She was a widow of wealth, who moved from California to the high desert of Reno in 1929. Luella Garvey didn’t come to take part in the divorce culture of the time, nor the gambling for which Reno was famous. Her goal was to build an artistic home.
Luella Garvey had an unassuming way and no need for publicity so she would likely have gone unnoticed expect for that house. She commissioned African-American architect Paul Revere Williams for the job. It was Williams’ first Nevada commission and it came on the heels of building E.L. Cord’s estate in Beverly Hills. With that move Luella Garvey made not only an exquisite home for herself…but she made history.
The Garvey House is of the Colonial Revival mode, but it is infused with Williams’ recurring style of Regency ironwork. In fact, his work can be seen in other homes of the era around town. But the Garvey House is by far the grandest example of his work in Reno.
The front section of the house is one story but the rear section of the L-shaped estate is 2 stories high. It was built as a duplex, with Garvey herself living in the front of the home and her good friend and attorney living in the rear. In later years, the rear portion of the home was used for houseguests.
It has been said that Williams had a way of taking traditional designs and making them modern. His work is evident everywhere you look in the Garvey House. It boasts so very many of Williams’ signature elements, including a grand staircase, a very artistic use of unique moldings, ornate fireplaces and various columns throughout.
When it was constructed a common patio joined the two distinct portions of the house. It has since been enclosed and the house has been integrated into one dwelling. But even the current owner uses one half for living and rents out the other half. Much care has been given to preserving original parts of the elaborate courtyard and the gardens. And all elements that have been added conform to the distinct Williams' style.
It is listed on the national register of historic places and with the State Historic Preservation Office.
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She was a widow of wealth, who moved from California to the high desert of Reno in 1929. Luella Garvey didn’t come to take part in the divorce culture of the time, nor the gambling for which Reno was famous. Her goal was to build an artistic home. 
The Garvey House is of the Colonial Revival mode, but it is infused with Williams’ recurring style of Regency ironwork. In fact, his work can be seen in other homes of the era around town. But the Garvey House is by far the grandest example of his work in Reno. 
When it was constructed a common patio joined the two distinct portions of the house. It has since been enclosed and the house has been integrated into one dwelling. But even the current owner uses one half for living and rents out the other half. Much care has been given to preserving original parts of the elaborate courtyard and the gardens. And all elements that have been added conform to the distinct Williams' style. 