Hollywood Heritage is a non- profit organization dedicated to preservation of the historic built environment in Hollywood and to education about the early film industry and the role its pioneers played in shaping Winter/Spring 2007 www.hollywoodheritage.org Volume 26, Number 1 Hollywood’s history.

Wattles Turns 100

WELCOME! CPF Conference Hollywood Heritage May 3-6! Files Suit Over Historic Demolitions Chinese Theater Marquee Saved at Last Minute Part 2 of Allan Ellenberger’s Biography of Gurdon Wattles Museum Gets Major Donation Evenings @ The Barn Updates President’s Message Committee System Reactivated www.hollywoodheritage.org by Marc Wanamaker success and will expand with BOARD OF DIRECTORS he beginning of 2007 for interesting and informative Marc Wanamaker Tthe officers and members programs all related to Holly- President Fran Offenhauser of Hollywood Heritage has wood’s heritage. Vice President been an ever growing set of The committees have already Valerie Yaros challenges re- started or are continuing vari- Secretary lated to the Keith Anderson ous projects for outreach into Treasurer organiza- the community, one such be- Robert Birchard tion as a ing committee chair George Nick Beck whole and Kiel’s walking tours. We are Aaron Epstein its goals approaching summer and time Marian Gibbons Rebecca Goodman for the new is of the essence. Everyone on David Greim year. Wattles the Board, the committees and Randy Haberkamp is constant- members are looking forward George Kiel ly being to making an effort to meet Christy Johnson McAvoy Jeffrey Rouze main- the challenges of this Richard Rownak coming year and I Andrew Schwartz am hopeful that we Sue Slutzky Thaddeus Smith all will accomplish Stan Taffel many of the goals we Gina Zamparelli tained and the 107 year-old have established. Robert W. Nudelman barn continues to upgrade its If you’re interested in serv- Preservation Issues Director exhibits and physical infra- ing on a committee or helping Stephen Sylvester structure. Committees have Executive Director Jualita/Wattles Mansion in any other way, we’re always The Wattles Mansion been set up to take on some looking for active members. 1824 N. Curson Ave., Hollywood, CA 90046 of these challenges which Please write to: webmaster@ Randy Haberkamp Silent Society Director includes vigilence when it hollywoodheritage.org and comes to preservation issues in Mary Sullivan we’ll be happy to “sign you Director of Membership Development Hollywood. up.” John Clifford This President and the com- In May Hollywood Heritage Newsletter and Web Site Editor mittees related to the barn and is proud to be a co-sponsor Kay Tornborg its museum operations will and co-host of the 2007 Cali- Special Projects Director continue to improve the facili- Web site donated and maintained by Aptara fornia Preservation Founda- www.aptara.com ties there and will be slowly re- tion Conference. On behalf of configuring the exhibit spaces Printed by Layton Printing all of Hollywood Heritage, I’d La Verne, California and creating a proper book and like to take this opportunity Hollywood Heritage Newsletter is published souvenir store. The programs by Hollywood Heritage, Inc., to welcome them to our home, P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078 have already started with great HOLLY­WOOD! (323) 874-4005.

 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 On the Cover Table of Contents 4 Chinese Dragons Saved From 1958 to 2001 the dragon marquees at the Chinese Theater stood sentinel. Learn how close they came to being scrap 5 Heritage Files Suit Hollywood Heritage, facing the reality of Hollywood’s over development and lack of planning resulting in demolition of historic buildings and threatening the National Register Historic District, files suit 8 Wattles at 100 Years It was 100 years ago that Gurdon Wattles created his fabulous home and gardens. 5 Join Hollywood Heritage in celebrating this important milestone Hollywood Heritage member Ted Otis captured the demolition of the historic properties at 1810 Whitley Avenue on January 9, 2007 15 State Preservation Meeting photo by Ted Otis Comes To Hollywood Historic image of Wattles Mansion Hollywood Heritage Museum archive This year the state California Preservation 25 Foundation Conference will take place in Hollywood. Hollywood Heritage is a co-sponsor of the conference. 16 Gurdon Wattles: A Biography The second part of Allan Ellenberger’s biography of the Omaha banker whose early investment in Hollywood became the Wattles Mansion and Gardens. 20 Evenings @ The Barn A recap of the past season of special events presented by Hollywood Heritage in our landmark museum and at other locales 4 25 Palladium Renovation Hollywood’s landmark Palladium will be operated by Live Nation Concerts Departments President’s Message 2 Preservation Updates 6 Letters 6 Upcoming Events 22 Membership Update 28 This is a special color double issue of the Hollywood Heritage Newsletter commemorating Wattles 100 21 years and the CPF Conference in Hollywood

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007  Hours Before Recycling Chinese Theater “Dragon” Marquee Saved by Robert W. Nudelman tual joint display after restoration. I son who had done their repairs on n Friday, December 8, asked about the sign and was shown the sign for its last ten years (who OHollywood Heritage learned it in the back outdoor deck. had also removed and saved some by accident, that the historic, mar- Looking more chipped than chip- of the neon). Numerous cost esti- quees, neon dragons, canopy, and per after a couple of moves and the mates were made to move it ASAP, other items that were in the Chinese residency of several cats, this trea- and ideas were tossed around as to Theater courtyard from 1958 to sure had managed to survive. There where to put all of it. 2001 were to be salvaged as scrap were no plans at the time to do Hollywood Heritage member metal the next day from their stor- anything with it, but we reminded Todd Fisher, Debbie Reynolds’ son age area. Finding this out at 5:30 the studio of our interest, past and and director of her museum project, that evening, it took an hour to track present. Later that day, when sched- was coming into town with a 45’ down a Paramount Studio official uling a Saturday pickup time for the flatbed trailer over the New Y­ear’s who could stop the action and allow ships, we found out it would be fine holiday. With the help of his wife, for Hollywood Heritage to remove as the recycler was coming to Christy, their son James, and the items for preservation and associate Eugene Shlugleit, eventual display. we filled the trailer with the Step back to August canopy ceiling 2001 when the Chi- and supports on nese Theater restora- December 30 (the tion, based on a deal previous week negotiated by Hollywood Todd had brought Heritage as part of the an enclosed trail- Hollywood/Highland er to move the project, was commencing. The neon remove the signs. Asking for a clari- ships, one at a time). marquee and canopy were to be fication of what signs, I was told the Next came the question of where removed and Hollywood Heritage Chinese Theater’s as the space was to locate a 40’ long marquee (in two worked out an agreement to receive being rented out to another company 20-foot sections) and the rest of the all but one neon dragon, which was (the reason the ships were leaving as items. The neon dragons both went to go to the Museum of Neon Art well). to MONA to be eventually repaired. (MONA). At the last minute, that Luckily, someone that night knew The remainder went to the Holly- deal was cancelled and Paramount who Hollywood Heritage was and wood Heritage Museum, stored in Pictures (co-owners of Mann The- agreed to halt the removal until we different areas until repairs can be aters, operator and owner of the could talk to Mr. Armstrong (who done. It took two fully loaded 60’ building) decided that they wanted was unaware of any of this) to get flatbed trailers to bring all of it to the items and hauled them away to permission to save the signage, et the museum with a crew of six to storage in Burbank. al. The following Monday began a unload it. Unfortunately, one of the There they sat for over five years. process to get permission to get the marquees could not be saved as its When Paramount’s president of stu- signs to us. I contacted Kim Kogen, condition from removal and stor- dio operations, Charlie Armstrong director of the Museum of Neon age was so poor that it was beyond called to see if we were interested Art, that Friday (where I could reach repair. We were able to save every- in some miniature ships from the her because they were having their thing else. 1940s (12’ to 25’ long) that were to Christmas party that night) to get Needless to say, a lot of people be thrown out, Hollywood Heritage information on repairing and mov- helped to make this happen, espe- president Marc Wanamaker and I ing the signs and to see if they were cially occurring as it did, during the went to the storage site went. We still interested in one of them. holidays. Shawn Butler of Western agreed to move the seven ships out She was, and the next week began Studio Service went out of his way to Debbie Reynolds’ studio for even- contacting sign movers and the per- continued on page 29

 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 Legal Update Another Landmark Demolished, Hollywood Heritage Files Suit by Robert W. Nudelman signed off on the demolition and building to build condos was sent fter over a year of discussions variances for the new condo project to the councilman’s office (he also Abetween Hollywood Heritage to be built there. receives our newsletters). and the Community Redevelopment Hollywood Heritage had nomi- Despite all of this—the almost Agency of Los Angeles (CRA), nated the building as a city land- year’s worth of communication, per- councilmembers Garcetti and mark when the CRA refused to sonal contact with the councilman LaBonge and their staffs, and Ed acknowledge its landmark status and his staff, and numerous requests Y­oung from the city attorney’s of- described in the 1986 and 2003 for his position, the councilman said fice, their actions spoke loudly Hollywood Redevelopment Plans. nothing, except that he told me in to us—historic preservation and May that his staff would handle it. planning laws will not be enforced All indications from his staff were in Hollywood. Having no other re- that the councilman would support course left and several more historic the nomination. The nomination buildings currently being threat- was, after all, a reaffirmation of the 2003 Redevelopment Plans that he voted for, and which included all of the information giving 1810 Whitley protective landmark status. Finally, at the October 17 city council’s planning and land use sub-committee, his position was announced—he would oppose the nomination. The claim made at that time was that the nomination was “unfair to the developer” to make this nomination at the last minute and he and his staff had no knowledge of the demolition con- cern until August. Nowhere in the city landmark regulations is there a time limit when a nomination can The Demolition on January 9, 2007 of the 1921, near perfect condition 1810 Whitley (seen in top be made. There was no response to photo) is an example of the city’s disregard for previously designated structures in the Hollywood how the legally binding designation Redevelopment area photos by Ted Otis of 1810 Whitley as a historic struc- ened with demolition, Hollywood The Cultural Heritage Commission ture, could be ignored or refuted. Heritage filed suit against the City of approved the nomination and sub- Again, our timing for the nomina- Los Angeles, the CRA, and Whitley mitted it to the city council for final tion base based on the city’s refusal Investment Group on April 5. approval. Located in Councilman to uphold the law as clearly laid out This problem came to a head with Tom LaBonge’s district (about 80 in the Redevelopment Plan and its the demolition of 1810 Whitley Av- feet north of Garcetti’s district), La- Environmental Impact Report. Even enue. Our last newsletter described Bonge made no commitment either so, Hollywood Heritage continued the history of the 1921 fourplex’s way during the process. During the to negotiate with Councilman La- protection under the Hollywood nomination and since January 2006, Bonge, and several conversations Redevelopment Plan. Despite this, LaBonge and his staff were notified. between us and his staff, as well as the CRA, with the support of, if not I personally told Tom of the planned the councilman, took place. We had following the lead of, City Attorney nomination at that time. Since Janu- pledged to work to find a buyer that could purchase the property and the Rocky Delgadillo (Ed Y­oung han- ary 2006, every written response to dles the CRA for the city attorney) the owner’s plans to demolish the continued on page 19

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007  Preservation News Earl Carroll, Madame Tussauds, Sears, Columbia Square, and More The Hollywood real estate market historic buildings or open space. Re- thy. They, on a whole as there have continues to put pressure on historic moving the density from these sites been voices of dissent, opposed any resources. The issues described in protects them as development pres- project that looks like it may have our lawsuit illustrate some of the sure is reduced. Facade easements a basis in the historic architecture problems caused by the develop- can be then more readily added for of Hollywood. Many developers ment surge. But the other problem additional protection. have presented quality projects to is the many variances given away to For now though, developers are the DRC only to have them stripped developers, especially when they are simply given the additional density of detail and merit. No Spanish, no given to make large scale, non-com- by the city. Density transfers would Streamline Moderne, no Art Deco, pliant projects possible. require paying the donor site’s own- no fantasy (such as the Chinese or These amount to taxpayer give- er compensation which would make Egyptian Theaters), etc. Witness aways. A developer will ask for historic preservation or open space their success with the Hollywood a variance to build a project 30% more economically viable. and Highland project, a bungled de- larger than allowed by code, then Almost every development in sign they approved and that cost the claim he has no subsidies. Y­et, Hollywood today demands a den- developers a $500 million loss, and compare it to The Grove at Farmer’s Market, built with a historic and fantasy context for its architecture and is a large financial success. Y­et the DRC still favors the design of Hollywood and Highland to the Grove; a design they would never approve in Hollywood.

continued on page  We Get Letters In Defense Of All The Sites Of Hollywood love Hollywood, I love Hollywood every variance issued for density sity bonus. Despite the extra stress IHeritage and all its mem- increases, setback reductions, park- on the city’s overburdened services bers because they protect the ing reductions, signage increases, this will cause, the city routinely magic and work creating eterni- etc. is a free gift from the city. Some approves these at no cost to the ben- of these gifts amount to millions efitting developer (although devel- ties. Congratulations Hollywood of dollars in subsidies, yet neither opers would point out that there are Heritage. This is a desire of Rodolfo the developer nor the city put a political costs to be met). Garavagno and his children. price tag on it. Also, the city almost Additionally, the problem with de- Rodolfo Garavagno never asks for anything in return sign has been going on for years as Trujuí, Moreno, Buenos Aires and when it does it is only a token the notorious Design Review Com- Argentina. amount. mittee (DRC) of the council office Hollywood Heritage member. There is a way to partially only favors modern design, prefer- mitigate this when densities are in- ring something of a 1970s vintage. Rodolfo has written us several em- creased. If a TFAR program were They have approved every attempt passioned letters stating his support in effect, as there was supposed to to design buildings that look like a from Buenos Aires. His much appre- be here 20 years ago, increases in box with holes cut in it, while block- ciated message has been truncated density would be transferred from ing anything with a historic sympa- due to space limitations. Ed.

