Conservancy News

North of Montana Association (NOMA), in partnership with the Santa Monica Conservancy, filed an application for landmark designation of 435 Georgina, a 1913 Craftsman home that was vacant and for sale. This house had long been noted in the city’s Historic Resources Inventory as a potential candidate for landmark status. The Landmarks Commission approved the nomination at its April meeting.

435 Georgina Avenue. Photo: The MLS

The residence was built in 1913 for A.W. Morgan, a bookkeeper, as one of the pioneering homes of the Palisades Tract and one of the earliest homes on that street. Designed in the Craftsman style, it reflects English arts and crafts rather than the typical California Craftsman. A few additions have been made to the original home, which blend well with the original design and materials, and don’t detract from the architectural integrity. The large parcel size allows for new construction at the rear. A Mills Act contract could provide a significant reduction of property taxes for a new owner who would commit to preserving and maintaining it.

Nonprofit organizations, such as NOMA, may file landmark applications without paying the application fee. While the landmark nomination is under consideration by the Landmarks Commission, no alterations or demolition work may be undertaken.eConservancy encourages other neighborhood organizations and individuals to keep an eye open for potential landmarks that may be in danger of being substantially altered or demolished.

The “Pier Bridge” is the structure that connects Colorado Avenue to the Pier. It needs structural strengthening, improved access for the disabled and modifications to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pedestrians visiting the Pier.  A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the replacement of the bridge was released earlier this year and has created serious concerns among members of the preservation community.  Three proposals were described in the DEIR– two of which (nearly) double the width of the existing bridge, and one which creates a second bridge for cars only to the south at Moss Avenue.

The Conservancy’s comments on the DEIR stated that these proposals have unacceptably negative impacts on the nearby historic structures, including the Pier itself, the carousel building (known formally as the Looff Hippodrome, a National Historic Landmark), and the locally-designated landmark properties along the east side of Ocean Front Walk. The DEIR also failed to consider reasonable alternatives, such as the rehabilitation of the existing bridge and/or the elimination of parking on the Pier deck.

In addition, based on the research we have done to support our position, we have come to understand the significance of Carousel Park, located at the southeast corner of the Pier. It was designed by the local architectural firm Moore Ruble Yudell and landscape architects Campbell & Campbell, winners of a design competition hosted by the Santa Monica Citizen’s Pier Task Force, which was to create a Pier Master Plan in 1983 after winter storms destroyed over one-third of the length of the Pier. Carousel Park provides a welcoming gateway to the Pier, a children’s playground, ample bleacher seating with two lookout pavilions, as well access for bicycles and the disabled from Ocean Front Walk to the Pier deck. It is an essential element in attracting visitors to the Pier. The park received numerous awards following its opening.

The Conservancy has joined with the Cultural Landscape Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to making our shared landscape heritage more visible, and preservation consultants Chattel, Inc., to submit a Landmark designation application for the park.

It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed in the final Environmental Impact Report, which is expected to be presented to City Council for approval sometime this fall. If the final proposal does not minimize impacts on the many historically significant structures adjacent to the bridge, we will be asking for your support in demanding changes to the plan before Council grants its approval.  Stay tuned….!

North of Montana Association (NOMA), in partnership with the Santa Monica Conservancy, filed an application for landmark designation of 435 Georgina, a 1913 Craftsman home that was vacant and for sale. This house had long been noted in the city’s Historic Resources Inventory as a potential candidate for landmark status. Thee Landmarks Commission approved the nomination at its April meeting.

435 Georgina Ave. Photo: The MLS

The e residence was built in 1913 for A.W. Morgan, a bookkeeper, as one of the pioneering homes of the Palisades Tract and one of the earliest homes on that street. Designed in the Craftsman style, it reflects English arts and crafts rather than the typical California Craftsman. A few additions have been made to the original home, which blend well with the original design and materials, and don’t detract from the architectural integrity. The large parcel size allows for new construction at the rear. A Mills Act contract could provide a significant reduction of property taxes NOMA Files Landmark Application for Historic House for a new owner who would commit to preserving and maintaining it.

Nonprofit organizations, such as NOMA, may file landmark applications without paying the application fee. While the landmark nomination is under consideration by the Landmarks Commission, no alterations or demolition work may be undertaken. The Conservancy encourages other neighborhood organizations and individuals to keep an eye open for potential landmarks that may be in danger of being substantially altered or demolished.

