren was 4 years old. Lauren has wonderful memories of playing in the home that eventually became her own. She said, “I have fond memories of playing with my sisters here, making mud pies in the backyard, spending the weekends with my grandmother, and having family gatherings in the house. When I was a kid, I just remember the house being big with plenty of hiding places for a great game of hide and seek!”

Lauren traveled up the coast to University of Washington for college, majoring in Business Administration. She met her husband while they were both working for AT&T training class in Pasadena. They have been happily married for 19 years. Lauren’s children are continuing the family’s focus on education and creativity. Robert attended Loyola Marymount University. He graduated in 2011 with a BA in Business Administration. He’s a Digital Asset Management Coordinator for Team One Advertising in Los Angeles. Her daughter Taylor graduated from Villanova University in 2015 with a BA in Political Science. She’s currently completing her Masters Degree in Business Management from Durham University in Durham, UK. She’ll begin an Internship at CAA in September.

When I asked Lauren what she saw as the biggest change she has seen in the Square over the years she said, it “is much more diverse now. It’s seems that our little oasis has gotten more attention by some who didn’t know we existed here off of Crenshaw. Change is challenging but it has also been very good. I love Lafayette Square!”