NEWS

March 2011 • Vol 9 No 1

Protection for Marquez Cemetery Expanded Unfortunately, the landmark application included only the area of the cemetery located within the 1926 adobe wall commissioned by Santa Monica Land and Water at the time of the subdivision of the Roman Marquez portion of the rancho. A small four foot easement There’s Something was granted across the land lying between the cemetery wall and San Lorenzo Street (which for Everyone was named after the wooden statue of San ’s historic preservation community Lorenzo placed in a niche in the adobe wall). is coming to your doorstep! Th e California Cemetery wall with San Lorenzo Statue, 1937. Courtesy In later years, a confi rming recognition of this Preservation Conference (May 15 to 18) is a Ernest Marquez Collection easement involved signifi cant litigation. unique opportunity to participate in activities Th e historic rancho-era Pascual Marquez family Last April, the land in front of the cemetery that are educational and entertaining, and to cemetery in Santa Monica Canyon will be wall was sold. When the new owners began meet new friends who share your interests. more visible to the public in the future, thanks construction of a house on that land, surviving Th e program is loaded with special to recent decisions made by the City of Los members of the Marquez family asked the City tours, educational workshops, and events Angeles. Ten years ago, LA granted Historical of to expand the boundaries of the exploring preservation and its essential role Cultural Landmark status to the cemetery on landmark. in sustainability, economic development San Lorenzo Street, just off of Channel Road. continued on page 2 and community character. You can select individual events that appeal to you most, or Shotgun House Design Approvals Granted immerse yourself by registering for the whole conference. If you volunteer to help out at the • The sign outside the house will be reduced conference, you get an inside look as well as by 25%, while keeping its original style some free benefi ts. and proportions, in response to a concern The free plenary session on Monday by the Architectural Review Board. morning features the new President of the • We will add additional landscaping along National Trust for Historic Preservation, the west end of the building and the Stephanie Meeks. Th e program takes place south side of the trash enclosure to soften at historic Barnum Hall (at Santa Monica the appearance. High School) and includes the winning entries Overall, every Commissioner and Board to the 2011 Youth Film Competition (see by Mario Fonda-Bonardi and Sherrill Kushner information on p7). member indicated wholehearted support for our Plans for the relocation and rehabilitation of the project. Next steps include an application to the Three-Minute Success Stories (Monday Shotgun House continue to move forward after California Coastal Commission for its approval night) is traditionally one of the most popular another milestone was recently reached. The which should be the last discretionary approval events of the conference, presenting compelling Landmarks Commission and the Architectural necessary before applying for a City building preservation stories with drama, humor and a Review Board, meeting jointly, approved our permit. The last two steps are estimated to take touch of vaudeville. Th e stage at the historic project with the following conditions: six to nine months. Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club will provide • The house will ultimately be painted a Given this recent progress, we will be stepping an ideal venue. creamy white rather than a “pure” white, up our fundraising efforts in the next 18 months. Special tours created for the conference will which the Landmarks Commission be- You’ll be hearing more about this and how you showcase the historic, architectural and cultural lieved was too modern. can participate! treasures of Santa Monica and the region. You can explore Modernist architecture in the City and Santa Monica Canyon; tour the Adamson House in Malibu and learn about Malibu tile; explore fi lm locations in the Santa Monica Annual Preservation Awards pages 4-5 continued on page 2

