West Hollywood Preservation Alliance

To identify, protect and preserve the historic, architectural, and cultural resources of West Hollywood

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We Believe These Six Buildings Should Be Added to the Survey of Historic Commercial Buildings

October 17, 2016 /

The West Hollywood Preservation Alliance (WHPA) commends the work that has been conducted by GPA Consulting to provide West Hollywood with a “Citywide Commercial Historic Resources Survey.” A total of 763 properties were surveyed, and the final draft list identifies 57 individual commercial
properties as potentially worthy of cultural resource designation as well as a potential Sunset Plaza Historic District (comprised of 10 buildings).

The survey did evaluate the following SIX (6) properties but deemed them ineligible. We believe they are all worthy of consideration as historic resources, all with mitigable alterations or no changes at all! Therefore, we ask that each of these buildings be considered on the final list as eligible for designation as a West Hollywood Cultural Resource and be assigned at least the “Code 5S3” as an individual property of significance to the city’s cultural history and memory.

1107 N. Kings Road – The MACHA Theatre now operates out of this building just a few steps north of Santa Monica Boulevard. Constructed just after World War II for small manufacturing, the building is a reminder of West Hollywood’s now fading industrial past. In an example of adaptive reuse, the building has served as a cultural venue for over 43 years, previously housing the Shakespeare Society of America’s Globe Theatre and now the MACHA which is operated by the organization Mujeres (Women) Advancing, Culture, History & Art.

7617 Santa Monica Boulevard – The Madison Car Wash building is the last example of a Googie-style commercial building in West Hollywood and should be preserved.

8445 Santa Monica Boulevard – The former home of the famous Ritts Furniture Store, this building retains its mid-century modern sensibility and changes made in the ensuring years could be reversed.

8465 Santa Monica Boulevard – Totally unchanged from the days of Historic Route 66, the Holloway Motel still provides lodging to travelers and is the only remaining motel along West Hollywood’s stretch of this historic road.

8225 Sunset Boulevard – Now the Pink Taco, this building previously housed The Players Club that catered to Sunset Strip stars and crowds of the 30’s and 40’s and was identified in the city’s 1986 survey as potentially historic. Since cityhood, however, the property has somehow changed in ways that has affected its “integrity,” according to the survey. The building could be returned to its historic integrity and its place in the Sunset Strip’s cultural memory.

8850 Sunset Boulevard – Now The Viper Room rock venue, this is the oldest remaining commercial building on the Sunset Strip, built in 1921. This storied building first operated as Young’s Market and boasts a long history as an entertainment venue, playing a prominent role in several musical genres. The building merits placement on the final list of potentially eligible historic commercial properties in West Hollywood.

West Hollywood Historic Preservation Alliance Summer Walking Tours

July 23, 2016 /

The Romanesque Building on Harper Avenue.

August and September offer a fun selection of WEHO walking tours of famous landmarks and stunning world-class architecture. From Deco to The Doors, from Mid-Mod to movie stars, lots to see!

1. GOLDEN AGE OF (WEST) HOLLYWOOD

August 6 SATURDAY -10:30 AM

Long before there was Weho there was another West Hollywood, also full of stars & bars. We venture on foot to the playgrounds of the legends, from the Roaring Twenties to the Sunset Strip riots-our most popular tour.

2. DOORS TOUR

August 13 SATURDAY – 3PM

Dress in your rock finery as we rock out to the music of The Doors and visit the favorite hangs of Jim and the boys. A dozen sites in a dozen blocks, this was Jim’s creative home. Follow the Lizard King’s footsteps- bring your own Jack Daniels!

(Extra optional $15 fee to enter grounds of Cherie Amour, last known US residence of Jim Morrison.)

3. GOLDEN AGE OF (WEST) HOLLYWOOD

August 20 SATURDAY 10:30 AM

Reprise of our most popular tour.