 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 Essex Property Trust, the new developer, showed Hollywood Heri- tage its current plans this past Feb- ruary. It included housing in three different structures, two in the park- ing lot area and one on top of the theater. While the design was bet- ter than usual for Hollywood, and the height was limited to 6-stories, the structure over the theater was a problem. The supports would pro- trude into the auditorium; making it unusable as a performance space (the lobby was untouched). The auditorium would then be- come “creative office spaces.” Hollywood Heritage suggested that the “creative” part would be to redesign the housing to set it back and straddle the auditorium, thus preserving it for future use. Also the center building would require modi- An example of the lavish staging for the Earl Carroll Vanities fication, including the elimination of photo from the archives of The Hollywood Heritage Museum a large supergraphic billboard that Preservation Continued from page  here, the rest of the city’s plans were would overpower the theater and a The DRC has been given tremen- updated in the ’90s and are on their setback from the Earl Carroll. dous power in Hollywood by Coun- next update). To their credit, Essex had already cilman Garcetti. Power that should Below is a sample of projects cur- agreed to restore the 1938 façade, require full disclosure of its mem- rently being followed. Hollywood including the original neon designs bers and use of the Brown Act as Heritage thanks the many members and a new version of the famed is required by state law. The meet- of the community who also attend wall of signature blocks. They also ings are finally open now, but there the meetings to give their support agreed to review modifications to are other conditions that need to be and input. the center building and continue to met. Councilman Garcetti needs refine the overall design to be more Earl Carroll / Aquarius/ reflective of the Streamline Mod- to change the DRC membership so Nickelodeon Theater that its members respect the history erne era, which they were attempt- of Hollywood, not merely resulting his 1938 Streamline Moderne ing to do. Most importantly, they are in hack projects, lost opportunities, Tclassic has had a rich history reviewing the structure above the in many incarnations. For the past and financial blunders, as is its cur- auditorium so as to preserve the the- several years the Nickelodeon chil- rent legacy. ater as a theater per our request. dren’s television network has been These are some of the reasons It is still early on in the project de- using the auditorium area as a sound why Hollywood Heritage attends sign phase and we hope future plans stage. The elaborate lobby has been 25-30 public meetings, hearings and will reflect the modifications as carefully restored during this time neighborhood council meetings, presented by Hollywood Heritage. each month. Plus meetings with city by them while the auditorium and Essex agreed to this review of these officials and developers. Written exterior remain as they found them. changes as we stressed that these responses are frequently made and Last year the property changed would be necessary for any approval most are on the web site. At pres- hands with plans for a housing by Hollywood Heritage. ent, we are involved with watching development on the site, which in- A brief history of the theater. It over 32 projects in Hollywood, plus cludes a parking lot. Early on, even began as the home of the Earl Car- numerous plans and studies includ- before the sale, we reaffirmed to roll Vanities from 1938 to 1952 and ing the Hollywood General Plan City Councilman Garcetti and the included an 80 ft wide stage with update, which is now over 10 years CRA that the building needed to be two revolving platforms (still there late (Reagan was president when the protected whatever developed, and today). Next came Frank Sennes’ we were told this would occur. last General Plan update was done continued on page 10

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007  City Defies U.S. Supreme Court Signage Wars Continue by Robert W. Nudelman audacity though. This concerned which is fine. he most frequent complaint we the V-shaped supergraphic struc- Somehow though, all this is de- Thear at Hollywood Heritage ture that would be built on top pendent on getting the larger signs. concerns the proliferation of bill- of the 3-story 7 Seas Restaurant The price of the land was reported board size and larger signs in building, also known as the Eddie by the Los Angeles Times to be $35 Hollywood. They cover historic Nash Building today after its color- million, which I believe is only and non-historic structures includ- ful current owner. Nash is selling slightly above the actual cost. The ing several contributing buildings the 1920 building to CIM Group, cost and revenue of the expanded to the National Register Historic Hollywood’s #1 sign peddlers, as building and the large scale project District. Only in Hollywood is this well as its largest property owners. planned in back would all somehow allowed and it is actually encour- The building currently has a large collapse if the additional signage aged by the city through the many billboard on it that is 25’ tall x 60’ was not granted. As Hollywood long. Heritage stated in a previous hear- This was not enough ing on this sign, if a project of this for CIM though. The size and cost (this represents an in- proposed new ones are vestment of well over $100 million) to be 60’ tall includ- will not be able to proceed without ing the frame, with the the additional signage, then it’s an actual sign panel 50’ excessively shaky financial deal and tall, while the height of the building is only 48’. The sign complex would be equivalent of over 40% of the building’s length. In other words it was overpowering the Na- tional Register Historic A Non-permitted Supergraphics sign covering the second and third District building. The floors of the Eddie Nash building (7 Seas) with current billboard on proposed sign would top photo by Marc Wanamaker cover approximately 4, variances granted or by the lack of 958 sq. ft. while the existing one is enforcement of weak codes by City 1,625 sq. ft. Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. CIM does plan to restore the fa- As recently stated in the Los cade of the building after the pur- Angeles Daily News, Delgadillo’s chase, which is good news. But the 2001 election campaign received current blighted look of the building Supergraphic sign wrapped around the Security $400,000 in donated billboards from is due to the city’s refusal to enforce Trust Tower at Hollywood and Highland sign companies. So, of course, he is codes that would force the owner to photo by Marc Wanamaker reluctant to enforce the city codes. clean up his building. Also, CIM is CIM cannot afford to go forward. His office even signed off on the buying the building which includes As bizarre as this scenario sounds, massive wraparound supergraphic the parking lot behind it. They have it was the argument made at the covering the 1928 Security Trust approvals from the CRA to move April 10 hearing. It was the one Tower at Hollywood and Highland forward on plans to build 250,000 used by the Hollywood Chamber of after the CRA and Cultural Heritage square feet of office and retail space Commerce in its post-hearing notifi- Department (it is a city landmark) in the back on this lot and others to cation to its members as to why they turned it down. But that’s what still be obtained. They are expand- supported it. friends are for. ing the back of the existing build- What makes this different though The April 10 Central Area Plan- ing to add thousands of square feet is that the staff report hammered ning Commission set a record for of new space for office and retail, the project, and they continued to continued on page 31

 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 1907-2007 Celebrate With Us As Wattles Mansion Turns 100 by Stephen X. Sylvester es it’s true; believe it or not, this Y­year the Wattles Mansion is cel- ebrating its one hundredth birthday! For the preservation minded, the fact that ANY­ building in Los Angeles would survive a century is hard to fathom. And for Hollywood Heritage members and those who know the rollercoaster history of the Wattles Mansion, the fact that it has not only just survived but is currently thriv- ing, is no less than a miracle. Past issues of this newsletter have gone into great detail on the Postcard image of “Jualita” as the Wattles Mansion was know property’s trials and tribulations. photo from the Hollywood Heritage Museum archive The winter 2002 issue contained the funding for all city projects. many good times, many bad times entire historic report on the property As the property awaited its un- and most importantly, an appropri- funded by a grant from the J. Paul known fate, it was often abandoned ate Hollywood style happy ending. Getty Preserve L.A. program. The and unkempt, which only increased On Sunday, June 3, 2007, from September 2006 issue contained the vandalism and graffiti in the 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Hollywood Part One of Allan R. Ellenberger’s gardens and house. Likewise, the Heritage is hosting a classic birth- article on Gurdon Wallace Wattles. easy access to the house interior day party for our beloved Wattles Back in 1907, the dream home of greatly increased the odds of one Mansion and Gardens. The day will Gurdon W. Wattles was a South- of the many squatters starting a include great music by Art Deco, a ern California showplace, even fire and sealing the property’s fate car display from the Model T Ford prominently featured in Hollywood for good. The ultimate survival of Club of Southern California, Silent Chamber of Commerce literature. this landmark started purely by Auction, great food, beverages, But with the Crash of ’29, the fami- chance when Hollywood Heritage desserts and birthday cake, lots of ly’s fortunes dwindled and so began Inc. founder Marian Gibbons was fun and many surprises. During a slow and steady decline of the driving around the Hollywood Hills the festivities, we plan to honor mansion and gardens. When Gurdon and discovered this diamond in the other selected historical landmarks. Wattles Jr. sold the property to the rough. She quickly contacted fel- Those currently being considered City of Los Angeles in 1969, the city low Hollywood Heritage, Inc. board are Y­amishiro Restaurant, the ultimately had full reign to do with member Fran Offenhauser who Magic Castle, Bob Barker’s original the property whatever it wanted. spent countless hours writing a re- Outpost Estates residence and the They had no plans for restoring the sponse to the Request for Proposals American Society of Cinematogra- house or gardens. Moreover, at one (RFP). Once Hollywood Heritage phers clubhouse. point the plans called for the house was awarded the lease from the City A “Save the Date” card has been and gardens to be demolished, the of Los Angeles, their army of vol- sent to the membership at the begin- land leveled and several playing unteers went to work. After a great ning of the year. A formal invitation fields taking their place. The pas- deal of effort and generous material will be mailed shortly and there sage of Proposition 13 helped to and plant donations, the road to re- will be a limited amount of tickets keep this grotesque scenario from covery was well on its way. available. Make your plans now and becoming a reality. The bill, passed Now is the time to celebrate this tell your friends. Let’s all make this overwhelming by the voters, cut glorious milestone. Heartfelt cheers event one to remember! property taxes which in turn cut to one hundred years that have seen continued on page 31

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007  Preservation Continued from page  nearby locations to move the homes class design of the era and from to where they would be preserved. aerial photos appeared to be the first Moulin Rouge Theater and Restau- One is to go to an empty lot on multi-family units in the area (which rant, where a frequent act was the LaBaig Avenue, a block away, to was mostly farm land at the time). Will Mastin Trio, featuring an up- provide infill housing in the his- By 1916 the movie studios were coming young star, Sammy Davis, toric area. The others are still being opening in this part of Hollywood Jr. Sennes and his director Donn planned for but the owners have with Clune’s (now Raleigh) and Arden would bring their version of agreed to preserve and move them Brunton (now Paramount) both Hollywood to Las Vegas by 1960, before starting new construction. within a couple of blocks of the forever reinventing the Vegas stage Though Hollywood Heritage Camerford bungalows. It could be show, based on their work here. As would have preferred that they re- strongly assumed that the housing the Aquarius Theater in the mid main on-site, the CRA’s guidelines was for the newly arriving studio 1960s to the early 1970s, it featured do allow for relocation as a means of workers in the area, as that was the many of the great rock and roll preservation. Thanks to Hollywood only business there. The design was bands of the era, and was the Los Heritage’s challenge of the CRA’s similar to the Clune’s Studio build- Angeles venue for the play, Hair. approval, these historic homes will ings (1915) that are still there today. Television shows produced there be saved. But this should have been By 1920 the area had boomed and ranged from Queen for a Day to done automatically as the law pro- the bean fields sprouted housing. Hullabaloo. By the 1970s and ’80s it vides, instead of being dependent But this bungalow development was was off and on used for live theater. on our vigilance. Carlton Way has the oldest in the neighborhood. In the 1990s Nickelodeon took over been stripped of its many historic The developers, Watt Genton, re- for its current use as a television buildings, under the city attorney’s fused to protect the bungalows and studio. The theater can currently be reversing of historic statutes. Only yet another “report” was prepared to seen as the interior of Studio 60 on through the threat of federal in- say that they were not historic. The the Sunset Strip, while the exterior tervention did things change here. reasons given were that these were on that show is the Palladium across ­Others though, continue to fall not great examples of Craftsman the street. through the cracks and are reduced architecture. They weren’t, but their 6000 Carlton Way to rubble including a “protected” age, the number (19 bungalows) and n the cover of our last issue, we bungalow courtyard across the importance as working class hous- Ohighlighted five structures; four street from these homes. ing (a level of significance strongly houses pre 1915 and one four-plex We do applaud the fact that the supported today by the National apartment building from 1915 that Donovans did agree to comply and Register) made them unique historic were to be demolished. These had protect the homes. But the city treasures in Hollywood. all received federal funds through needs to do its job as not all such To protect the structures from de- FEMA for restoration after the 1994 cases have a happy ending. molition either on site or by reloca- Northridge earthquake and were in Camerford Bungalows tion, Hollywood Heritage nominated very good condition. They backed his unique grouping of mostly the group as a City Historic/Cul- up to another group of similar hous- T1916 bungalows started as tural Landmark. Brought to our at- es on LaBaig Avenue that also had an L-shaped courtyard. By 1939, tention by Doug Haines, an ardent received FEMA funds, all due to similar Craftsman styled bungalows, preservationist for historic neigh- their historic significance. some two-stories, were added fill- borhoods, he wrote the nomination The CRA had the developer pre- ing in and expanding the “village” with Robert W. Nudelman and Dave pare another historic report saying of homes. Several large trees and a Monks. Special thanks to Jay Platt these homes were not significant, number of fruit trees decorated the of the Los Angeles Conservancy for despite the federal acknowledge- complex. adding excellent comments to the ment, and approved their demoli- The interiors were original, if non- nomination. A letter of support from tion for a new housing project. descript, and the exteriors were in Hollywood Heritage board mem- Hollywood Heritage challenged the very good condition. But as with too ber Christy McAvoy dealt with the CRA’s findings and the then poten- many such structures in Hollywood, importance of preserving working tial violations of federal law. Finally, their days were numbered. A large class housing, and Hollywood Heri- the CRA reversed their position and scale residential and retail project tage president Marc Wanamaker held off the demolition as a result of was planned to cover this site and provided historic aerial photos of our challenge. the rest of the block to Melrose Av- the area and a letter of support in his The owners, Maripat Donovan enue (a block west of Gower Street). position as historian for Paramount and her sister agreed to find other The housing was a typical working and Raleigh studios. Jay’s testimony