www.smconservancy.org The Conservancy Message from the President Carol Lemlein Board of Directors As you read this issue, I think you will agree that preservation in Santa Our board comes from neighborhoods Monica is off to a great start for 2011. throughout the city and includes: Nevertheless, much important preservation work happens behind the scenes, and it’s not always easy to give people the credit they deserve. Carol Lemlein, President In particular, Mario Fonda-Bonardi and Ken Kutcher have contributed John Zinner, Vice-President countless hours helping the Shotgun House make its way through the Tom Cleys, Treasurer many rigorous approval processes required before construction can commence. Susan McCarthy, Secretary Another excellent example can be found in outgoing Board member Sarah Bernard NancyNancy O’Neill.O’Neill. NancyNancy has providedprovided genergenerousous fi nancial supporsupportt fforor CConservancyonservancy acactivitiestivities and hhasas Ken Breisch always been there when we needed her, whether it was at a check-in desk or putting her professional Bruce Cameron skills to work on a research project. We will miss her company on the Board, but are delighted that Mike Deasy she will remain an active volunteer. Th ank you, Nancy! Michael W. Folonis, FAIA I’d also like to thank former Board member Joel Brand for his continued leadership of our Mario Fonda-Bonardi Communications Committee and his valuable support of our website and email system. With Joel’s help, we’ve established a more identifi able image for the Conservancy with the new logo and tagline Nina Fresco and fi nally completed the transition to a new email system driven directly from our membership David Kaplan database – enhancing our visibility in the community and our ability to keep you informed. Sherrill Kushner Finally, I’d like to welcome our newest Board member, Cristyne Lawson. You may not be acquainted Cristyne Lawson with her yet, but Susan Cloke’s profi le on the opposite page provides an excellent introduction. Ruthann Lehrer As always, your membership, your contributions and your active participation are what continue to Barbara Whitney strengthen the Santa Monica Conservancy’s ability to fulfi ll its mission. We thank you - and hope that you will consider increasing that commitment in whatever ways you can. Doris Sosin, Emeritus

Membership Dues Individual Membership $35 “Preservation” continued from page 1 Household Membership $45 Mountains; or discover Santa Monica’s beach never again have a chance to hear so much culture. And many more! Th e tours will take accumulated knowledge and experience right Low Income Membership $15 place on Sunday May 15 and on Wednesday here in Santa Monica! Sustaining Membership $100 May 18. Headquarters for the Conference, the Fair- Supporting Membership $250 Workshop sessions will be held Monday mont Miramar Hotel, is a great place to hang To support the Conservancy at higher afternoon May 16 and all day Tuesday and out, with exhibitors showcasing preservation- levels, or with a business membership, Wednesday, May 17 and 18, providing a wide related products, a bookstore, and a silent auc- call (310) 496-3146. range of educational opportunities developed tion. around the theme of “Preservation on the Conference details and forms for registration Edge”. Wednesday’s session will focus on the and volunteering are available at the Califor- The News Sta� complexity of planning and creating the An- nia Preservation Foundation website: nenberg Community Beach House. You may www.californiapreservation.org. Alice Allen Margaret Bach Sherrill Kushner Ruthann Lehrer “Marquez” continued from page 1 cemetery wall with its niche containing the Nancy O’Neill Dick Orton With support from the Cultural Heritage statue of San Lorenzo. “Th ey will remain Kay Pattison Barbara Whitney Commission, Los Angeles City Councilman visible forever to the public from the street” Bill Rosendahl, members of the Marquez/Reyes said Ernesto Marquez, great great-grandson of Rancho descendants’ family, local and state Francisco Marquez and Ysidro Reyes, who were How to Contact historic societies, and friends and neighbors, jointly granted the 1839 Mexican Land Grant The Santa Monica an agreement was reached with land owners Rancho Boca de Santa Monica. Conservancy Fred Marcus and Davida Rochlin. Marcus and Ernesto Marquez said, “Th e extended Rochlin would sell the northern portion of Marquez/Reyes family is overwhelmed with Phone: (310) 496-3146, leave a message. their lot for less than market value and donate gratitude for all of our friends, cemetery Website: www.smconservancy.org the balance of the value of the land to the non- neighbors, and supporters who sent letters E-mail: [email protected] profi t La Senora Research Institute; cemetery and good wishes, and who made the trek to Mail: Santa Monica Conservancy supporters are now planning their fundraising downtown LA to testify on our behalf. Please P.O.Box 653 eff orts. know that the Marquez/Reyes family has grown Santa Monica, CA 90406 Supporters envision replacing the current by the hundreds in the space of a year [because] wooden fence with a more appropriate iron all of you are now family and part of the history fence that will allow the public to see the of the Rancho Boca de Santa Monica.”