4. A THICKET OF FICKETTS

August 27 SATURDAY 3PM

Mid Century Modern Mania as we visit the Space Age Bachelor Pads of Ed Fickett, AIA. These fanciful 50’s apartments epitomize So Cal living. Dress 50’s if you can!

TOUR INFO

Tours begin at Tara at Laurel Park 1343 N. Laurel Ave, West Hollywood. See MAP.

Select complimentary parking passes for Zone 6 are available to first five cars.

Other parking options: free on Fountain Avenue (Read signs!) and metered parking on Sunset or pay parking in 8000 Sunset -Trader Joe’s. For passes, please arrive fifteen minutes early to secure a spot.

Suggested attire: Thematic clothing is always a plus, dress for comfort, possible sultry weather, hat and sunscreen suggested. Bring a water bottle for hydration.

Tour is a gentle walk, suitable for all. Wheelchair friendly.

COSTS

Tours cost $20 per person.

WHPA members can take one tour for free. (Subsequent tours are $10 per member.)

Payment via cash, square or check. MEMBERSHIP includes one free tour ($20 value) and half priced tours all year (BEST VALUE- plus we want you as a member!)

RESERVATIONS

Space is limited, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation, please email us by clicking HERE. [info@whpa.c]

The First West Coast LGBT Site To Be Listed on the National Register Of Historic Places Will Be Decided On July 29, 2016

June 29, 2016 /

Letters of support are needed now!

From West Hollywood Heritage:

The Factory building, known for its importance in filmmaking history and LGBT history, was nominated by local residents Kate Eggert and Krisy K Gosney of the West Hollywood Heritage Project (WHHP).

“Letters of support help show the community interest in the nomination,” said Kate Eggert, “so we’re asking people to send an email to the California Office of Historic Preservation expressing support for The Factory building’s nomination for its Hollywood history and/or it becoming the first West Coast LGBT site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

So please send an email to let the Office of Historic Preservation know you support The Factory’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places for Mitchell Camera Corp and/or Studio One/Backlot.

UPDATE:

Send your email by July 22 to:
julianne.polanco@parks.ca.gov
william.burg@parks.ca.gov
westhollywoodheritageproject@gmail.com
info@westhollywoodpreservationalliance.org

Subject line: The Factory nomination

Click HERE [PDF] to read The Factory building’s nomination.

The Factory was designed and built for Mitchell Camera Corporation in 1929 by the design-build firm Truscon Steel Company. Mitchell Camera Corporation made the camera that became known as “the camera that shot Hollywood” at The Factory. By 1946, 85% of all motion pictures shown in theaters worldwide were filmed with Mitchell cameras that were made at the Mitchell Camera Corporation factory building.

“At The Factory, Mitchell Camera designed and made cameras that revolutionized filmmaking and gave rise to a new film artist – the cinematographer,” said Kate Eggert, “Orson Wells’ cinematographer Gregg Toland consulted at The Factory on the camera that he would use to shoot Citizen Kane.”

In 1974, optometrist Scott Forbes opened Studio One at The Factory. The disco filled a vital community need: it celebrated sexual freedom for gay men. Most gay bars at the time were in small, unremarkable buildings. At Studio One, over a thousand people packed the dance floor every night and the line to get in trailed down Santa Monica Boulevard for blocks.

Studio One’s Backlot Theatre hosted performers like Chita Rivera, Roslyn Kind, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller and Wayland Flowers. The disco and theatre set mainstream trends and created stars while strictly adhering to Forbes’ vision – “Studio One was planned, designed and conceived for… gay male people. Any straight people here are guests of the gay community!”

In 1984, the first major AIDS fundraiser happened at Studio One for AIDS Project Los Angeles; despite having been a celebrity hang-out for a decade, no celebrity would participate in the fundraiser except for Joan Rivers. Rivers said she received death threats.

