Introduction to Marquez Knolls
Marquez Knolls is a large area of homes located north of Sunset Boulevard, beginning about a half-mile west of Temescal Canyon. There is a small commercial area where Sunset and Marquez Avenue intersect at the east end of Marquez. The relatively flat section considered as lower Marquez was originally subdivided around 1940, and all five of its streets connect with Marquez, which is the oldest street name in Pacific Palisades. The Marquez Family were grantees of the Rancho Boca de Santa Monica, a land grant made in the 1830s from Santa Monica Canyon to Topanga Canyon.
Marquez Knolls has many wider properties than areas closer to the Village. This resulted in a lower density of housing and the possibility of wide mid-century-style ranch homes. Marquez Elementary is one of the community’s three charter elementary schools and for many years has been a reason young families enjoy living in the area.
Development of Lower Marquez and Upslope Areas
The lower upslope above Marquez Avenue was first developed between 1953 and the mid-1960s by the Earl Lachman family. The higher upslope area is known for spectacular views and was mostly developed by the Lachman’s company in the 1960s-1970s, extending to the top of Bienveneda, Lachman Lane, and Charmel Lane.
The Lachman Family’s Development and Street Naming
In the early 1970s, Lachman intended to build three groups of high-rise apartment buildings around an 18-hole golf course (the Pacific Palisades Country Club), with riding stables, extending from Las Pulgas Canyon to Temescal Canyon. When the project fizzled out due to insufficient financial backing, Lachman’s company then extended streets all the way up the hills and hundreds of new homes were built.
Lachman took a personal interest in the naming of streets as he drew on the names of relatives and business partners, experiences on trips, and words that were pleasing to the ear.
Nearly all the upslope Marquez properties have deed restrictions to protect views, and most included provisions regarding second stories and heights of trees. Membership in the homeowners association is voluntary, and it has taken an active role in other issues such as fire and crime protection.
Increase in Home Values in Marquez Knolls
As is the case in most areas of the Palisades, Marquez Knolls has seen a dramatic recovery in home values since the 2008-2011 market correction. This area includes about 1,200 homes, and in the 12-month period ending December 31, 2021, there were 46 homes sold, ranging from $2-$8 million. As of December 31, there was only 1 Marquez-area home on the market, asking $2.5 million. Fueled by a steady increase in demand, prices have approximately doubled in the last 10 years. This chart illustrates the remarkable strength of the current market.
THE LAST DECADE OF MARQUEZ Knolls SALES AND PRICES (as of December 2021)
| Sold # | Median $ | Avg. $ | Price/SqFt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 46 | $3.2M | $3.5M | $1,222 |
| 2011 | 34 | $1.7M | $1.9M | $658 |
| % Diff | +35% | +88% | +84% | +85% |