Pageage 2 Page 3 Volunteer Profile:

Santa Monica Native Daughter Cristyne Lawson by Susan Cloke

We welcome our new Conservancy Cristyne Lawson’s mother, Bernice Stout Lawson, grew up in Santa Board Member, Cristyne Lawson, the Monica and was a musician. Her father, Hilliard Lawson, was the recently retired Dean of the School of first black Santa Monica City Council member. The family originally at CalArts. moved to Santa Monica in 1908 when her great-grandmother, Ary “CalArts decided artists were the Shaw McReynolds, her grandmother, Mary McReynolds Stout, and best people to run schools. They felt her grandfather, Rev. Stout, moved into a house next to the CME you had to have done it in order Church on Fourth Street. to teach it,” stated Lawson, whose Thinking about her childhood, Lawson said, “I felt there was no place dance resume is impressive. “I knew I would rather be. My friends and relatives all lived within easy walking I wanted to be a dancer the day my distance. I had a bicycle and could go everywhere in the City. Can you grandmother took me to Lincoln imagine how wonderful it was to have the beach coming right up to the (Reed) for a dance class with a grass? And the Samohi Campus was so open and beautiful.” Ruth St. Denis trained teacher,” remembered Lawson. She went on Lawson remembers childhood hours spent in the garden of her great to study at Juilliard and to dance with the Juilliard Company. Her aunt’s house on Bay Street near the CME Church. It is now Lawson’s career included touring with the Company, dancing home. “I’m really happy to be back in Santa Monica. I’ve been all over on Broadway with Alvin Ailey, and touring Europe with the Modern the world, but I love Santa Monica. I hope people will pay attention to Jazz Quartet. It was in Europe that she met her husband, Graham our history. I know the City will change, but I hope not too much.” Smith, an Australian architect and dancer. They were married 19 years, and have two children.

Become a Docent Do you enjoy meeting people and learning about history, architecture and culture? If so, consider becoming a docent for the Conservancy’s Downtown Walking Tours or for the Annenberg Community Beach House.

Annenberg Community Lectures: People and History Downtown Santa Monica Beach House Tours of the Beach House Walking Tours The lectures will be held at the Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St., from 2 – 4 PM: March 12: • Historian Marc Wanamaker on Hollywood’s Gold Coast • Author Cari Beauchamp on William Randolph Hearst March 26: • Documentary filmmaker Elaina Archer on “The True Story of Marion Davies.” • Docent Kay Pattison on W.R. Hearst and Beach House docent George Ptucha in action. Marion Davies Winston Chappell brings Santa Monica history to life. April 9: Training for the the Beach House docents • Christy McAvoy, from the Historic The Downtown Walking Tours are given every starts with three lectures on Saturday after- Resources Group, on the historic structure Saturday morning from 10 AM to noon. noons, March 12, 26 and April 9. On-site • John Berley, from Frederick Fisher Now entering its fifth year, this tour covers training follows, and after practice sessions, Partners, on the rehabilitation and the history and evolution of Santa Monica, new docents will be ready to lead tours of this new construction from its beginnings as a Wild West town to award-winning site, a piece of Hollywood the sophisticated urban community of today The lectures are also open to the public. history in Santa Monica. Docents will learn – in just two hours and seven blocks! Docent about three remarkable individuals – William training is individualized and ongoing. Randolph Hearst, actress Marion Davies, and architect Julia Morgan - in the context of our Here’s How You If you are interested in volunteering for the beach culture and the evolution of the site Can Get Involved Downtown Walking Tours, contact the docent from a private estate to a public beach club. In coordinator at [email protected]. Applications for the Beach House docent return, docents are asked to work a minimum For more information about the tour docent program are due by March 8 and available at program, contact [email protected] or of six hours per month. www.smconservancy.org, call 310-496-3146.

www.smconservancy.org 2011 Preservation Awards Th e Santa Monica Conservancy presented its 2011 Preservation Awards at