“Joan Rivers was, up until that point, the only person who ever did anything to raise money to help fight AIDS or help people with AIDS. There were no drugs, the only thing you could do is help them, comfort them during dying. It was all they could do…raise money for hospice,” said Lloyd Coleman, CEO of Rocket Entertainment, the company that produced the shows at the Backlot Theatre.

“We’re so excited that the nomination hearing is coming soon. It’s a very big deal!” said Krisy K Gosney, “We feel honored to hopefully bring the prestige of the first West Coast LGBT National Register listing to West Hollywood, and to honor this place that was pivotal to film history and to gay rights and the gay community.”

West Hollywood Heritage Project (WHHP) was founded in 2015. WHHP’s mission is to promote, honor and preserve West Hollywood history and its built environment through activism, advocacy, research, social media, education and entertainment. WHHP is newly-formed, however, founding partners Kate Eggert and Krisy K Gosney (under the name Dead History Project) have been doing historic preservation since 2012.

WHHP also manages the facebook pages Save the Factory West Hollywood, and Save the SMB Streamline Moderne.

Visit WHHP online at West Hollywood Heritage Project.

Historic Preservation Commission Will Discuss Overview of the Historic Commercial Buildings Survey

June 26, 2016 /

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet tomorrow night, June 27, at 7 pm in Rooms 5 and 6 at Plummer Park to discuss the latest iteration of the city’s survey of historic commercial buildings. From the staff report [PDF]:

The Historic Preservation Commission will be receiving its first overview of the draft Commercial Historic Resources Survey document and revised project schedule. The draft survey includes the Historic Context Statement and a list of designated and potential cultural resources. Pending sections include an executive summary, survey results, conclusions, and recommendations. The HPC will provide feedback on the draft survey for staff and the City’s consulting firm of GPA Consulting to incorporate into the final draft. The final draft document will be presented to the HPC at its August 22, 2016 meeting.

There will be three other hearings on the survey:

*HPC Hearing on Final Draft: Mon., Aug. 22, 7 pm, Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 5-6

*Planning Commission Hearing: Thurs., Sept. 1, 6:30 pm, City Council Chambers, 625 San Vicente

*City Council Hearing: Mon. Sept. 19, 6:30 pm, City Council Chambers, 625 San Vicente

Please note that between now and the next HPC hearing on August 22 is optimal to make suggested changes/additions to the list of properties being considered as historic. Once the final list is finalized, it becomes more difficult to add buildings.

So, please review the draft report and come to the meetings and/or email your comments to the following individuals and make sure to say: PLEASE ENTER THESE COMMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.

Send your emails to:

Rachel Dimond, rdimond@weho.org
Antonio Castillo, acastillo@weho.org
Sharita Ellies, sellies@weho.org

Historic Preservation Commission Will Discuss Overview of the Historic Commercial Buildings Survey

June 26, 2016 /

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet tomorrow night, June 27, at 7 pm in Rooms 5 and 6 at Plummer Park to discuss the latest iteration of the city’s survey of historic commercial buildings. From the staff report [PDF]:

The Historic Preservation Commission will be receiving its first overview of the draft Commercial Historic Resources Survey document and revised project schedule. The draft survey includes the Historic Context Statement and a list of designated and potential cultural resources. Pending sections include an executive summary, survey results, conclusions, and recommendations. The HPC will provide feedback on the draft survey for staff and the City’s consulting firm of GPA Consulting to incorporate into the final draft. The final draft document will be presented to the HPC at its August 22, 2016 meeting.

There will be three other hearings on the survey:

*HPC Hearing on Final Draft: Mon., Aug. 22, 7 pm, Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 5-6

*Planning Commission Hearing: Thurs., Sept. 1, 6:30 pm, City Council Chambers, 625 San Vicente

*City Council Hearing: Mon. Sept. 19, 6:30 pm, City Council Chambers, 625 San Vicente

Please note that between now and the next HPC hearing on August 22 is optimal to make suggested changes/additions to the list of properties being considered as historic. Once the final list is finalized, it becomes more difficult to add buildings.