The Santa Monica Conservancy recognized seven exemplary contributors to the preservation of Santa Monica’s architectural and cultural heritage by honoring property owners, individuals, and organizations at this year’s annual meeting held Sunday, April 8, at the historic Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club.

Conservancy president Carol Lemlein remarked, “This year’s winners represented a wide variety of projects reflecting stewardship, restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse in both commercial and residential properties.”

President’s Award: The Bradbury Residence, 102 Ocean Way

Photo: Shooting LA

The preservation of the Lewis L. Bradbury house was spearheaded by owners Carol and Earl Fisher with a skilled multi-disciplinary team over the course of 20 years. Successful repairs of the historic red clay tile roof and adobe walls, restoration of architectural woodwork and decorative elements were made. Seismic improvements developed by Carol Fisher and structural engineer Nels Roseland were also essential to the restoration. Assisting in the final phase of restoration were preservation consultant Matt Dillhoefer, Spectra Company and Structural Focus. Carol Fisher’s extraordinary commitment to preserving this adobe Spanish Colonial Revival house, built by renowned architect John Byers in 1923, ensures that this Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument will be enjoyed by future generations to come.

Stewardship Award: Sun Tech Townhomes Owners Association

Photo: ESA

The 18 homeowners of this 1981 Postmodern style complex, under the leadership of the past HOA president Alison Perchuk, were recognized for their exemplary work to maintain its structural and material integrity and workmanship. They secured a landmark designation, initiated by owner Maria Hopper, and a Mills Act contract with the help of preservation consultant Robert Chattel. The efforts of these owners ensure the preservation of these distinctive town homes for decades to come.

Stewardship Award: Mike Deasy, 475 Mesa Road

Photo: Michael Folonis Architects

The Entenza House at 475 Mesa Road was built in 1939 by architect Harwell Hamilton Harris for John Entenza who, with Ray and Charles Eames, created the Case Study House Program. The house was fully restored in 2003 by Michael Folonis Architects. Current owner Mike Deasy, an urban planner, realtor and former Conservancy board member, was recognized for his passion for architecture and sensitive attention to preserving this award-winning property.

Rehabilitation Award: Tom and Peggy Neary, 19 Seaview Terrace

Photo: MLS

One of the last intact homes in this historic neighborhood was saved and rehabilitated by owners Tom and Peggy Neary with architect Summer Vaughn and contractor Mark Drexler. The exteriors of this Modern Bungalow residence were rehabilitated with minimal impact and the historic wood siding was recreated and window configurations kept intact. The interiors were renovated to bring light and air into the house for modern living. Renovations included reconfiguring exterior rear porches and small rooms for a new kitchen and family area.

Rehabilitation Award: Saint John’s Health Center, Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, Providence St. Joseph Health, Real Estate & Construction, Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Photo: David Kaplan

Originally known as the Santa Monica Doctor’s Building, this Streamline Moderne commercial office building was originally constructed in 1952 as doctors’ offices. Dr. Daniel Kelly of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute had the vision of returning the building to its original use. A collaborative effort which included Boulder Associates Architects, Fisher Design Company, Inc., DEB Construction and Historic Resources Group enabled this outdated building to be outfitted for today’s needs to serve the community once again.

Preservation Award: City of Santa Monica, Downtown Community Plan

The City of Santa Monica has awarded a Strategic Sustainability Initiative grant of $10,000 to the Santa Monica Conservancy. The grant, which must be matched with Conservancy funds, is being used to upgrade our technological needs in order to support member services and educational outreach, and increase efficiency in maintaining our organizational processes and communications.

New software, a major element of our proposal, has been purchased and will be fully implemented in mid-2018. As a donor, member, docent and/or volunteer, you will be able to log into your individual account to access and update
contact and membership information at your convenience, as well as view purchases and upcoming events. Thee new system will also
vastly improve your user experience with an enhanced email system and easier, clearer payment processing for memberships, gifts and event admission. In addition, you will have the option for monthly or quarterly giving as well
as quick and secure mobile payments at events.

We look forward to introducing our new system to you, and will keep you updated on our progress throughout the year. We are excited to take this big step forward toward a new level of effectiveness, and appreciate the
support from the City and our donors for making this possible.