Open Space | The Madruga Residence by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, 1968

Perched on the hillside of Point Loma’s La Playa neighborhood, the Madruga Residence, completed in 1968 by architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, is a striking embodiment of his organic approach to modernism. The home is carefully sculpted into its steep site, using a palette of stucco, glass, and wood that allows it to feel both rooted in the earth and expressive in form. Recently, the property underwent a thoughtful restoration and remodel led by developer Larry D. Richards, who worked to modernize the home while respecting Kellogg’s original vision. Richards’ updates introduced new systems and refinements for contemporary living, ensuring the residence remains both architecturally significant and fully functional for today. The result is a home that bridges past and present, a lasting testament to Kellogg’s singular vision, renewed for a new generation.

From the interior, the residence offers sweeping vistas that stretch from Shelter Island across San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline, extending south into Mexico and, on clear winter days, to the snow-capped mountains beyond. These dramatic views are paired with intimate architectural details, including stained-glass accents by artist James Hubbell and finely crafted masonry that anchor the design in craft as much as in vision. The balance of openness and enclosure makes the house both a lookout to the city and harbor below and a private retreat shaped by artistry.

As one of the few Kellogg residences in San Diego, the Madruga House occupies an important place in the region’s architectural history. It captures the qualities that define his career, expressive geometry, inventive use of materials, and a reverence for natural forms.