So, please review the draft report and come to the meetings and/or email your comments to the following individuals and make sure to say: PLEASE ENTER THESE COMMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.

Send your emails to:

Rachel Dimond, rdimond@weho.org
Antonio Castillo, acastillo@weho.org
Sharita Ellies, sellies@weho.org

Expanded Incentives for Historic Apartment Buildings Recommended by HPC at May 23 Meeting

May 31, 2016 /

In a 6/0 vote at its May 23 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) not only moved to support four relatively minor recommendations for incentives related to the city’s 38 historically-designated apartment buildings, but also included several broader incentives which the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance (WHPA) had urged the commission to support.

Foremost among these are: establishing a much more robust “Historic Apartment Preservation Program” as outlined in consultant firm Page & Turnbull’s report on Page 30; hiring a full-time city staffer devoted to historic preservation issues; and using grants under the Community Development Block Grant Program to assist owners of historic buildings. WHPA members Cynthia Blatt, George Credle, Stephanie Harker, and Victor Omelczenko testified before the commission. The WHPA statement submitted to the HPC appears below.

The HPC’s hearing and recommendations are just the first step in a process that includes a May 26 Rent Stabilization Committee hearing and a June 2 Planning Commission hearing. A final city staff report will then be developed for City Council consideration at its August 15 meeting. The WHPA will continue to monitor the process and comment on proposed incentives – which, if enacted, would do much to bolster the city’s contention that it puts a high priority on historic preservation.

WHPA Comments on Historic Resource Incentives for June 2 Planning Commission Meeting

May 25, 2016 /

Villa Italia

RE: AGENDA ITEM 10.A. PUBLIC HEARING ON “MULTIFAMILY HISTORIC RESOURCES INCENTIVE PROGRAM”

Dear Chair Altschul, Vice Chair Aghaei, and Commissioners Buckner, DeLuccio, Huebner, Jones, and Lightfoot:

The West Hollywood Preservation Alliance (WHPA) has reviewed the city staff reports prepared on this topic for the meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Rent Stabilization Division, and understands that the Planning Commission will be conducting a public hearing on the same topic at its meeting of June 2, 2016.

While the WHPA supports the four (4) recommendations identified in the previous staff reports, we believe that much more could be done to bolster the city’s contention that it puts a high priority on historic preservation while ensuring its supply of affordable housing and support of rent-stabilized tenants.

The WHPA strongly supports the establishment of a “Historic Apartment Preservation Program” as outlined on Page 30 of the Page & Turnbull/Place Economics report. We urge the Planning Commission to make a motion to include this program as a recommendation, and we would like to see it take an affirmative public vote on this matter as did the Historic Preservation Commission on May 23, 2016.

The potential costs of such a program could have been better clarified in the reports. Even so, the WHPA points out that the City made a recent $7.0 million purchase of the one-acre of vacant land at Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevard (ultimate usage still to be determined), and a $2.5 million purchase of the former Coast Playhouse across from City Hall.

The City of West Hollywood has the financial resources — it’s time it started to truly respect its historic buildings and the owners who provide 593 rent-stabilized units of housing for citizens of West Hollywood, and to allocate more money into maintaining our city’s historic infrastructure. It’s all about good planning here – planning that respects the cultural memory of the city as well as the residents who depend on safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing.

After a nearly three-year process, a contract expenditure of $122,000, and myriad meetings of community members and city commissioners, city staff has recommended several relatively minor recommendations which the WHPA does support. Along with the waiving of city fees, the adjusting of repainting time schedules, and utilizing an already extant Transfer of Development Rights Program, the staff reports recommended hiring an on-call historic preservation consultant costing $25,000 annually who will assist owners of historic properties in maintaining their buildings.

The WHPA still continues to question why the City does not hire a full-time staff member assigned to historic preservation. So much more could be done with such a designated full-time position. In addition, the WHPA has recently learned that funds received under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program can be used for historic preservation projects. We ask that the contractor Page & Turnbull and the city staff explore this and other funding opportunities further, and provide an update to relevant commissions and the public before the City Council’s August 15 scheduled hearing on historic resource incentives.