The Restoration Award Rehabilitation Award Renovation Award Myra and Earl Pomerantz American Commercial Equities LLC Sam Simon 2424 Fourth Street 310-312 Wilshire Boulevard Case Study House #20 Th e award was presented for exemplary resto- Th e owners of the historic Edwin Building Th is landmark of mid-Century design, de- ration of their circa-1911 Craftsman bunga- were recognized for preserving and rehabilitat- signed by in 1948, had dete- low, known as the landmark John and Anna ing a small-scale jewel of a commercial build- riorated signifi cntly over the years. Th anks to George House. Th is project pioneered a grow- ing designed by renowned architect Paul Wil- Mr. Simon, who rescued and renewed it, the ing appreciation for historic preservation in liams in 1928. Th e building was designated as home continues to make an important contri- Ocean Park in the early 1980s. a city landmark in 2008. Th e award was ac- bution to the city’s architectural heritage. cepted by DJ Chomyk on behalf of American Commercial Equities.

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Annual Meeting by Barbara Whitney

Th e Church in Ocean Park served as an appropriate venue for the Conservancy’s 2011 Annual Meeting on the afternoon of January 23. Th e historic building, very much an active part of the Ocean Park and Main Street neighborhood for many years, opened its doors to a turnout of nearly 100 members. Reverend Janet McKeithen of the Church in Ocean Park welcomed the group, and a history of the building, researched and written by Karen Corso-Plitt, was available to attendees. Highlights of the program included the Preservation Awards. “It is very gratifying to see the eff orts of so many people giving our architectural heritage new life,” said President Carol Lem- lein. “By recognizing these accomplishments, the Santa Monica Conservancy holds up these projects as good examples of how historic preservation can contribute to Santa Monica’s vitality and attractiveness.” Th e Board of Directors election resulted in the addition of Cristyne Lawson to the Board (see her Volunteer Profi le on page 3), and the re-election of David Kaplan, Sherrill Kushner, Carol Lemlein, and John Zinner to additional three year terms. President Carol Lemlein then gave an overview of the Conservancy’s accomplishments in 2010 and a preview of upcoming issues and events in 2011. (See page 1 for an update on the Shotgun House.) Author and historian Jeff rey Stanton concluded the program with a slideshow of over 100 historic images of the various early twentieth century “pleasure piers” in Ocean Park.

Guest speaker Jeff rey Stanton

Page 4 Page 5 2011 Preservation Awards The Santa Monica Conservancy presented its 2011 Preservation Awards at the Conservancy’s Annual Meeting in the historic Church in Ocean Park on January 23, 2011.

Adaptive Reuse Award Stewardship Award Outstanding Volunteer Service Unitarian Universalist Community Deborah Levin In addition to the Preservation Awards, the Church of Santa Monica Hollister Court on Fourth Street Conservancy recognized seven individuals for Craftsman Bungalow Ms. Levin was recognized for her dedication their exemplary volunteer efforts in regularly The Church was recognized for converting a and leadership in preserving a dozen Crafts- leading the Conservancy’s Saturday morning 1914 bungalow into classrooms and a meet- man bungalows grouped as a courtyard com- downtown walking tours. They are: Julie Berg- ing space for its congregation, choosing pres- plex and designated as a city landmark. Since er, Winston Chappell, Dorothy Jewel, Kay ervation and adaptive reuse over demolition Ms. Levin purchased one of the bungalows 17 Pattison, Jerome Robinson, Thomasine Rogas, and new construction. The Church, located at years ago, she has worked to save the homes and Rita Schneir. The popular tour has been 1260 18th Street, is also architecturally valu- from demolition, protected them from inap- in operation since the spring of 2007. able, having been designed by local architect propriate remodeling, and provided guidance John Byers in the 1920s. The award was pre- to other property owners in respectful rehabili- sented to the Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Ali- tation of the homes. son Kendall and Keith Ludowitz.

On page 4: Restoration: Rehabilitation: 1. Michael Folonis presents award to DJ Chomyk. 2. Sam historically authentic work to bring a broad term meaning bringing Simon acknowledges his award. 3. Alison Kendall, Rev. a building back to its original condition. a building back into service, and for historic buildings, doesn’t require strict restoration, but rather Rebecca Benefiel Bijur and Keith Ludowitz. 4. Ruthann Renovation: includes remodeling and renewing, conformance with the standards set by the Secretary of Lehrer and Deborah Levin. 5. 2011 Award recipients, Julie mixing modern design with work on the historic the Interior. Berger, Winston Chappell, DJ Chomyk, Alison Kendall, building. Deborah Levin, Keith Ludowitz, Sam Simon, Kay Pattison, Thomasine Rogas, Dorothy Jewell.

