Lummis purchased the sometime between 1895 and 1897 and named it "El Alisal" in tribute to the thicket of alder and sycamore trees that grew in the
arroyo. The took thirteen years to build. The exhibition hall has a concrete floor, making it easier to clean. Notable people who stayed in the guest houses included
Clarence Darrow,
Will Rogers,
John Philip Sousa and
John Muir. The property was on the edge of the scenic
Arroyo Seco and Lummis founded the Arroyo Seco Foundation in 1905 to promote recreational use and preserve habitat. In 1939, strong consideration was given to creating a theater and Spanish supper room at El Alisal, as this was Lummis's wish. In 1940, the
Arroyo Seco Parkway, the first freeway, was built between the house and the newly constructed
flood control channel in the arroyo. In 1965, the house became headquarters for the Historical Society of Southern California and the house was opened to the public. By 2014, the city was concerned that visiting hours were too limited and that the historical group was not truly focused on a partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department. The Historical Society was concerned about the city's expectations that a tenant would invest in the house without committing to a long-term lease. The Historical Society of Southern California left the Lummis House in January 2015. The Lummis House is now operated by the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department. ==Museum==