10 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 and that of longtime Hollywood The Sears Project Bell, was roundly opposed by the Neighborhood Council and not even Heritage supporter Ed Hunt added ears, Roebuck and Company liked by the architects, but the DRC to the hearing. opened, with great fanfare, a de- S found favor with it. Despite all of the evidence pre- partment at Santa Monica Boulevard Lead by the Neighborhood Coun- sented, the nomination failed. But and Western Avenue in 1928. Sears cil and Hollywood Heritage’s sup- not until after one of, if not the, is still there today, although the port of the first plan, a third design longest debates in the history of the Spanish-style building was stuccoed was prepared, a compromise move Cultural Heritage Commission. For over into a non-descript box in the toward the original plan, but still not 25 minutes (not including the vari- early 1970s. Now the surround- as good. But to get the councilman’s ous presentations) the commission ing parking lots and a few adjacent approval, this de facto commission anguished over the nomination, with commercial structures are to be had to sign off, and it finally did a final vote of 3-1. The nomination removed for another housing and re- on the compromise. Though not and debate did finally cause the tail complex over this 2-block area. the quite level of quality originally commission and staff to re-evalu- Though not in the original ver- planned for by the developer, at least ate how they look at working class sion of the project the developer, the architectural “dumbing down” housing in the future. Continental Development Group, of the project was minimized. And, This housing is is the most en- now plans to remove the stucco and the historic Sears building will once dangered in Los Angeles and Cam- restore the historic department store again anchor the neighborhood. erford may be the one that landed facade, with new storefront window on the barbed wire so that future design (the originals were removed). The Old Spaghetti Factory nominations will be approached Sears may or may not remain for hen last discussed, the previ- with more importance. It was an im- long at one of their oldest stores, but Wous developer had proposed a portant debate to prevent, hopefully, the plan is to keep the structure for 12-story residential building located future demolitions of this increas- retail use. over the one story 1924 landmark. ingly rare type of architecture. The other concern was the sur- The front section of the building’s It is not clear whether the nomi- rounding development. The original original interior and exterior would nation would have passed had the design by architect Gensler Associ- be restored and reused for retail. commission approved it. Council- ates was an exotic Spanish-style While this was not perfect, it did man Garcetti supported the new complex, much better than the usual protect all historic parts of the build- project and refused to comment on tripe submitted for development in ing, albeit overpowering it with the the nomination (his deputy was at Hollywood. But as with all good new structure. The original plan pre- the meeting). As expected though, plans, Councilman Garcetti’s De- sented to Hollywood Heritage and within a few days the 19 bungalows, sign Review Committee did not like approved by the CRA and the city and over 40 mature trees were de- the “historic” design, and had a new was to demolish the entire historic molished. The new project has yet to plan done, removing the architectur- structure. receive its approvals. al details. The new plan, not quite The property was sold late last up to the design standards of a Taco continued on page 12

The current Old Spaghetti Factory Building as it looked when it was the home of CBS’ KNX radio from 1932 to 1938 photo courtesy of Marc Wanamaker/Bison Archive

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 11 Preservation Continued from page 11 Gene Autry’s ownership up to the Clarett Group for a proposed resi- year to a new developer for a mixed Spaghetti Factory. While good in- dential and retail project on the site. use project. Though the developer, tentions were there, the new project The proposal resulted in plans for Gerding Edlen, agreed to honor the is too much of the wrong design. eight apartment buildings, contain- commitment to restore the historic There is a problem of any struc- ing a total of 1042 units, includ- section of the building (the back 2/3 ture of this size on Sunset Boule- ing 100 designated as affordable, were gutted out and/or replaced in vard given the tremendous problems with no government subsidy. The 1973), the new project was consider- with traffic there now and the 3000 ground floor would include 175,000 ably larger at 23-stories. This would new housing units scheduled within square feet of retail space focusing make it the tallest building in Holly- 3-4 blocks of this site, plus the over on neighborhood uses. They also wood, with one floor of retail, two 1.5 million plus square feet of com- agreed to cap the height to a maxi- floors of office space, and 20 stories mercial development. All of this and mum of six stories and build all with 311 condos. much more farther down the street parking underground, including the Different design treatments were is proposed without any compre- code requirements for the housing, attempted to alleviate the impact. hensive or cumulative planning for new retail, and the Pantages. With However, on a “modern” glass struc- development or traffic. This is not the exception of a few non-historic ture, as proposed, the Spanish style all the developer’s fault. Council- structures, the land today is parking historic façade with columns and man Garcetti favors such large-scale lots. tiled room would be dwarfed and projects and his staff even opposes The CRA and Councilman Gar- out of place. It appeared as though the restoration of this landmark cetti have been battling this project the new building had accidentally structure, favoring its demolition since its announcement. While some landed on the site and stepped on its instead. This type of reasoning is a worthwhile design comments were historic neighbor. Try as they might, perfect example of why Hollywood requested and incorporated, their the size and design of the new build- Heritage has filed its lawsuit: 1) to preference is for taller structures ing was simply, and obviously, in- enforce historic landmark protec- and office space. The inclusions of compatible with the old. tions; 2) to provide sound plan- additional space for office use would Hollywood Heritage appreciates ning; 3) to give developers and the require subsidies as the market is the agreement to save and restore community a clear set of rules and currently not there. The shortage the historic structure, which housed guidelines to work from and not al- for that is more the fault of the city the original Hollywood Museum lowing planning and development for encouraging the conversions of (1928-32) as well as CBS/KNX’s ra- to be determined by the whim of several Hollywood office buildings dio studio in Hollywood (1932-38), the councilperson or any other indi- into housing. The city’s planning, the Max Reinhardt School of Act- vidual. not Clarett’s, created the problem. ing, followed by KMPC radio and Hopefully a more sympathetic and The city also wants a reduction of realistic project will result that is parking which the Nederlanders re- viable and legal for all sides despite fused to do so as to avoid negatively Councilman Garcetti’s unfortunate impacting the neighbors and the position. Pantages Theater, and Hollywood The Clarett / Nederlander Heritage is in full support their de- Project cision. overing approximately four The city is also absolutely crazed Cblocks to the east of Argyle about creating a view corridor Avenue on both sides of Hollywood from Hollywood Boulevard to the Boulevard, this new project is landmark Little Country Church, anchored by the 1930 Pantages one block north on Argyle, even Theater. The theater’s operator and though landscaping would block principal owner, the Nederlander much of the view. Councilman Company is one of the world’s most Garcetti’s “reason” for this is a ref- prominent producer/promoters of erence to the corridor in the 1993 theater and concert productions. draft Hollywood Boulevard Urban For 30 years they have been as- Design Guidelines. This is the first, sembling land on these blocks for a and only, attempt made to enforce development that has had numerous any part of the guidelines, which has never gone to city council for partners and plans. In 2006 they Call (323) 465-6716 approval in 14 years. No other ele- to book your tour partnered with the New Y­ork based

12 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 ments are being enforced here or all this development intensity re- than the original plan, but this ver- anywhere else, an example of selec- sulted in a plan that would demolish sion would eliminate or negatively tive enforcement at its best. Plans almost the entire studio built prior impact almost all of the historic to reduce the height of the project to 1958. Only sections of the stu- elements of the studio. Hollywood near historic housing were agreed dio’s landmark two story buildings Heritage and the Los Angeles Con- to by cutting it from 45 to 30 feet; that make up its façade along Santa servancy argued this at the plan- but the councilman and CRA refuse Monica Boulevard and Formosa ning commission meeting and were to enforce or even suggest such de- Avenue would remain, all pre-1958 supported by several members of mands at any other location near or buildings in the studio would be de- the audience who also spoke. The next to historic residences. More to molished. commission still voted 4-2 to move the point, these homes being cited as New owners purchased the facil- forward with a final vote to be at the the reason for a change in plans are ity in 1999 and with it, the entitle- West Hollywood City Council. currently exempt from any historic ments. Plans were redone and a Hollywood Heritage and the Los preservation protections according new submittal was made this year, Angeles Conservancy both sup- to the CRA and city attorney, and requiring new hearings in March ported expansion of the facility and could be demolished if their owners at the West Hollywood Planning appreciate the constraints on the stu- decide to put in their own 45 foot Commission. The revised plan did dio. We felt a more appropriate de- tall housing project. save one historic structure, the pre sign could be achieved to have less Once again, this demonstrates the 1930 Mill Building, and parts of the impact on streetwall buildings (the reasons for our lawsuit: 1) enforce- façade structures. Some would be vote was on massing and location ment of design plans, for all relevant demolished except for their façade, of the construction, not on its final projects; 2) enforcement of historic some partially demolished and some appearance, through we were told it preservation regulations. The Clar- saved. A five to six story modern would not be similar to the Spanish ett Group project is not a perfect structure, probably glass, would be style buildings there now). design. Some parts look better than built just behind all surviving ele- The next step is for the city coun- others. But the scale and parking ments, blocking off the back side cil. This is West Hollywood’s most are fine and design issues are more and towering over the 1920s offices. historic site and building. The 1993 a problem of compromises due to a The three 1928 soundstages, the project was proposed before the city lack of direction rather than the skill Pickford Building, the Fairbanks had an historic preservation com- of the developer and architect. mission, and agree- Pickford-Fairbanks Studio / ments were made so Samuel Goldwyn Studio / that they could not Warner Hollywood Studio / interfere with the The Lot project’s approval, aught in a battle between pres- leaving that task to Cervation and “modernization” Hollywood Heritage is one of Hollywood’s oldest stu- and the Los Angeles dios, now known as “The Lot.” The Conservancy. As this studio’s owners in 1993, Warner is the site where the Brothers, obtained a number of Pickford-Fairbanks development entitlements that al- Studio, the United lowed for substantial expansion Artists Studio, the of the eleven acre lot’s facilities Building (both c. 1930), and the Samuel Goldwyn Studio, and the to primarily office space. Further administration building (c. 1925) Warner Hollywood Studio were all pressure was put on The Lot when would be demolished. The project located, a tremendous amount of the city of West Hollywood emi- would take place in three phases Hollywood history is at stake. The nent domained property adjacent to over 12 years as currently planned, plan to demolish almost all of what the studio for the Gateway project starting with the façade structures little remains, especially the last his- at Santa Monica Boulevard and and finishing with the replacement toric soundstages (still in use today), LaBrea Avenue (The Lot is located of the soundstages. No other sound- could not go unchallenged. Hope- in West Hollywood, two blocks from stages exist from prior to 1958 on fully the owners will modify plans Hollywood). the site since two devastating fires so as to protect more of the history The city allowed the parking burned them down. that has been entrusted to them. structure planned for that site to also Admittedly, the current develop- This will still allow for The Lot to er’s plans are slightly less damaging be built in the studio site. Eventually continued on page 22

