06/12/2026
The Octagon House, previously known as the Norrish House, is recognized as part of the Historic Downtown Hastings District by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This home has stood for over a century on 2nd Street West in Hastings and showcases remarkable architecture. Built in 1857, it was inspired by Oscar Fowler’s architectural design of octagon houses. This unique home brought a sense of innovation and optimism to Hastings in its early years.
By the late 19th century, ownership of the house passed from the Claflin family to John Norrish. He occupied the Octagon House until the 1940s, when it was sold and converted into a five-unit apartment building.
In 2014, the house was purchased by John and Lorena Phelps and is currently undergoing an extensive restoration process to return it to its original single-family use.
Today, the Octagon House stands as a lasting reminder of Hastings’ rich history and evolving character. From its innovative beginnings in 1857 to its years as a family home, apartment building, and now a restoration project, the house reflects the many lives it has and will hold.
Information from the Hastings Historic Handbook, by the City of Hastings Heritage Preservation Commission, Los Angeles Times, and Octagon-House-Hastings.
