News

Santa Monica Conservancy Invites the Community to Celebrate 10 Years at the Historic Shotgun House

April 21, 2026

A neighborhood gathering on May 17 marks a decade of Shotgun House preservation and stewardship.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA MONICA, CA | April 21, 2026— The Santa Monica Conservancy invites the public to a free block-party-style gathering, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Preservation Resource Center at the historic Shotgun House on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

Registration is available online: smc.givecloud.co/10thbirthday

Built in 1897 and recognized as the last intact “shotgun house” in Santa Monica, the structure has experienced multiple relocations, careful restoration, and long-term care by the community. Since 2016, the Shotgun House has served as a vital resource for residents, visitors, property owners, students, young professionals, and all those interested in understanding how historic places tell our stories.

Pictured are Carol Lemlein, Former Councilmembers Kevin McKeown and Ted Winterer, and State Senator Ben Allen at the Shotgun House grand opening. The councilmen are holding scissors to perform a ribbon cutting, signifying the grand opening of the Preservation Resource Center at the Shotgun House on January 23, 2016.

“The Shotgun House reflects what is possible when a community comes together to care for its history,” said Mario Fonda-Bonardi, President of the Santa Monica Conservancy.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate that work, and to welcome others to experience the site and take part in its ongoing stewardship.”

In addition to live music, light bites, and a “10th Birthday” cake, the event features Shotgun House storytelling and recognition of the community that helped save the structure from demolition in 1997. The Conservancy is pleased to take this opportunity to recognize Attorney Ken Kutcher, of Harding Larmore Kutcher & Kozal, LLP, who was exceedingly generous with pro-bono legal advice for the Shotgun House and is a long-time supporter of the Conservancy’s work.

Medium Shot of Ken Kutcher in a Blue Jacket and Tie

Ken Kutcher

To commemorate the Anniversary, the Conservancy presents Birthday Benefactors, a $100 donation initiative to support the continued stewardship of the Shotgun House. Birthday Benefactors will have their name placed on a large birthday card displayed at the event, and on view inside the Shotgun House for one year.

The May 17 celebration offers a chance to rejoice in the retelling of the Shotgun House’s unique story and be part of a community effort to protect Santa Monica’s historic sites.

Event Details

What: 10th Anniversary of the Preservation Resource Center
Where: Shotgun House at 2520 Second St, Santa Monica, CA, 90405
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Interested parties may RSVP and sign the “10th Birthday” card in advance: https://smc.givecloud.co/10thbirthday

Media Contact

Melina Castorillo
Communications Specialist, Santa Monica Conservancy
melina@smconservancy.org
(310) 496-3146

About the Santa Monica Conservancy

The Santa Monica Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the architectural, cultural, and historical heritage of Santa Monica through advocacy, education, and stewardship.

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