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 13 California’s Premier Historic Preservation Conference Goes HOLLYWOOD in 2007 ollywood…. it’s a place, it’s historic preservation in California. tage of “Hollywood” – from Ha state of mind and in 2007 it CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS the world-famous Hollywood takes center stage as the host loca- More than 50 sessions on key issues Boulevard and its vast resources, tion of the 32nd Annual California facing California’s historic, cultural, to the historic film studios and Preservation Conference. The and natural resources. This year’s museums, to historic Hollywood state’s premier historic preservation Educational Tracks include: homes including a troika of conference will be held from May • Hollywood: A Theater for Preserva- Frank Lloyd Wright-designed 3 to May 6, 2007. The California tion; What is Old is New: Concep- landmarks. Preservation Foundation, in part- tualizing A Remake (Adaptive Reuse) • Special Events - functions that are nership with Hollywood Heritage, Modern Masters on the Red Carpet social in nature and held in fa- Hollywood Arts Council, (Modernism) Acting Together to Pro- mous historic venues. Hollywood Business Improvement tect the Past (Legal/Advocacy) The Conference headquarters and District, Hollywood Chamber • On Location: Cultural Landscape attendee lodging will be at the his- of Commerce, and the Office of Makes the ‘A’ List toric Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a Historic Preservation - California • Tours and mobile workshops that 1927 local landmark rehabilitated State Parks, will host this four-day highlight California’s unique in 2005. The history and allure of Conference spotlighting the best of architectural and cultural heri- Hollywood linger here and it is a luxurious treat for accommodations, especially with the special CPF Conference room discount. Registration and conference in- formation is available at www.cali- forniapreservation.org or at (415) 495-0349. Register for the entire Conference, a single day’s activi- ties or special events. Registration runs through April. Membership in California Preservation Foundation has its discount privileges; join as a President’s Circle Member and re- ceive a complimentary Conference registration. The California Preservation Foundation, founded in 1976, is California’s only statewide non- profit historic preservation educa- tion, advocacy and membership organization. It is the mission of the California Preservation Founda- tion to educate and advocate for the preservation of California’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage. Hollywood Heritage is a co-spon- sor of the conference. Events will take place throughout Hollywood, including the Hollywood Heritage Museum and Wattles Mansion. Several Hollywood Heritage board members and directors will be Historic postcard image of the landmark Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, site of this year’s CPF speaking at this conference. Conference postcard from the archives of the Hollywood Heritage Museum

14 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 est interest Part Twol centers in the locations on GURDON WALLACE WATTLES the hills. Of By Allan R. Ellenberger year, the Municipal Bond Company course, those rom Gurdon, Jr.’s birth until bought out Wattles and he became who visit FWattles’ death, a governess their Chairman, a position he held the property was always near the child. In 1900 until his death. have a won- the son of Edward Cudahy, a good By the mid-1920s, much of Holly- derful exam- friend of Wattles, had been kid- wood was built up, with little open ple of what napped in Omaha for $25,000 ran- land for expansion. Even so, in 1924 can be done som. Since then, Wattles had feared Wattles invested in a new subdivi- with such a kidnapping attempt on his own sion that he developed at the north terrain when they see the landscap- children, so the governess was con- end of Curson Avenue, just border- ing of the Wattles Gardens which stantly at Gurdon, Jr.’s side. ing his gardens. Announcements lies immediately next to the Wattles In January 1922, Wattles an- proclaimed Wattles Park as the Park.” nounced that he was resigning his “Garden spot of Hollywood’s famed In 1925, Wattles brother Chaunc- positions as Chairman of the Board foothills.” Advertising played on ey and his family moved to Los of Directors of the United States Na- this, noting that Wattles Park was Angeles. Betty Brill, Chauncey’s tional Bank and the Council Bluffs “held from the market as a private granddaughter, was around young Street Railway Company. He said estate, while many have sought sim- Gurdon’s age, and recalled that her that the health of his son compelled ilar property farther away from the uncle was always close to his fam- them to move to a milder climate, center of Hollywood.” ily. so they would make Hollywood Extensive development and im- “My uncle was a great gentle- their home. However, Arabella con- provements were completed along man, always,” Betty recalled. “I tradicts this, believing there was a Curson Avenue, which now extend- remember how he loved to sit in his deeper, more private reason for the ed through the property. On a rainy chair beside the fireplace and play move. Sunday in February, 1925, individ- solitaire in the evening. He was also “What he always told my father,” Arabella recalled, “was that being elderly, he did not want to be in a place where the seasons changed and be reminded of the passage of time. Obviously, Southern Califor- nia’s climate wasn’t going to remind him of how old he was getting.” Although technically retired, Wat- tles continued to serve as a director on the boards of the Chicago Great Western Railway and the Farm- ers’ and Merchants National Bank, and also acted as an associate at the California Institute of Technol- ogy. To pass his time, he wrote his autobiography and had it privately published, giving out signed copies to his friends and family. When boredom set in, Wattles decided to go back to work. In Janu- ary 1923, he joined with Henry W. ual lots, priced at $3,000 to $7,500, very exacting. If dinner was not Keller to form the Keller-Wattles were made available for viewing by called at 6 o’clock, he would sim- Company, a municipal bonds busi- F. K. Hiller, general manager for ply go into the dining room and sit ness with offices in downtown Los Wattles Park. down and wait.” Angeles at the Pacific Mutual Build- “The topography of the land al- Jualita was also the site of many ing. In September of the following lows plotting of several level sites,” garden parties and family gather- Hiller explained. “By far the great- ings over the years. “During my

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 15 father’s childhood in the 20s,” we would roll down the grass hill in In recent years, many weddings Arabella said, “they would have front of the house – all the way from have taken place at Wattles Man- these garden parties with many the top to the bottom.” sion; however, the first marriage to people who were elderly. And tea Raising young Gurdon required dignify these gardens was that of and punch or something like that nearly all of Julia’s energy; still, she Wattles’ daughter, Margaret Eliza- would be served with little dainties found time for socials and chari- beth, to Glen Llewellyn Ritter of on pastel covered tables out in the ties. Her name often appeared in the San Francisco. The nuptials took lower garden – what they called the society columns in connection with place as the sun was setting on July Spanish garden. That was how they various works including volunteer 3, 1928 in the Spanish gardens. Dr. entertained.” duties at the Los Angeles Philhar- Charles F. Aked presided over the However, there was one group that monic, the Hollywood Bowl, Wom- ceremony. that was never invited to Jualita: en’s Athletic Club, the Town and As the Hollywood Trio played, film industry people. Wattles’ gen- Gown Club, and the Opera Guild of and a soloist sang “Because,” the eration and background would have Southern California. bridal entourage, led by eight-year precluded him from associating with One of Julia’s pet projects was the old Gurdon Jr. and his cousin, Bar- actors and actresses, since they were Bureau of Vocational Service, where bara Brown, passed through an not in the same social class. she served as president for several aisle of flowers to an altar of white “No, my Grandfather would have years. The Bureau, whose annual dahlias and gladioli, played against played golf with people who were meetings were held at Jualita, gave a backdrop of ferns and potted business leaders, but not anyone professional counsel and guidance plants with many tall lighted white connected with the film industry,” to girls and women. During Julia’s candles. Arabella said. “Being from the Mid- six-year term (1927-1933) as presi- Mary Louise took her own walk west, he thought actors were one dent, they helped some 6,000 girls down the aisle with Wilson Dun- step away from prostitutes and gigo- and women to earn a livelihood. lap Bryans of Omaha on June 3, los and you just did not associate “Our sole aim is to help unemployed 1930. The ceremony, performed by with people like that.” women and to create jobs for them, Rev. C. Rankin Barnes of South One can only speculate what his if possible,” she said. Pasadena, took place in the third of thoughts were when one of the fast- Wattles had prospered in his busi- Jualita’s terraced gardens. The brid- est rising stars in Hollywood moved ness dealings, but when the Stock al party strolled through the Span- into the house across Hollywood Market crashed in 1929 he lost ish and Italian gardens to the Love Boulevard. From 1923 to 1926, Clara much his fortune. “They never had Temple in the California Garden Bow would be Wattles’ neighbor. the money that they had before the banked with Easter lilies and ferns. However, years after Wattles crash,” Betty remembered. “The The gardens continued to be a death, Julia made an exception for Municipal Bond Company had all source of enjoyment to Wattles, who another neighbor, Charles Laughton the utilities for the city of San Cle- would leisurely walk about at almost and Elsa Lancaster who, for many mente – the street bonds, the lights, exactly eight o’clock any morn- years, lived across Curson Avenue. sewers, everything. When San ing. Visitors were admitted free of “They became good friends,” Betty Clemente went down the drain, the charge to the gardens on Tuesdays recalled. “The Laughtons were well bond company, all of my family’s from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. On any given educated people and she enjoyed money and most of the Wattles mon- day, as many as 1,500 visitors would them, but apart from them, I never ey went with it.” walk through those gates. “We gave knew her to associate with anyone Even so, the crash did not end them a souvenir,” Julia later re- who was involved with the film in- Wattles’ charitable interests. For called, “avocados from our grove or dustry.” years, he gave generously to a stu- oranges, when they were in season.” Wattles’ somewhat old-fashioned dent loan fund at his old school, Inscribed on a tablet at the west expectations regarding the behavior Iowa State College. His contribu- entrance gate was this admonition: of others extended even to young tions to aid deserving students over “Someone loves this garden and has children. Although he adored his son, the years amounted to $10,000. He lent it to you. Please respect this Gurdon had to knuckle down and be- also remembered his boyhood home, kindness and leave it as beautiful as have himself as did all the children. Glidden, Iowa, when he returned you find it.” However, as kids usually do, Gurdon there in July, 1931. The old school The estate now comprised fifty- and Betty would find ways to have grounds were made into a park and two acres, about thirty of which was fun. “As young children we would Wattles gave $500 to the fund. In mountainous and unimproved. The run up and down the stairs under appreciation, the park was named gardens contained nearly twenty the arbor,” Betty recalled. “Then “Gurdon Wattles Park.”. acres, sloping gently down from the

16 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 mountains north of them to Holly- father lay dying. Although a doctor for their benefit. Various nephews wood Boulevard. Several acres was called, he arrived too late. Gur- and nieces also received $1,000; fronting on the Boulevard were set don Wallace Wattles passed away brother Chauncey and his sister Car- aside for citrus and other fruit trees. from a heart attack at 4:50 p.m. He olyn were to receive $200 dollars a A high woven-wire fence, covered was seventy-six years old. month. The residue of the estate was with climbing roses, enclosed the Wattles’ death deeply affected willed to the Gurdon W. Wattles orchard. Across the street was a cut- his son. Gurdon, Jr. would later Company, Ltd. with Julia named as ting garden used only for flowers for recognize the death of his father as executrix without bond. Jualita and the house. the worst day of his life. “So much its gardens were left to Julia and With his daughters now married so, I think that it hastened his own Gurdon Jr. and on their own, Wattles’ atten- death,” Arabella said. “Because his After Wattles’ death, life went tion now focused on Julia and their father died son. There is no question that young at seventy- Gurdon was the apple of his father’s six, I don’t eye. With his first wife Jennie unable believe he to have more children, Wattles had wanted to felt for much of his life that he would live past never have a son to bear his name. his father’s “I yearned for someone of my own life span, blood to inherit the business I had and he died established,” Wattles wrote. “To car- at age sev- ry on the charitable and civic enter- enty-five.” prises for the help of our fellow men, Funeral and to continue the development of services Jualita for the joy of creating beauty for Gurdon in the world, someone who would Wattles feel the moral uplift of the flowers, were held the mountains, the songbirds, and on February the liveliness of nature.” 3 at his be- Even though love was the basis loved Jualita. Offices of the Munici- on at Jualita. Julia continued her of Wattles marriage, their bond pal Bond Company were closed that involvement with social events, al- changed after the birth of Gurdon, day. Dr. George Davidson, rector of though not as avidly as when Wattles Jr. – his attention now turned to his St. John’s Episcopal Church offici- was living. Julia never remarried son. These changes, whether inten- ated at the services which were held simply because inheriting Jualita was tional or not, were hard for Julia to in the front room of the house. The a huge responsibility and she didn’t accept. “I think she was so hurt and honorary pallbearers, selected from want anything to interfere with that disappointed and in someway her a list of civic leaders, included Bel- or with her devotion to her son. heart was broken,” Arabella said. Air founder, Alphonzo E. Bell; John Gurdon, Jr., attended Hollywood “She had given up her whole life G. Bullock of Bullocks Department High School, where he graduated to marry this man and they’d had a Store; The Los Angeles Times, Har- a year early. Afterwards, Gurdon wonderful two years together before ry Chandler; meat packing magnate, and his mother went on a tour of this kid comes along. And although Edward A. Cudahy; Culver City Europe where he took his SATs in she loved her son, my grandfather founder, Harry H. Culver, and Gen. Berlin. On their return, he attended was unreasoningly attached to him M. H. Sherman, founder of Sher- college at Harvard, majored in clas- and probably ignored my grand- man Oaks. Afterward, in a private sics, and graduated summa cum mother more than he should have.” service, Wattles was buried in the laude in 1942. On Saturday morning, January 30, Whispering Pines section of Forest Gurdon’s flat feet and heart mur- 1932, Wattles had gone to his office Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. mur prevented him from enlisting at the Municipal Bond Company When his will was filed in probate during World War II. However, the and later attended a lunch with Julia a week later, it revealed that Wattles military needed scholars to learn at the home of friends. The follow- left a considerable estate consisting Japanese, so Gurdon was encour- ing day, Wattles was alone with his of stocks, bonds, and cash. Daugh- aged to join the Navy. He attended son in the library when he suddenly ters Margaret Wattles Ritter and language school in Boulder, Colo- became ill around 3:30 p.m. Gur- Mary Wattles Bryan each received rado, learning Japanese in a few don, Jr., watched helplessly as his $1,000 each, with trust funds set up months. He became an officer, serv-

