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Achille Levy House, a two-story residence with brick and siding exterior, red-trimmed windows, covered porch with steps, and address '201'. Features landscaped lawn with hedges and palm trees under a clear blue sky.
Achille Levy House, 2014.

Ventura County Landmark No. 75: Achille Levy House

Historical Background

The Achille Levy House, constructed in 1912 and designed by architect Albert C. Martin Sr., stands as one of Oxnard’s largest early 20th century residences (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.). Built for banker and agricultural broker Achille Levy, the home reflects Oxnard’s emergence as a commercial center at the turn of the century. Levy relocated his banking operations from Port Hueneme to Oxnard in 1898, and this residence became the family’s home beginning in 1912 (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.).

Architectural Features

The Achille Levy House displays distinctive shingle style architecture blended with Craftsman influences. Characteristic features include its wood shingle exterior, overhanging eaves, broad rooflines, and exposed rafters—hallmarks of early 20th century residential craftsmanship (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.). The residence also features a substantial front porch supported by prominent columns and a large wood paneled front door typical of Craftsman style design. Although interior spaces were modified when the home was converted into apartments, the exterior retains its architectural integrity (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.).

Achille Levy

Achille Levy was born in Alsace, France, in 1853 and immigrated to California at the age of 18. After spending time in San Francisco and working for his uncle in Solano, he moved to Port Hueneme in 1873. There, he became an agricultural broker handling barley, peanuts, beans, honey, fruits, sugar beets, and livestock. His combination of brokerage and financial services grew into a trusted business foundation that eventually led him to create the Bank of A. Levy. By the early 20th century, Levy had become one of the most influential business figures in Ventura County, and at the time of his death in 1922, he was considered the wealthiest individual in the region.

Bank of A. Levy

The Bank of A. Levy was formally incorporated in 1905 and quickly gained a reputation for stability and community commitment (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.). During Levy’s lifetime, the bank did not foreclose on any local farmers, even during the hardships of the Great Depression. Under the leadership of Levy’s son Joseph, the bank expanded throughout the region. In 1927, its headquarters moved to a Renaissance style building at the corner of A and Fifth Streets in Oxnard. Over time, the bank grew to include 17 branches across Ventura County. In 1995, the Bank of A. Levy was sold to First Interstate Bank, serving approximately 65,000 customer accounts at the time (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.).

Landmark Significance

Ventura County designated the Achille Levy House as Landmark No. 75 due to its architectural distinction and its historic association with one of Ventura County’s most influential early business figures (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.). The home represents Oxnard’s early development, its ties to regional agriculture, and the growth of local banking institutions. Its size, craftsmanship, and architectural pedigree make it one of the most significant surviving examples of shingle style residential design in the region.

Preservation and Current Status

In the 1960s, the residence was converted into apartments, but its exterior architectural form remained largely unaltered. Today, the home continues to retain much of its historic integrity, reflecting the community’s recognition of its cultural and architectural value (Museum of Ventura County, n.d.).

Reference

Museum of Ventura County. (n.d) Levy (Achille) papers. Online Archive of California. https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8jh3tb6/.

Date Designated: December 1982

Location: 201 South D Street, Oxnard

Photos:

1981 photograph of a two-story white house with a brick chimney, dark shingled roof, and a porch where a person sits, surrounded by trees and a lawn.
1981 photo.
Two-story white house with green trim and brown shingles, featuring a front porch with steps, surrounded by trees and a lawn under a clear blue sky. Henry Levy House, circa 1980s.
Henry Levy House, circa 1980s.
Two-story house with gabled roof, brick chimney, and palm tree in front, surrounded by landscaping and trees; circa 1980s.
Henry Levy House, circa 1980s.
2018 photograph of a residential street with two-story houses, landscaped yards featuring shrubs and trees, and a paved sidewalk curving through the property under a clear blue sky.
2018 photo.
2021 photo of a house with brick and shingle siding, red-trimmed windows, and a palm tree against a clear blue sky.
2021 photo.

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