Lee Gottfried (July 12, 1896–January 15, 1968) was an American
master builder in
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He had a significant influence on the architecture of the Village of Carmel during his career. Gottfried was one of the main local builders in Carmel and responsible for the first major residential designs done using the local Carmel stone as a building material.[1]
Early life
Gottfried was born on a farm in Ohio on July 12, 1896. His father was Phillip Gottfried and mother was V. B. Ritenour. After high-school he traveled to Oregon and Montana to learn carpentering and building. He married Bonnie Adele Hale(- June 1967) and they had two children.[2][3]
Professional background
Gottfried came out west and worked for the
Pacific Telephone Company. On June 27, 1917, he enlisted in the
U. S. Army and served in France during
World War I.[4][3] After the war he came to California and in 1919, moved to
Carmel-by-the-Sea. There, he worked in the general contracting business.[1] During the 1920s and 1930s, Gottfried was one of the main local builders and responsible for reintroducing Carmel stone as a local building material.[5][6]
The
Vernacular-style cottage known as the La Von "lee" Gottfried House was designed and built by Gottfried himself in 1921. It was situated on Dolores Street in the southwest region of
Carmel Point.[6]
In 1920, Gottfried built the
Edward Kuster House, a Medieval European-style house at 26205 Ocean View Avenue off of Scenic Drive on Carmel Point.[3] Kuster designed the house to look like a stone castle.[6]: p32 The design was similar to his neighbor
Robinson Jeffers's
Tor House.[5]: p68
In 1922, he was the contractor and builder for two houses in
Carmel Woods near the Serra Circle.[8] That same year, he built the Philip and Marie Gordon House on San Antonio Avenue and 9th Avenue. It is significant as the first major residential designs done with local Carmel Stone.[1][3]
In addition to his work in the building industry, Gottfried was an active member of the community. He served as a member of the
American Legion Post No. 512.[13] Gottfried also participated in local politics and served on the Carmel City Council.[14]