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 17 ing in the South Pacific, where time, no one could afford to keep Wattles died in the same room her he translated diaries of captured the property as it was originally de- husband had, forty-five years earlier. Japanese soldiers and interrogated signed.” A few days later Julia was buried prisoners of war. Vandals destroyed the lighting, next to Gurdon at Forest Lawn and After the war he thought of be- smashed the elaborate urns and in- later there was a luncheon at Jualita ing a professor of classics but real- flicted chaos on the grounds despite for family and friends. ized he didn’t have the patience to the gates and guards. Even the deer It was now up to Gurdon, Jr. to put teach. Because his father raised from nearby mountains joined in the his mother’s estate in order. In her him to contribute to society, he devastation. The Japanese teahouse will, Julia left Mary and Margaret decided to go to law school, and became rickety and dangerous to a small legacy; however Gurdon returned to Harvard. “That idea of enter. The further back into the can- did not feel it was enough, so he in- public service was passed down yon, the worse it became. vited them to come to the house and through my father to me,” Ara- Upkeep of the house became in- choose from items there. bella said. “Both my father and I creasingly difficult, and the city had “There were all kinds of things have been lawyers but we’ve also its eye on the property for use as a that they had been clearly think- worked for the public.” public park. Julia became embit- ing about for fifty years,” Arabella After earning an LL.B degree, tered by the city’s attempt to use said. “Mary was intent on having a he clerked for a while with a judge eminent domain by condemning music box that had been in my fa- who did international work before part of the land for sewer lines in the ther’s room which he had an attach- accepting employment at the United late 1950s. Arabella believes the city ment to because his father would Nations, prompting his move to gave Julia an ultimatum. “I think turn it on when he went to sleep. New Y­ork. Much to his mother’s they told my grandmother, ‘look, But Mary wanted it so my father disappointment, Gurdon never we want this (property) for a park gave it to her.” again lived at Jualita. so we’re either going to exercise our Many in the family felt that Mary Even though the crash consumed right to eminent domain or we can was bitter about her experience. a large part of their money, Julia re- come to an agreement with you.’” Since their adoption, an air of “how mained resilient after her husband’s In any case, the city eventually lucky you are” pervaded, so they death. She dismissed the chauffeur succeeded and bought the fifty didn’t always feel integrated into the and drove her own car long into old acres from the family for nearly $2 family. Since Julia never adopted age. With Gurdon, Jr., away, she million. “The costs of maintenance them herself, and the girls were managed the house with various and taxes rose far beyond what my away at school most of the time, she servants and companions, spend- mother and I could afford,” Gur- was never close to them. ing much of her time keeping the don, Jr., later stated, “so we sold the The family gave up possession of opossum and deer out of her rose place to the city in 1968, as a public Jualita to the city following seventy garden. “I go to the window and say park.” The agreement stipulated years of ownership. After more than dreadful things to them,” she once that Julia would be allowed to live ten years of vandalism, transients, remarked. in the house until her death and that and continued decline, the old But Jualita and its gardens would the name “Wattles Gardens” would Wattles estate began a rejuvenation never again regain its glory days. be kept as the official name of the process sponsored by Hollywood Over the years, the once-manicured facility. Heritage. gardens where guests would gather In January 1972, Julia became ill Hopefully, Gurdon and Julia in the evening dusk to wander and suffered two strokes. Over the Wattles would be pleased with how through acres of gardens, pergo- next five years, she was cared for Jualita and the gardens look today. las and Japanese lanterns became by various nurses and companions. During her time at the estate, Julia masses of shrubbery and overgrown In time, Betty Brill, with Gurdon’s never owned any of the picture- pathways. consent, supervised Julia’s care. “I postcards of the house and gardens, “The house was built when they was very close to her so I took care the same kind that Mrs. Urquhart had a staff of people to take care of of the household for the five years would hustle to tourists in the old it and the gardens; my grandmother that she was ill,” Betty recalled. “I days. The gardens, however, will did not have that when I visited had all the responsibilities for all the never look exactly as they did in her,” Arabella recalled. “And at the help in the household.” those postcards – and nor should time [1960s] there were people up As her health worsened, Julia they. Those days, as Julia once said, in the canyon getting stoned, ma- stayed in the downstairs library to are “just a memory.” rauding around and vandalizing the make it easier to care for her. On Japanese gardens. But at the same November 2, 1977, Julia Vance

18 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 Lawsuit Continued from page  Rene Weitzer, announced that he tural Heritage Commission. Instead 1919 fourplex for restoration. would now support the nomination it was too similar to non-existent We moved forward on this, con- at a vote in two days. Hollywood apartments in the Wilshire area. Or, tacting two of Hollywood’s most Heritage made it very clear at that it was nominated “too late” accord- prominent real estate brokers, John meeting that we would take legal ac- ing to non-existent law. Tronson and Chris Bonbright, who tion if demolition were to occur in Still LaBonge asked all parties to also owned historic residential violation of the and office property in the immedi- Redevelopment ate area. They both agreed on the Plan and EIR. significance of the buildings and Just before submitted offers last November. The the next council owners, Whitley Investment Group, vote, when we declined their offers, despite the were led to be- fact that they were for more than lieve the nomi- the owners had paid for the proper- nation would ty—enough to cover their costs and be supported make a reasonable profit. Whitley by LaBonge, wanted over three times what they he changed his paid for the property (although at position. Now the time they provided no hard num- he disapproved bers). This represented the amount of it because they figured they would have made he had similar had they actually built it. They buildings in the wanted their full projected profit, Wilshire por- A view, during demolition, of the pristine interior of the Whitley property without risk. tion of his dis- photo by Ted Otis The rejection vote for the land- trict and there try and resolve the issue with a new mark nomination was delayed was no need, this week, to support buyer, although the developer now until December 1 as Councilman the nomination. It was pointed out to had no incentive to sell. Our con- LaBonge tried to broker a deal. A him that Wilshire was several miles cern over the violation of the Rede- meeting in his office on November from Hollywood and that there were velopment Plan he never addressed, 29 was held with all parties includ- few, if any such apartments there deferring to the CRA and city attor- ing Whitely, the councilman’s staff, from 1921. As before, no explana- ney’s opinions. But we tried. Whit- Hollywood Heritage, and our at- tion was given to refute the facts in ley’s principals spoke of their regard torney, Robert Silverstein. At this the nomination itself nor the support for Shaul Kuba of CIM Group, and meeting LaBonge’s chief of staff, given to the nomination by the Cul- I asked him to look at the property. He agreed to make an offer. Kuba had a long discussion with 6ˆÃˆÌÊÌ iÊœÞܜœ`ÊiÀˆÌ>}iÊ ÕÃiՓ the developers about the property and its worth. He backed up the price submitted by Tronson and Bonbright and Whitley Investment Group quickly lost their high regard for Kuba and stuck to their price. Hollywood Heritage had brought to the table bona fide offers from Hollywood’s premiere real estate brokers and from Hollywood’s largest land owners and they were rejected. (Tronson also attended the last city council meeting and reaf- O«i˜Êœ˜Ê7iiŽi˜`ÃÊ­->ÌÕÀ`>ÞÊ>˜`Ê-՘`>Þ® firmed the financial reality to Coun- vÀœ“Ê££\ääÊ>“Ê՘̈Ê{\ääÊ«“ cilman LaBonge). Shaul Kuba did Ample free parking. Adults: $ ; seniors and students $3; children 3-12: $1. his negotiating during the December  Members and children under 3, free continued on page 21

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 19 Evenings @ The Barn Evenings @ the Barn Gather Momentum in the 7th Season by Kay Tornborg of Bara’s long and remarkable ca- style that reigns here to this day oesn’t it seem like ages ago reer and teased us with stills from although, until Kanner’s book came Dthat we did our firstEvening her numerous ‘missing’ films (like out, surprisingly little had been @ the Barn with guest Ann Savage Cleopatra, 1917). To make the eve- written about him. entertaining us with stories about ning complete, the TimeLine group Despite the title of our December our screenings, Two Senoritas From even brought Theda Bara sandwich- Evening we can claim, without fear Chicago and her 1947 noir classic, es, complete with a do-it-yourself of contradiction, that The Story of Detour??? This season kicked off with a nov- elty...meeting author Harry Medved at the Bronson Caves for a pre-Hal- loween tour, as recommended in his book, Hollywood Escapes, and ob- servation of the 50th anniversary of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers, some of which was shot in near-by Beachwood Canyon. We all huddled in the big Bronson cave while Harry showed us clips on his portable DVD player. Following the ‘show’ we camped just outside the cave for our picnics, then formed a convoy to beetle back to the Barn. Once there, Harry talked more about ‘50s and ’60s ‘creature features’ and why we love ’em. Hugh Munro Neely brought us an exotic treat for November 16th with a screening of The Woman With the Hungry Eyes, his biopic of Theda Bara, made for TimeLine Films and produced by Hugh M. Hefner, who Attendees get an up-close-and-personal tour of Bronson Caves by author Harry Medved joined us for the packed screening. photo by Alan Simon The film offers tantalizing glimpses recipe. November is traditionally Animation Unions from Bosko to time for our Annual Membership Bart Simpson did not go ‘untold’ Meeting, this year combined with an on December 14, 2006. That fateful Evening @ the Barn presentation by evening marked our very first equip- author Diane Kanner talking about ment failure (a software glitch) and her new book, Wallace Neff and our speaker, animator and educa- the Grand Houses of the Golden tor, Tom Sito, rose to the occasion State. This handsome volume covers in the absence of his PowerPoint Neff’s long career, mostly in South- presentation. Amazingly, he regaled ern California, where he catered es- the audience, from our late start at pecially to the rich and famous. As 8:15 until the last audience member Hollywood Heritage board members David Greim, George Kiel, and Robert Birchard enjoy Kanner so ably pointed out, he was dribbled out at 11 PM. Lots of inter- a picnic outing at Bronson Caves largely responsible for the popular- action and questions from the audi- photo by Alan Simon ity of the Spanish colonial-revival ence kept things moving apace.