Thank you for your consideration.

West Hollywood Preservation Alliance Board of Directors

Join Us for the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance Annual Meeting

May 24, 2016 /

Please mark your calendars for the 2016 Annual Meeting of the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance (WHPA):

Saturday, June 25, 2016, 4pm to 6pm
Room 4, Plummer Park Community Center
7377 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood

At the meeting, we will discuss exciting plans for the upcoming year. We will also hold elections for two seats on the board. Voting is open to WHPA members who are in good standing on or before Saturday, June 11.

Recent efforts have included:

Successfully encouraging the city to initiate a survey of century-old Craftsman homes threatened by development pressures on the city’s east side

Exploring incentives for owners to keep up their historically-designated apartment buildings

Providing input into a city survey of commercial buildings that could be designated as cultural resources

Please visit our membership page to join the WHPA online. You can make a payment at the website via PayPal or by sending a check to: WHPA, P.O. Box 46073, West Hollywood, CA 90046-0073. Checks must be postmarked no later than June 11.

Your contribution will play a critical role in continuing our preservation efforts during the next year.

*

Charitable contributions to West Hollywood Preservation Alliance are tax deductible to the extent allowed by Federal and State tax laws – Federal Non-Profit 501(c) (3) Tax I.D. # 46-1587457

WHPA Comments on Multi-Family Incentives Project

May 23, 2016 /

The West Hollywood Preservation Alliance (WHPA) has reviewed the city staff report on the “Multi-Family Incentives Project” that the Historic Preservation Commission is considering at its May 23, 2016, meeting. While the WHPA supports the four (4) recommendations identified in the staff report, we believe that much more could be done to bolster the city’s contention that it puts a high priority on historic preservation.

The WHPA strongly supports the establishment of a “Historic Apartment Preservation Program” as outlined on Page 30 of the Page & Turnbull/Place Economics report. We urge the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to make a motion to include this program as a recommendation, and we would like to see the HPC take a public vote on this matter.

The potential costs of such a program could be better clarified in the report. Even so, the WHPA points out that the City made a recent $7.0 million purchase of the one-acre of vacant land at Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevard and a $2.5 million purchase of the former Coast Playhouse across from City Hall.

The City of West Hollywood has the resources — it’s time it started to truly respect its historic buildings and the owners who provide 593 rent-stabilized units of housing for citizens of West Hollywood, and allocate more money into maintaining our city’s historic infrastructure.

After a nearly three-year process, a contract expenditure of $122,000, and myriad meetings of community members and city commissioners, city staff recommends several relatively minor recommendations which the WHPA does support. Along with the waiving of city fees, the adjusting of repainting time schedules, and utilizing an already extant Transfer of Development Rights Program, the staff report recommends hiring an on-call historic preservation consultant costing $25,000 annually who will assist owners of historic properties.

In the past, the HPC has questioned and the WHPA still continues to question why the City does not hire a full-time staff member assigned to historic preservation. So much more could be done with such a designated full-time position. In addition, the WHPA has recently learned that funds received under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program can be used for historic preservation projects. We ask that the contractor Page & Turnbull and the city staff explore this opportunity further, and provide an update to relevant commissions and the public before the City Council’s August 15 planned hearing on incentives.

Thank you for your consideration.

West Hollywood Preservation Alliance Board of Directors

Historic Preservation Commission to Consider Plan to Incentivize Preservation of Multi-Family Buildings

May 21, 2016 /

At its meeting Monday night, May 23, 2016, the West Hollywood’Historic Preservation Commission will consider a proposal to create incentives for encouraging the preservation of multi-family buildings.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in Room 5 at the Pllummer Park Community Building, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

The proposal is available online. Click HERE to download the 286-page PDF.

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