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Palo Alto Historic Buildings Inventory

215 Bryant Street


Photo taken in 1978	Location map

The following is from the Historic Buildings Inventory as revised in 1985:

Physical appearance: The corner metal sash, porthole windows, and horizontal mullions on the second floor balcony are all standard trademarks of the late phase of the Streamline Moderne. They are here combined with felicity. The composition of elements is competent, well–balanced, and interesting.

Significance: This structure is a particularly good example of the late phase of the Streamline Moderne, one of very few of its type built in Palo Alto before World War II. Its apartments were immediately occupied and in 1946 it was acquired by the family of the present owner [1979]. It was commissioned by Leonard Aker, a mechanical and electrical engineer who lived in Palo Alto and nearby towns from 1927 to 1951.

Note: The owner at the time of the Inventory was Joseph C. Kohlbecher

This apartment building was built in 1939 and is a Category 2 on the Historic Buildings Inventory. Louis Anderson was the builder. The property measures 47.5 by 100 feet.

Sources: Palo Alto City Directories; Palo Alto Times 9/13/39, 7/23/51; interivew 1985, J. C. Kohlbecher.

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