20 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 their funding. This became all to asked for from the lawsuit is that obvious when in early April Whitley the laws passed in 1986 and 2003 be Investment Group put the property enforced, nothing more. This will up for sale for $7.2 million, the price benefit everyone, including develop- they had intimated earlier. ers, who will now know what the Hollywood Heritage did as we said rules are as will everyone else. This we would and filed suit on April 5 takes away discretion from the city against the city, the CRA, and Whit- councilmembers, CRA, and the city ley Investment Group. Ignoring this attorney, and puts it back into the situation would endanger over 200 hands of the community. landmark buildings leaving them Visit the lawsuit on our web site to the same fate; and it would also to further understand Hollywood continue to allow for Hollywood de- Heritage’s most important undertak- Andi Hicks discusses the filmThe Woman With velopment to continue as a free-for- ing ever to protect Hollywood and the Hungry Eyes as Hugh Munro Neely looks all instead of being planned. These its heritage. on. photo by Alan Simon many issues are referred to through- Our first presentation of 2007 fea- out our past newsletters. All we have tured Angela Aleiss, Ph.D. and our own Marc Wanamaker collaborat- ing on her book, Making the White Hollywood Heritage Co- Man’s Indian, with support by his slides. Angela also screened an il- Founder Writes Tell-All Book luminating short, Eskimo (1933), by John Clifford gardens. directed by W.S. Van Dyke. arian Gibbons doesn’t take Hooray For Hollywood is an en- We all observed Valentine’s Day a M“no” for an answer. She is te- joyable read for anyone who loves little early with February’s sold-out nacious, bull-headed, and she gets Hollywood, loves the movies, or screening of Mary Pickford, Ameri- things done. As co-founder and cur- just likes a good story. Fortunately, ca’s Sweetheart, another biographic rent board member of Hollywood it has a happy ending (for the most gem by Hugh Munro Neely and Heritage, we’ve all grown to ap- part). TimeLine Films. This cut featured preciate those traits that have gone a an additional 20 minutes of film not long way to make our organization included in the earlier version. what it is today. We have some great Evenings And now she’s put the entire story scheduled so watch for your remind- down in book form so everyone can er cards and/or check the website, understand just how much effort www.hollywoodheritage.org. Check goes into creating a world-class or- the back page of your newsletter for ganization to preserve a world-class upcoming programs & events. community. Hooray For Hollywood is Marian’s homage to the many Lawsuit Continued from page 19 people who worked long and hard to preserve the history that was quick- holidays despite constraints on his ly being destroyed. time and a bad case of the flu. Our All the characters are there. John attorney, Robert Silverstein, handled Anson Ford, Mayor Tom Bradley, a constant flow of emails with all to the names that you regularly see parties as negotiations and demoli- in this newsletter. The complete tion delays went back and forth story of the Hollywood Heritage’s through December 23. acquistion of the Barn and the ne- Having reached a standoff, Tron- gotiations to find a place for it and son prepared to make another offer then to move it from it’s “temporary when, on January 7, the demolition home” on Vine Street to the Holly- started. This despite our having wood Bowl site. The work that went been told at the December 1 city into convincing the city to allow Hollywood Heritage co-founder Marion council meeting that it would be at Hollywood Heritage to become the Gibbons signs her book Hooray for Hollywood, least April before anything happed during a special Evenings @ The Barn program. stewards of Wattles Mansion and photo by Alan Simon as the developers did not yet have

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 21 Upcoming Events Thank You Jim Craig Calendar Major Donation to Hollywood All Evenings @ the Barn start at 7:30 Heritage Museum Thurs., April 26: Play Ball in LA: by Robert W. Nudelman 1950. Specific areas of the donation the Stadiums, the players and short very Labor Day weekend include collections on Hollywood films. EHollywood Heritage works High School, Bernheimers/Y­am­ Thurs.-Sun, May 3-6: California closely with Cinecon, the world’s ashiro, Hollywood Memorial/For- Preservation Foundation conference oldest classic film festival (42 years ever Cemetary, the Hollywood all over LA; go to CPF.org for regis- in 2007). Beside the obvious con- Roosevelt Hotel, and other Holly- tration info. nections, several Cinecon board wood landmarks. Photos, post- Wed., May 9: Chris Nichols sign- members are also on the Hollywood cards, uniforms, memorabilia, ing his new book, The Leisure Heritage board, and many of our books, silverware, and programs Architecture of Wayne McAllister members come to Hollywood for were among the almost 200 items. that will include a slide and video their annual visit to the museum, Included were 28 Hollywood High presentation by Chris and Marc Wa- School Y­earbooks from 1913 to namaker on McAllister’s work and 1985, a rare Roosevelt Hotel silver post WWII Hollywood architecture. coffee pot. and other restaurant Thurs., May 24: Organist extraor- items, programs/flyers from the dinaire Bob Mitchell. We will be 1910s and much more. screening Mary Pickford’s Little An- Hollywood Heritage and the nie Rooney (1925) which Bob played many people who will enjoy see- for Mary Pickford 82 years ago. ing these items over the years Sun., June 3: Wattles Birthday thank Jim Craig for his persever- Party: 100 years young! ance in assembling this rare col- Thurs., June 7: A program on lection of Hollywood’s heritage famed costume designer Bill Travil- and then making it available for la featuring an overview of Holly- Invitation to the grand opening of the Blossom pubic viewing and research. Jim is wood Studio costume departments Room Nightclub at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from the Jim Craig Collection at the a great team player and, through and Travilla’s work, especially with Hollywood Heritage Museum this donation, he is allowing ev- Marilyn Monroe. where we extend hours for out-of- eryone to participate on his win- Thurs., June 14: Author Jim Hei- ning team. mann with a brand new program on town members to visit.. One Cinecon regular is Jim dining out with the stars. Preservation Continued from page 13 Evenings @ the Barn closes down Craig, who comes each year from Chicago for the festival and the continue to have an economically after June 14th until Thurs., Oct. viable property. 11 (tentative) when we open with August Valentino Remembrance Curtis Harrington screening a BBC at Hollywood Forever Cemetary Madame Tussauds Wax biopic on Josef von Sternberg. Stay (several others come for both Museum tuned! An Evening @ the Barn events from around the country). ondon’s world renowned wax Jim got to see the museum and the Lmuseum had been looking for archive collection for the first time a location in Hollywood for over in many years and was impressed; six years. They had settled last year so impressed that he donated sev- on the site of the parking lot im- eral boxes of memorabilia from mediately adjacent to the west side his important collection. He had of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This been looking into other locations, site, owned by Steve Ullman’s Grant but felt the Hollywood Heritage Parking and Larry Worchell, has Museum would best take care of been in development play since their his collection and create a quality first proposal in 1998. display for the public (some items That project was challenged by are on display now). Hollywood Heritage for compliance Theater organist Bob Mitchell will be featured The collection dates from the with the National Register Historic at the May 24 Evenings @ The Barn program 1910s to the 1970s, mostly pre- photo by Alan Simon District that it is located in and by

22 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 its proximity to the Chinese and the 1927 Roosevelt Hotel across Holly- wood Boulevard, and the 1930 Don Lee Cadillac building across Orange Drive to the west. The 1998 project was replaced by another version in 2000, also challenged by Hollywood Heritage. Another version showed up in 2006 with the announcement of Madame Tussauds being the sole tenant (previously the site was to house an IMAX type theater and then Frederick,s of Hollywood with a large event space. The 2006 version was redesigned again by last fall. The 2000 and 2006 versions were all modern designs with no relationship to the National Register Historic Dis- trict nor its important neighboring landmarks, which was the basis of Hollywood Heritage’s criti- Tussaud’s Cinema was located next to their London wax museum until being blown up during the cisms. The last 2006 design was an Blitz of WWII. Today it’s the site of the London Planetarium improvement, removing several image from the Hollywood Heritage Museum archives elements opposed by Hollywood more sympathetic to the historic project developers, they were told Heritage. Meetings with several rep- district, especially in the context of otherwise. resentatives of Madame Tussauds its three landmark neighbors. Is it The efforts of Madame Tussauds starting in November resulted in perfect? No, but it represents a com- were led by company vice president further design refinements, especial- promise that allowed for the project Nick McKenzie, making phone calls ly after we made it clear at the CRA to proceed but with improvements and working diligently from Lon- Board meeting, January 18, 2007, to better meet the district guidelines. don to work out details. His Ameri- that we were willing to take legal After many meetings with Tus- can representatives were Jack and action if necessary. sauds officials, their architect, Mi- Roxanne Holland who spent many At that point intensive and fre- chael Rotondi, and the city, certain hours on the phone and in meetings quent negotiations began between problems became obvious. The with each new presentation, ably Hollywood Heritage and Madame project including all prior versions, speaking on behalf of Tussauds. For Tussauds over the design. The re- had been approved by the council- Hollywood Heritage, Fran Offen- duction in size was a major benefit person (Goldberg, then Garcetti), hauser, Christy McAvoy, and Robert from the earlier version and within the councilperson’s Design Review W. Nudelman, spent many hours acceptable parameters. The main Committee, and the CRA. Except on this. We hope that the Tussauds concern then became the appear- for Hollywood Heritage’s opposi- organization will become an asset ance of the exterior, and the signage. tion, no others commented publical- to Hollywood. They presented many Offsite signage will be reduced and ly on the problems with the design. operational ideas that would seem to onsite signage will now include a The lack of leadership by the city do that, and they have a better appre- more interesting design and be re- here is appalling. Tussauds obvious- ciation of Hollywood’s historic con- positioned on the building to have ly felt that they had done everything cerns than they did six months ago. less impact on Grauman’s signage. correctly and that the modern design The negotiations will hopefully lead These changes were agreed to at an is what was desired for the site next to an understanding by the city and acceptable level as was the inclusion to Los Angeles’ most famous land- the CRA to better enforce the guide- of additional landscaping areas. mark. Had they been approached lines of a National Register Historic The exterior changes in appear- to design a more historically sym- District rather than misleading de- ance kept the same layout, but pathetic structure that fully met the velopers and leaving Hollywood changed the use of materials (con- district’s guidelines it appears that Heritage to clean up the mess. siderably less glass) and colors they would have readily agreed. (lighter). This created a building But as has happened with other new continued on page 26

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 23 Hollywood Heritage Says Goodbye And Hello At Annual Meeting by John Clifford ollywood Heritage’s Annual HMembership meeting was held on November 21, 2006. It was a time to review the work done by Hollywood Heritage over the past year and to hold elections for the board of directors for the coming year. Under the bylaws of Hollywood Heritage, board members may serve for three consecutive two-year terms and then must “take a rest.” As a result, we lost several long-time board members and saw the return of some long-absent board mem- bers and the addition of some “new blood” to help move the organiza- tion forward during these important coming years. Finishing their six years of ser- vice were outgoing board members; Incoming Vice President Fran Offenhauser (right) presents outgoing President Kay Tornborg with a small token of appreciation at the Hollywood Heritage Annual Membership meeting president, Kay Tornborg, vice presi- photo by Alan Simon dent Libby Simon, secretary John Clifford, Arnold Schwartzman, Phil and Newsletter Editor, and Phil present our members with an over- Dockter, and Tyler Cassity. All have Dockter, Libby Simon, and Arnold view of the work and accomplish- pledged to continue to be involved Schwartzman continue to play an ments of the organization over the in the operations of Hollywood active role in our activities. past year, but we also have a guest Heritage and they have kept their Returning to the board after a speaker. This year’s speaker was promises. Kay Tornborg continues long absence is Christy Johnson- Diane Kanner, author of the book as Special Projects director, John McAvoy who joins fellow co-found- Wallace Neff and the Grand Houses Clifford continues as Webmaster ers of Hollywood Heritage Fran of the Golden State , who gave us Offenhauser and Marion Gibbons. all an appreciation of this important Also returning after an absence are architect and his works in the Holly- long-time board members and early wood area. supporters Bob Birchard and Randy At the December board meeting, Haberkamp, both of whom represent elections for officers were held. The the Silent Society. officers for 2007 are: Bringing fresh blood and new Marc Wanamaker, president ideas to our organization are Rebec- ca Goodman, who was instrumental Fran Offenhauser, vice president in saving the Los Feliz Brown Der- Keith Anderson, treasurer by. Gina Zamparelli, who worked tirelessly for many years on the Pas- Valerie Yaros, secretary adena Raymond Theater, and Sue Each is eminently qualified and Slutzky, who has been responsible we look forward to an exciting year for designing the printed programs under the new leadership, with the Robert S. Birchard, who returns to the board after an for our Evenings @ The Barn. added value of 3 founders whose absence, and John Clifford, outgoing secretary, assist No one can say that the Holly- memories of where we’ve been and Diane Kanner with setting up her presentation on Wallace Neff at the annual meeting wood Heritage annual meeting is a how far we’ve come will be invalu- photo by Alan Simon boring affair. Each year we not only able.