Annual Meeting by Barbara Whitney

Rev. Janet McKeithen of the Church in Ocean Park Conservancy President, Carol Lemlein

Thanks for assistance with meeting preparations go to... Phyllis Conkle, Mary Ann Hays, Ruthann and Bob Lehrer, Thomasine Rogas, Susan McCarthy, Sherrill Kushner, Sarah Barnard, Nancy O’Neill, Tom Cleys, Bruce Cameron, Diane Locklear, and Barbara Whitney.

Interior of the Church in Ocean Park Volunteers Thomasine Rogas, Phyllis Conkle and Mary Ann Hays

www.smconservancy.org Upcoming Preservation Events

Tour of Hughes Aircraft, Playa Vista Sunday, March 20, 2011 Los Angeles Conservancy 213-623-2489 www.laconservancy.org Landmarks Commission Report

A Star is Born Th e home was one of the fi rst to be built on May Day at the by Margaret Bach La Mesa Drive after the street opened in 1923 Bembridge House as the centerpiece of the Canyon Vista Tract, Santa Monica has its newest landmark -- the Saturday, April 30, 2011 developed by the Santa Monica Land and Wa- grand home at 2009 La Mesa Drive, designed Long Beach Heritage by renowned architect ter Company. It joins three other designated Santa Monica Landmarks along the street: 562-493-7019 Elmer Grey. Th e 1926 house is a notable ex- www.lbheritage.org ample of Period Revival architecture that com- the Zimmer House at 2101, designed and bines the Tudor Revival and English Cottage built by John Byers in 1924; John Byers Th ird styles, an unusual combination in a large-scale Residence at 2034, built in 1929; and the Joseph Eichler Lecture home. Neimeyer/Strick House at 1911, designed by and Home Tour famed Brazilian architect Oscar Neimeyer in Friday and Saturday, Th e house features a steeply pitched gabled 1964. 2009 La Mesa Drive has recently been roof, decorative half-timbering, narrow win- May 13 and 14, 2011 purchased by a new owner who is planning a Gamble House dows with multi-pane glazing, and massive renovation of the house and grounds. chimneys. It is one of two homes in Santa 626-793-3334 Monica designed by Grey, the other being the Website: Gillis House at 406 Adelaide Drive, which is www.gamblehouse.org/events also a landmark. Grey was a prolifi c architect known for his design of the Beverly Hills Ho- Happy Birthday Pasadena - tel, the Pasadena Playhouse, and the Bel-Air Celebrating 125 Years Bay Club among many others. Saturday, June 11, 2011 Originally built for A. N. Kemp, a banker, Pasadena Museum of History the house is mostly associated with the actress 626-577-1660 and singer Katherine Grayson, who purchased Top of the page: Historic rendering, Los Angeles Times, www.pasadenahistory.org it in 1945 at the young age of 23 and resided October 4, 1925, from the Consultant’s report by PCR there until her death in 2010. Services. Above: 2009 La Mesa Drive

Holiday Party Afterglow Volunteers Holiday Party Sponsors Phyllis Conkle helped us off set the costs Twinkling lights, the smell of warm chili, and Mary Ann Hays of the party, supporting the music of the Santa Monica High School Kitty Bartholomew the Conservancy and Chamber Orchestra greeted members at the Becky Upchurch helping to support the annual Holiday Party. Th is year’s setting, the Tom Cleys eff orts of the Santa Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club, will also be Sarah Barnard Monica Bay Woman’s one of the venues for the California Preserva- Eric Natwig Club to maintain their Dwight Flowers historic building: tion Conference in May. Alice Allen Mary Patricia Dougherty Martha Gruft Tom and In-Kind Donors Mary Ann Hays Boulangerie Cristyne Lawson Bite Bar and Bakery Marmalade Cafe Carol Lemlein and Eric Natwig And from SMBWC Darlene Bahr Doris Sosin and Virginia Lennon Rolfe Wyer Laurel Czer Elizabeth Markovitch Page 6 Page 7

