487 Monroe Street
1932 Spanish Colonial Revival
This one-story Spanish Colonial Revival residence was constructed in 1932 and is a good example of Spanish eclectic architecture. It is perhaps the best remaining example in Old Monterey that employs a cylindrical tower entry with a conical roof. The original owner operated a local market at 299 Pacific St serving Monterey’s emerging middle class.
The L-shaped house has two front facing protruding gabled wings with a short round tower crowned with Spanish tiles merged into the center of the building shape. The front of the building presents a Spanish tile gabled roof.
The round tower is located in the center of the house which serves as the porch. A short run of stairs lead to the small entrance patio which is defined by two short stucco walls and a metal gate. A large arched entryway with two small arched openings with metal grills serves as the partially enclosed porch. Located above this arched entryway is a floral bas relief detail. A wood door provides entrance to the house. Three diamond shaped colored tiles are located in the frieze of the round tower. Both front facing gables have arched fixed windows; however, one is larger than the other and serves as the focal window. These windows are stained glass with a floral motif and have panes in a diamond pattern. Above the arched windows is a tiled decorative vent. An identical arched window is located on the other side of the porch. The home is a distinctive example of houses built in the Old Town Neighborhood around 1930.
Historic marker: This home was build in 1932 and is a good example of Spanish Eclectic architecture. It is perhaps the best remaining example in Old Monterey that employed a cylindrical tower entry with a conical roof. The original owner operated a local market at 299 Pacific St serving Monterey’s emerging middle class.
Directions to the next house: Do a U-turn and turn right onto Jefferson Street. Take your first right onto Clay Street. Right away you should see the Rudolph B. Spence House (492 Clay Street), #16 on the map below.