24 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 Palladium To Be Renovated as Home To Live Nation he future of Hollywood’s land- by corrugated steel). The steel grid Nixon, numer- Tmark entertainment venue has behind the original blade sign is still ous benefits, been the source of much specula- substantially there under the 1961 television tion of late. On April 11, the world’s covering and it too will be restored. and movie largest music company and concert No plans were announced for the shoots, promoter, Live Nation, announced 1961 plastic blade sign, but it has trade an agreement for a 20-year lease achieved historic status because of its shows, of the 1940 Streamline Moderne longevity. This is also the sign seen ethnic fes- by anyone tivals, and attending music con- any of the certs have multitude filled the of rock Palladium ‘n roll for over concerts 66 years. there. The All this will continue in a better- sign could equipped facility. be reused The one area of modification is elsewhere the stage and its environs. The his- on the site toric stage (and dance floor) will as possibly remain as is, with temporary stag- a sign to ing added when needed. Back stage announce space will be doubled, and new parking ac- loading areas will help with produc- building. Live Nation has experi- cess or some other practical, as well tion staging. The big change visu- ence with historic venues such as as aesthetic, use. ally is in the ceiling in front of the the Orpheum Theater in Boston, The site itself, of which the Palla- stage. The lighting grid is planned the Jackie Gleason Theater in dium covers less than half, has been to extend beyond the existing stage Miami, the Fillmore Theaters in San purchased by Newport Capital Advi- by removing the stucco ceiling for Francisco and New Y­ork, and the sors for $68 million. The developer what appears to be about 30 feet. Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, as is, of course, looking at a mixed-use The plaster rings on the ceiling will well as the House of Blues chain. development for the overall site. This continued on page 28 Plans have not been formally an- will be detailed later this summer, nounced as to specific historic res- and Hollywood Heritage will, as toration of the building, but several usual, be reviewing plans for their areas were mentioned. The overall impacts on the Palladium (as will, budget for renovation/restoration obviously, Live Nation) and sur- is $10-12 million. The exterior will rounding historic buildings (Earl be restored to its 1940 appearance, Carroll, CBS, etc.). including the recreation of the neon Other areas of interest include Palladium blade sign. The 1961 doubling the restrooms, full handi- remodeling for the Lawrence Welk cap accessibility, restoring historic Show (it is hard to refer to it as a interior lighting fixtures, and im- “modernization” as was done then proving the catering facilities. Spe- when we are talking about Law- cial events were always a key to the rence Welk) remade the façade. The success of the Palladium, including retail facades of the storefronts will several years of the Grammy and be remodeled to some extent, de- Emmy Awards. Banquets for every pending on the tenants, as the origi- U.S. President from Truman through nal had a plain surface (now covered

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 25 Preservation Continued from page 23 east corner, then a Bank of America, and finally CBS/KNX Studios— offices. The two thirds Columbia Square, Sunset of the lot behind is park- Boulevard ing with the exception of With KNX-AM radio and its sis- a small office structure ter station KFWB-AM having left (purchased from a sepa- Hollywood last year, both had been rate owner). Across the in Hollywood since going on the air street to the west is the in the 1920s, only KCBS-TV and Hollywood Palladium. KCAL-TV remained at the land- After having toured the mark complex. But that will end this existing studio in Janu- year as both leave to go to Studio ary, Marc Wanamaker City. Hollywood will have no radio and Robert W. Nudel- also pushed for bringing back the stations and only KTLA as a televi- man from Hollywood Heritage restaurant and reopening the origi- sion station. found, surprisingly, quite a lot of nal entry, which would help restore Giving credit where it is due, the original studio still exists, al- the building’s façade to its original the city did give CBS several vari- beit somewhat modified or covered appearance. The owners are inter- ances to allow the expansion of their up in places. Using Marc’s photos ested in pursuing this and several Studio City lot so that KCBS and and postcards and brochures from other suggestions we made. KCAL could leave Hollywood. The the Hollywood Heritage Museum Studio A will be restored as a the- city made no effort to keep them at archive, it was possible to recon- ater for an, as of now, unknown ten- their current landmark site, the only struct the original appearance. The ant (we have had several inquiries facility that KCBS television sta- owners’ representatives were quite on it already). As for the two studios tion has had. Now if they had only enthusiastic as we located historic on Gower, the southernmost would planned a bar or nightclub, the city resources and clarified restoration be retained for an undetermined would have supported keeping them issues. use, as of now. The other though in Hollywood. But that is a different This included Studio A, the main would be demolished for the site of story, somewhat. theater, with balcony, that seated a new office building. Both studios The property, a block that faces over 500 people, and the original were built in 1941 and have had a onto Sunset Boulevard, has about a facade of the Brittingham’s as well substantial history of radio and tele- third of it covered by the landmark as the original appearance of the vision show broadcasts from them 1938 studio. The problem for a new 1938 Sunset Boulevard entry and (both are still in use today). owner is dealing with the specific driveway. The studio complex was One option is to keep the studio use of the facility—production stu- designed by famed architect Rob- and incorporate it as the lobby for dios. There is about 100,000 square ert Derrah, who did the landmark the new office building. This would feet of office space, primarily in the Coca-Cola bottling plant downtown. work as, in this case, the exterior office tower on the southwest corner. The project was closely supervised is a blank wall and the interior is Production space and studios make by the legendary William S. Paley, the area of importance. The plans up the remainder. A restaurant, Brit- founder of CBS, and his attention to currently show its demolition, but tingham’s was originally located in detail is showcased throughout the Hollywood Heritage is strongly sup- the two story building at the south- complex. porting its inclusion as the lobby, The new preserving the interior and creating owners/devel- a unique and better lobby space. The opers, Apollo/ plan is doable; it only needs to be Molasky, plan agreed to. to restore the With the historic structures look- complex, with ing to be relatively secure, the next the exception issue is the parking lot behind. The of one of the new project is a mixed-use develop- large studios ment, which is fine. What is not fine on the east side is the size and scale of it. The west facing Gower side will be the site of a 125 room Street. Holly- boutique hotel, 5-6 stories tall, the wood Heritage same as the existing office build-

26 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 ing, but set back. On the east side of planned within a three block radius, Yamashiro & the Magic Castle Gower will be the aforementioned with no plans for an increase in in- wo of Hollywood’s most promi- office building, 300,000 square feet frastructure. Tnent landmarks went on the at a height of 14-stories. At the north The traffic reduction myth that market in April. The Glover family end, along Selma Avenue, will be a these people will all take the bus or has owned the property and most of lot of condominiums, 400 of them, subway is not a sane justification to the businesses on the two parcels for in a tower 40-stories tall. build this. No report or study even almost 60 years. The hotel is manageable. The of- exists saying how this would work Y­amashiro Restaurant was opened fice building would be the largest out. Y­et an overwhelming number by them in the 1912 Bernheimer in Hollywood. The House of Blues of projects are being pushed through house in 1959 after extensive resto- building, 2 blocks west of here, is based on a theory with no evidence ration of the abandoned and derelict 275,000 square feet and 22-stories (Manhattan is not a reasonable property. A 40 unit apartment com- tall. At 14-stories this will be one comparison). The only study, done plex and pool was added just below solid mass of a building. Office by the MTA (SCRTD at that time) the house in the late 1950s. This space is needed, but this is too much when planning the subway, stated hilltop parcel is about seven acres in for this site and this location. that the subway would make traf- size. A much greater concern is the con- fic worse. This was due to plans to Along Franklin avenue is the do situation. With the largest number increase development around the almost 3.3 acres site housing the of housing units for any building in stations, resulting in additional auto Magic Castle, a private club of, not Hollywood at 400 and as the tallest traffic above what the subway would surprisingly, magicians and the building outside of downtown Los remove. In addition, the proposed Magic Castle Hotel. The Castle is Angeles at 40-stories, it is totally in- plans to raise bus/subway fares by the former Rollin B. Lane mansion appropriate. Almost twice the height over 40% by 2009 will result in a built in 1909. The Magic Castle of Hollywood’s tallest buildings (the reduced ridership and more people opened here in 1961 and now in- aforementioned House of Blues and switching to cars, as every previous cludes a library and archive of mag- the 23 story Sunset-Vine Tower, price increase has done. ic and vaudeville related items, one now going through condo conver- In other words, all of this devel- of the world’s finest such collections. sion inside and as a signpost on the opment will remake the look of They are a tenant on the property exterior), it would forever change the Hollywood and increase pressure to and do not own the mansion. appearance and building limits in demolish historic properties as they As with Y­amashiro, the Lane Hollywood. become a barrier to the new high- mansion was in a state of disrepair Hollywood is not downtown or rise order. The continuing gridlock before the current tenants worked Century City visually or in its infra- will create massive traffic jams over their magic on it. Containing three structure. The massive density of this larger areas affecting more regional theaters, dining rooms, offices, and project would visually overpower the traffic patterns and add to air pol- beverage areas, much of the original historic KNX Studio buildings and lution and wasted fuel. No study house was trashed by 1960. Restora- the rest of Hollywood for that matter. says otherwise and after years of tion of existing interior and exterior It also sets precedents for building operating the subway in Hollywood, elements and sympathetic renova- height and more will be encouraged no evidence is forthcoming as to its tions and expansions (including by the city (Councilman Garcetti is ability to alleviate a traffic problem under the parking lot) maintain the a major booster of such high-rise de- that continues to worsen without the integrity of this Los Angeles city velopment in Hollywood). new development. landmark. The other issue is one of common Hollywood Heritage applauds, and Hollywood Heritage has had sense, or the lack thereof. Except for will continue to assist the plans to several meetings with the opera- Sunset Boulevard, the streets sur- renovate/restore/adaptively reuse tors of the Magic Castle, lead by rounding this block are too narrow this 1938 landmark. We cannot en- its co-founder, the legendary Milt to handle the traffic that would be dorse the development of a mixed- Larson. We have also talked with generated by such a project. Gower use mega complex with structures representatives of the Glover fam- is already gridlocked most of the larger and taller than any in Holly- ily concerning the property and the day. Sunset is a similar traffic mess wood due to the size, massing, and hopeful continued operation of the down to the 101 freeway. Maybe the resulting impacts on an area that Y­amashiro Restaurant, where res- condos should be removed as hous- includes many historic structures. toration work continues to upgrade ing in the area is being way over- It is a bad precedent for new devel- this world famous building (not a built. Including this project, almost opment and must be considerably city landmark though–yet). 3000 new units are being built or reduced in size. r continued on page 31

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 27 Palladium Continued from page 25 TRIANGLE ($100+) Leith Adams stay in place. The ventilation reg- Bob Blue isters are the original circular ones Brutus Productions and should also remain. There may Bruce Carroll be ways to modify the cutting of Crobar Hollywood the stucco, but that will need to be Ken Denton evaluated during the historic review Dan De Palma Linda & Crosby Doe process. Diana & Morris Everett For now the future of the Palla- Kim Fletcher dium looks good. Hollywood Heri- Cheryl & Dan Foliart tage briefly met and talked to the Neill Foster principals involved with the project, O. N. Foster David Gajda & Jose Malagon Live Nation CEO, North America Betty & Gunter Herman Music, Bruce Eskow, and vice Amy Higgins president of operations Steve Mac- Janet Hoffmann Fadyen and they stressed their will- Allison Denman Holland ingness to work with Hollywood Don Hunt Heritage on restoration issues. Two Christine & Tim O’Brien Tommy Dorsey and Dorothy Lamour cut the Outpost Homeowners Association of the principal promoter/bookers ribbon opening night of the Palladium on Oct. 29, 1940 Hollywood Heritage Museum archives Simone & Adriana Patti for Live Nation here are Brian Mur- Jeffrey Rouze phy, chairman, So-Cal Music, and Ann Savage Mike Garcia, Senior vice president- MEMBERSHIP Jon Schafer west. Maria Fant Schellhardt UPDATE Joan & Alan Simon Brian ran Avalon Attractions from Bruce Torrence the late 1970s to the early 1990s and n grateful recognition of their generous Erica Westheimer was Los Angeles’ most prominent Isupport, we sincerely thank the follow- Mary Zickefoose and respected promoter. Mike was ing renewing members who have made contributions at the $100 level and above with the Greek Theater and helped as of February 2007. Category titles are WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! oversee the recent renovations and names of historic Hollywood Studios. Kristin Adame restorations there. From personal Anne Berkovitz experience dealing with both, they MAJESTIC ($2500+ Offenhauser Properties Steven J. Bingen are two of the best in the business Sharon & Dennis Blunk in quality bookings and as people to KEYSTONE ($1000+) Sean Bresnahan work with. Alliance Company Jim Brownfield This capped a 2-year process out- Sharon & Ray Courts Bonnie Burrow lined in previous newsletters, for Neil Clemans the Palladium. Councilman Garcetti Marian Gibbons Janice Conaway stuck to his position stated in Feb. James McMath N. Alex Craig 2005, to protect the Palladium as Thaddeus Smith – Music Box Crobar Hollywood Hollywood Heritage had asked (we Theater Vicki Damante had argued against previous at- Cliff Dektar BISON ($500+) Laura Dodson tempts to demolish the structure). Ed Collins – Buena Vista Theatres Patricia Ekdom Now, we hope, he can continue his Heather Henson – HB Henson Fund Lucy Esparza-Casarez leadership in planning the devel- David & Carin Anne Strohmaier opment around the Palladium to Diana & Morris Everett minimize impacts to it and the sur- KALEM ($250+) Barry & Nadine Fox rounding community, already under Keith & Tracy Anderson Michael Francis Anne & Aaron Epstein intense development pressures. If Eric Furan Marjorie L. Fasman Tony Goetz & Pat Shannon the development guidelines existed Alice & Leonard Maltin today, as promised in 1986 and Laurie Goldman Brian Nissel – Nirvana Apartments Rebecca Goodman 2003, the public would know ahead Kevin & Don Norte Susan Hall of time and not have to wait and Bill Roschen & Christi Van Cleve Richard Harper hope it is not another project on the Ashley & Jocelyn Schauer Karen Higgins scale proposed for CBS, just across Valerie Y­aros Mark Howell the street. Jack Hurley