Student Film Competition March 2010 Attention middle and high school preservationists and film makers! New Members The California Preservation Conference will Tube™ Community Guidelines. The deadline A. M. Allen Josh Borris include a short film competition for students. for submissions is 5:00 pm, April 1, 2011. Kevin Flick and J. Brewer Each film should explore preservation and tie Each project must be posted on YouTube Patricia Dougherty in with the Conference theme “Preservation www.youtube.com) and submitted directly Nalia Elfarra on the Edge.” The conference will address Suzette Tabor Gordon to the California Preservation Foundation. such themes as Community Character, In- Frances Kent * Students may register on-line by submitting Harvey Kern novative Practices in Preservation, Economic an official entry form to: CPFeducation@cal Sharon Killbride Development, Sustainability and Future Cristyne Lawson iforniapreservation.org and mailing a copy of Trends in Preservation. Eileen Leary their project in DVD format to the California Ernie Marjoram First prize is $300. Each film will be evalu- Preservation Foundation, 5 Third Street, Suite Caryn Marshall ated for creativity and artistic merit, content 424, , CA 94013. CDs and tape Karen and Irwin Plitt Adamm’s andWindow subject Ad 2:Layout matter, 1 method 2/10/10 or7:15 equipment PM Page 1 Dan and Jessica Rice format will not be accepted; DVDs will not used for the project, use of buildings or land- Nels Stemm be returned. Tracy Stillwater scapes, and whether the project is an individ- Details are available at the California Pres- Colleen McAndrews Wood and Robert Wood ual or group effort. Entries will be judged by Gary Zembow and Marcy Lebovitz the California Preservation Foundation and ervation Foundation www.californiapreserva- * Sustaining Level or Higher the Young Preservationists. Films can be no tion.org. YouTube Community Guidelines more than six minutes long, must be origi- are posted at www.youtube.com/community_ March 2010 nal student work and must comply with You guidelines. Business Members

Adamm’s Stained Glass * Bayside District* Join us on Kate Bransfield, Coldwell Banker Pamela Burton & Company Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc. deasy/penner & partners* David Forbes Hibbert, AIA Morley Builders * Did you know you can keep up with Eric Natwig, New West Partners Conservancy news, programs and Mary Ann Powell, Pacific Park events via Facebook? Spectra Company Just type Santa Monica Conservancy into the Margarita Wuellner, Ph. D., PCR Services search box at the top of your Facebook screen, then press “like”. That’s it! * Sponsor Member or higher

S TA I N E D G L A S S & G A L L E R Y

STAINED GLASS RESTORATION ORIGINAL DESIGNS HISTORIC RESTORATION HOLLYHOCK HOUSE We are proud to have been chosen to restore the stained glass windows at the 2nd Church of Christ Scientist, 946 W. Adams Blvd. 1426 4TH STREE T, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401 • 310.451.9390 • ADAMMSGALLERY.COM

www.smconservancy.org Nonprofi t Org U.S. Postage PAID P.O. Box 653 Santa Monica, California 90406-0653 Santa Monica,CA Permit No. 36 In this Issue...

Page 1 Preservation On the Edge Marquez Cemetery Protection Shotgun House Design Approved

Page 2 President’s Message

Page 3 Volunteer Profi le Become a Docent Lecture Series

Page 4-5 2011 Preservation Awards Annual Meeting

Page 6 Landmarks Commission Report Upcoming Preservation Events Holiday Party Afterglow

Page 7 Student Film Competition New and Business Members Join Us on Facebook

Page 8 Santa Monica Landscapes Preservation Conference Volunteers

Save the Date! Landscapes of Santa Monica Be part of the California May 1, 2011 1-5 pm Preservation Conference Back by popular demand May 15th to 18th The tour will be very eclectic • A rose garden We need volunteers for • A sustainable garden • Registration • A landmark tree Watch our website for details • Education sessions • Tours • Special events • Technical support

Details and applications at www.californiapreservation.org