28 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 Diane Kanner & Ron Weinstein Richard D’Amanda Dragons Continued from page  Loralyn Kaufman Gregg Davidson to accommodate our time needed to Francis Keenin Harry Demas work out plans to move the items. Clifford Kenny Dino Everett When the costs and time required David Kurtz Marjorie L. Fasman kept getting worse for Hollywood Dyana Levinson Heritage, he offered a very rea- Katherine Long Kim Fletcher Timothy Christopher Ware – Getty sonable cost to expedite the move Kevin MacLean almost a month after the original Linda Marazoni Foundation discovery. Charlie Armstrong and Mark Martin Ted Gooding others at Paramount worked quickly Jean Clyde Mason Frank Gutierrez to get the needed approvals to save Bob May Todd Holland & Scotch Ellis Loring George Misthos the signs for Hollywood Heritage. Jean Kelly Debbie Reynolds, Todd Fisher and Louise Monaco Dana & David Kegaries Dave Moreno his family, helped as described to Randy Klopfleisch Goldy Norton provide space and transportation at Christine & Tim O’Brien Joseph Lacek a critical time. Kim Kogen helped to Katherine Orrison Michael E. McCloud coordinate the neon dragon removal Bud Overn Edward Maguire and plans for restoration. All this Charles & Cheryl Partello Lisa Mitchell while MONA had lost its museum Irving Pinsky Daniel T. Munoz space and were moving everything Jane Piraino Helen and Richard Nederhauser in their collection into storage. Richard Ralko Mr. and Mrs. Chapin Nolen Next comes the restoration work. Lily Raven The rough estimate to restore the Ted Otis Michael I. Rotcher neon sign is $10,000 with all new Ranjit Sandhu Simone & Adriana Patti wiring included. Our year-end Gladie Sargeant Bill Reichenbach preservation fund helped to cover Sharon & Loren Shipley Jeffrey Rouze the cost of moving the signs to the Ross Shuman Erik Sanjurjo museums, which was about $2,000. Stephanie Silver Joan & Alan H. Simon If anyone is interested in helping Stephen Smith Sue Slutzky to cover funding of this important Donna & Rick Snyder Ray Smith project, please contact Hollywood Elizabeth Stevenson Steve Sylvester Heritage as the restoration is more Guy Strickland than we can tackle at this time. Stan Taffel Norman Triplett But the east side marquee has R. Terry Taft Rob Vautherine Cyndi Tracy Eric H. Warren been saved from certain death by Erica Westheimer shredding. This is the marquee that Stephen A. Wichrowski, Jr. We Extend Immense introduced such programs as Wind- Paul Wurtzel Thanks To Sally jammer, Some Like It Hot, West Kenton Y­oungstrom Dumaux’s Memorial Side Story, Seven Days in May, Julie Zafiratos Contributors – She Is Mary Poppins, Goldfinger, The Greatly Missed: Jungle Book, Hello Dolly!, The Ex- Jane Bartholomew orcist, Star Wars, Superman (1978), THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Star Trek: The Motion Picture, e extend hearty appreciation Dorothy Bradley – Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, Inc. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Titanic, and to our 2006 Preservation W Kevin Brownlow many more. It also was probably Action Fund year-end contributors. the world’s most photographed sign Special thanks go to: Bruce Calvert during the 43 years it was in place. Jane Bartholomew (in memory of Timothy Dunleavy Y­et it came within hours of being Sally Dumaux) Susan Hall pulverized until the leadership of Sally Beaudette Donna Hill Hollywood Heritage orchestrated a Frank & Cathy Bator Lillian Michelson – Dreamworks Christmas Miracle (it is a miracle Debra & Norris Bishton SKG Research Library we even heard about it) to save Dick & Betty Brill Jenny Paxson & Larry Smith these famed icons of Hollywood’s Brutus Productions, Inc. Arlene Witt heritage. Peter & Miriam Colantuoni Valerie Y­aros

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 29 Mourning His Passing Former Hollywood Heritage President Erik Stogo Succumbs at Age 55 by Robert S. Birchard six members and packing it with his elected Erik as president. Erik had a lot ack Dennard has informed hand-picked cronies. For his efforts, to deal with, including external audits MHollywood Heritage that for- Erik was kicked off the board. of HHI and the rebuilding of the Barn. mer president and board member Reed closed the Barn. There were The organization also suffered from Erik Stogo recently passed away at rumors that efforts were being made dwindling membership because little the age of 55. to sell the building without the or no effort had been made to recruit I first came to know Erik in the knowledge of the HHI board, and or retain members in the previous two early days of the Silent Society then after the Barn had been closed years. The rebuilding of a vibrant and screenings at the Barn. Erik was a for several weeks there was a fire strong Hollywood Heritage began with passionate silent film fan, who also at the historic structure, and Reed the tenure of Erik Stogo as president of was a very discriminating collector. seemed to be in no hurry start the the organization. As an attorney, Erik had an necessary repairs to reopen it. After Erik also worked with me as a mem- organized mind and a sense of Reed attempted to fix a Hollywood ber of the Cinecon Classic Film Festival discipline. Initially he limited his Heritage election by appointing organizing committee and as an officer collection of movie memorabilia himself as a nominating commit- of the Society for Cinephiles/Cinecon, to what he could fit into four good tee of one and selectively sending and I found him to be a trusted friend sized zippered portfolio cases, and out ballots only to his supporters, I and advisor. he first began to sell parts Not to say that Erik was of his collection when he a saint. He could be tough, filled those four volumes. If For all of the ups and difficult and even unyield- he wanted a new piece, he ing at times. His battles for would sell an old piece to downs and the unmended Hollywood Heritage were make room for the new item. hard-fought during tough He had no desire for his col- fences, Erik had a good times when the organization lection to take over his life. seemed to be being attacked Collectors have made soul. And even though from all sides. Erik man- such well-meaning resolu- aged to pull through all of tions over and over again, it has been many years these issues, but sometimes and it should not come as a since we had spoken, it he took the battles a little too surprise that Erik eventually personally. As sometimes succumbed to the “mad- was a shock to hear of his happens with this the re- ness,” as his collection out- sulting pluses and minuses grew his four binders and passing. to himself and the people he became more actively around him took their toll. involved as a dealer in movie led a movement of some of HHI’s To be fair, throughout all memorabilia. founders, past presidents and then the time I knew him Erik had severe Erik was equally passionate current board members, including diabetes. His health was fragile and about Hollywood Heritage and he Marion Gibbons, Fran Offenhauser, he was often in pain. served on the board in the 1990s at Christy McAvoy, Richard Adkins, For all of the ups and downs and a crucial time in the organization’s Glenn Brown and others, in a proxy the unmended fences, Erik had a history when Hollywood Heritage fight to nullify Reed’s efforts. We good soul. And even though it has seemed to be under attack from prevailed and the running of the or- been many years since we had spo- without and within. Erik fought, ganization was vested in an interim ken, it was a shock to hear of his unsuccessfully, to keep the Barn management committee charged passing. He will be missed by those from being closed by then president with organizing new elections. of us who loved him through it all. J. Ronald Reed and he helped in the When the new elections were held And there is a little smile along with fight to keep Reed from unilaterally some six months later, Erik was re- the tears as I know Erik will be giv- cutting the board from twenty to elected to the board and the new board ing them hell in Heaven.

30 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 Preservation Continued from page 27 statement that the commission had This was a first for Hollywood and Different options and plans are no authority to even vote on this. finally an acknowledgement of the being discussed to save the historic After about an hour of public tes- problem. Hollywood Heritage and the structures and businesses while timony (only Hollywood Heritage community thank Hollywood United dealing with the financial reality defended the staff’s position) and Methodist Church for this gift. of the situation. The largest area of further discussion against staff for Wattles 100 Continued from page  development is the Magic Castle’s another half hour, the staff caved in parking lot on Franklin, one of the and agreed to rewrite the opinion so As always, Hollywood Heritage most congested traffic corridors in as to allow the sign to go through. Inc. encourages, but never man- Los Angeles. Something will de- Having attended hundreds of dates, attendees to come in vintage velop but it cannot endanger these such meetings since 1979, I had clothing. So for those good sports almost 100 year-old landmarks. The never seen one like this. The bla- that will or that want to, here is a parties we’ve talked to understand tantly obvious position of the law partial list of local venders that may this and it will be a long discussion as clearly stated in the staff report help you in achieving the look you with everyone, especially the sur- was not challenged except to try are after. Always call first to get rounding neighborhood concerning calling this an “exception” and not current hours and directions. traffic, before a final plan is ham- an amendment. With the city attor- Aaardvark’s mered out with the new owner(s). ney’s representative sitting there, 1253 E. Colorado Blvd the commission voted to overturn Pasadena, CA 626/583-9109 Signs Continued from page  the staff report and approve the American Vintage new billboards. The political pres- 6529 Hollywood Boulevard hammer it at the hearing (see our sure applied by the city and CIM to (323) 461-0068 web site for the staff report). The ram this through despite all find- Flounce Vintage main elements of the staff’s op- ings pointing to its illegality was a 1555 Echo Park Avenue position were that the size was too perfect example of how the law in Los Angeles large, it was of a design specifically Hollywood is all too often deter- 213/481-1975 not allowed in the sign ordinances, mined by political contributions. and that any approval would be an Golyester Hollywood Heritage thanks the 136 South La Brea Avenue amendment to the ordinance, which Planning Department staff led by Los Angeles, CA 323/931-1339 the commission did not have the le- Charles Rausch, that tried to protect Hollywood Hatters gal authority to do. CIM called it an the Hollywood community. As they “exception” to the ordinance which 6915 Melrose Ave noted, this will be a major precedent Hollywood, CA 323/525-1912 it clearly was not (but the exception for other superblight signs to be used the commission could grant). Iguana Vintage Clothing to cover even more of the commu- 6320 Hollywood Boulevard Concerning the financial burden nity. Already between LaBrea Av- argument being made by the sign’s (323) 462-1010 enue and McCadden Street, about 5 Julian’s 20 proponents, including Mayor Vil- blocks along Hollywood Boulevard, laraigosa’s office and Councilman 8366 W. 3rd Street with the Chinese Theater in the cen- Los Angeles, CA 323/655-3011 Garcetti’s office, the staff responded ter of it, 15 superblight signs exist, by reading the findings of the U.S. 17 billboards, and more have been Supreme Court which clearly stated approved (this includes only those Pomona Fox Tour that economic hardship could not buildings fronting on the boulevard. he Pomona Fox Corporation be used for a variance here. This is On the positive side, a couple of and Arteco Partners are host- because the economic hardship was T blocks from this site, a billboard ing a “hard-hat” tour of the Pomona known at the time of purchase and was removed. A large, approximate- Fox Theater, 131 East 3rd Street was not an act of the government to ly 25’ x 60’ billboard sat above the in downtown Pomona on May 12 an existing condition. Otherwise, parking lot of the Hollywood United from 4:00–8:00 pm. This will be the Supreme Court stated, everyone Methodist Church at Highland and the last chance to see the National could claim an economic hardship Franklin avenues. A dozen other Landmark historic 1931 Art Deco for any variances, although that is billboards are within a block of this theater prior to its planned renova- close to what is going on in Holly- locale, and the church said enough. tion. wood today. Stating that they wanted to remove In addition to the tour there will Even with the U.S. Supreme Court the blight of the billboard and help be historic photos on display as well backing their decision, the commis- the visual condition of the neighbor- as a “sneak peak” of the planned sion pushed and pushed the staff to hood, they got rid of the billboard. renovation. rethink their position, including the

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Winter/Spring 2007 31 www.hollywoodheritage.org P.O Box 2586 Hollywood, CA 90078 Mark Your Calendar All Evenings @ the Barn start at 7:30 Wed., May 9: Chris Nichols signing his new book, The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister with a slide and video presentation by Chris and Marc Wanamaker. Evenings @ the Barn Thurs., May 24: Organist extraordinaire Bob Mitchell. Screening Mary Pickford’s Little Annie Rooney (1925) Evenings @ the Barn Sun., June 3: Wattles Birthday Party: 100 years young! Thurs., June 7: A program on costume design- er Bill Travilla with an overview of Studio cos- tume departments and Travilla’s work, especially with Marilyn Monroe. Evenings @ the Barn Thurs., June 14: Author Jim Heimann with a program on “An evening with the stars.” Evenings @ the Barn

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