NEWS September 2016 • Vol 14 No 3 Spectacular Vernacular House Tour By Ruthann Lehrer ive vintage vernacular homes throughout FSanta Monica will be featured in our an- nual architectural tour on Sunday, Septem- ber 18 from 1-5 pm. Tese homes, modified rather than demolished, exemplify how pres- ervation can be done alongside updating a residence for modern living. Te approaches in restoration and renovation vary across the homes from major changes that juxtapose contemporary architecture while preserving The 1924 Boldt-Garcetti house Photo by Joshua White historic elements, to seamless additions in- owners undertook major preservation work, with tage house parts is showcased in her home, spired by the original historic style. Te archi- additions for new living space that skillfully re- which is now a unique oasis in Ocean Park. tectural styles of the homes include Victori- veal the different eras throughout its evolution. Te Craftsman home in Sunset Park cele- an, Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman. Te second Victorian on the tour was brates its centennial this year. It also reflects Te older Victorian house on the tour dates brought back to life by its loving owners, the dedication of new owners, who have done from the 19th century. From its origins as a tiny former Landmarks Commissioner and now major work to restore and expand this house one-room cottage, the house was expanded and Planning Commissioner Nina Fresco and her for their family of four. transformed over many decades. In 2012, new husband Rob. Nina’s interest in reusing vin- HOUSE TOUR continues on page 3 Shotgun House Receives Preservation Design Award The rehabilitation of the Shotgun House as the Preservation Resource Center will be among projects from across the state to be honored at the California Preservation Foundation’s 33rd Annual Preservation Design Awards. Te Foundation is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of California’s diverse Photo by Dwight Flowers cultural and architectural heritage. Te awards will be presented at a gala dinner and Fall Salon at Byers House awards ceremony at the Richard Neutra- By Ruthann Lehrer designed Arboretum on the campus of Christ lent movies. With the advent of sound, more of Cathedral in Garden Grove on September 29. stunning home overlooking Santa Monica his stories were adapted for the screen, includ- Te Preservation Design Awards recognize ACanyon is the site of the Conservancy’s an- ing “Te Woman Accused” (1933), featuring the accomplishments of professionals, nual Salon fundraiser on Sunday, October 23, young Cary Grant. nonprofit organizations and government from 3 – 5 PM. Te Armstrong/Cobb house In the 1930s, actress Bette Davis lived agencies and others for outstanding on San Vicente Boulevard was designed by there, and photos of her are displayed in the examples of preservation, restoration, renowned local architect John Byers and con- living room of the house now owned by Susan structed in 1926. It was built for Donald Arm- BYERS HOUSE continues on page 5 SHOTGUN HOUSE continues on page 2 strong and altered in 1934 for Irvin S. Cobb. Cobb wrote more than 60 books and 300 short Five Ways to Research Your Property’s History, p. 5 stories. Some of his works were adapted for si- www.smconservancy.org 1 OUR MISSION MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Te Santa Monica Conservancy is the leading voice for preserving our historic places. We he Preservation Resource Center recently completed its first six promote understanding of the cultural, Tmonths of operation and it’s a good opportunity to look back on social, economic and environmental benefits what we have accomplished. of historic preservation through education, In addition to those who visit us during our scheduled three days assistance and advocacy. a week, we have hosted scores of visitors during community events like COAST Open Streets and the Main Street 4th of July Parade. JOIN US Altogether, nearly 1,000 visitors have signed our guest book since the Te Santa Monica Conservancy exists because Center opened in January. About half come from Santa Monica; the of the involvement and generosity of people rest are from other parts of California, numerous other states, and even Germany, Australia, like you. Become a member today and strengthen our voice for preserving Santa and the UK. One visitor, former resident Karen Noonan, told us about her experience living Monica’s architectural and cultural heritage. in our Shotgun House in the 1960s. You can read about her visit and her memories of the Sign up on page 7 Shotgun House on page 4. A primary goal of the Center is to assist property owners and others with preservation- related inquiries. Since January, we have assisted at least five homeowners who want to THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS understand the requirements for designation of their properties. Two of these, owners of intact Craftsman-style homes built before 1920, are now preparing applications – a clear example of Carol Lemlein, President the value of having a readily accessible place where such assistance is offered. John Zinner, Vice-President News of an entirely different kind of success for the Preservation Resource Center arrived Tom Cleys, Treasurer recently when we were notified that the rehabilitation of the Shotgun House will be recognized Sherrill Kushner, Secretary by the California Preservation Foundation at its 33rd Annual Preservation Awards ceremonies Kaitlin Drisko Michael W. Folonis, FAIA this fall. Typically 10-20 projects from across the state are honored in various preservation- Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA related categories. Many of you who are reading this column contributed to this success, and Nina Fresco we are deeply grateful for your help and support. Tank you! Chris Gray Additionally, I’d like to recognize our Downtown Walking Tour docents, led by Kay Pattison David Kaplan and Margi Falk, who created a special tour of Ocean Avenue for participants in COAST and Ruthann Lehrer provided tours for nearly 100 residents and City planning staff interested in learning more Libby Motika about the history and architecture of downtown in preparation for a Downtown Community Laurel Schmidt Plan workshop on “Preservation and Change.” Te Downtown Walking Tour was the first of our three popular tour programs offered one or more times a week, and we look forward to Emeritus Board Members: celebrating its 10th Anniversary next spring. Ken Breisch, PhD A warm thank you to Alice Allen, who coordinated the development Doris Sosin of our quarterly newsletters beginning in 2007 and provided administrative support, and is retiring from her responsibilities at the CONTACT US Conservancy. Alice, whom I first met in the USC Historic Preservation Website: www.smconservancy.org summer program, is a long-term volunteer and E-mail: [email protected] docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy and will Voicemail: (310) 496-3146 continue her involvement in preservation with them. Mail: P.O.Box 653 Robin Tung, who joined us two years ago to manage Santa Monica, CA 90406 our online media and member communications, will now include the newsletter in her responsibilities. We are delighted to have her applying Visit the Preservation her skills as a professional writer and writing coach to all of our external Resource Center: communications. 2520 2nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90405 As always, we are grateful for our members. Together we are protecting Santa Monica’s Open Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday historic places, and we could not do it without you. 11 am - 2 pm and by appointment THE NEWSLETTER STAFF Kevin Herrera Kay Pattison Tom Hofer Dolores Sloan SHOTGUN HOUSE continued from page 1 Sherrill Kushner Robin Tung Ruthann Lehrer Hilda Weiss rehabilitation, reconstruction, contextual community effort across nearly two decades Carol Lemlein Barbara Whitney infill, sustainability, cultural resource that made its adaptive reuse possible. It also Libby Pachares studies/reports, craftsmanship/preservation highlights the role of such houses in the technology, and archeology and interpretive early development of Ocean Park and the Tis newsletter is supported in part by a exhibits. extensive research and work necessary to grant from the City of Santa Monica and Te nomination submitted for the Shotgun rehabilitate it according to the Secretary of the Santa Monica Arts Commission. House emphasized the extraordinary the Interior Standards. 2 September 2016 VOLUNTEER PROFILE Michael Burton By Kevin Herrera the Annenberg Community Beach House, Beach House]. I am so thankful I did be- Burton, 64, is also a researcher for the San- cause I enjoy being a docent very much.” ta Monica History Museum. Burton spent 21 years as an executive at “I love the rich history of Santa Monica — Bank of America. Now he enjoys playing and of course the beautiful beach and the tennis, racquetball and golf, as well as trav- ocean,” he said. eling. He’s also a lover of classic rock and “I became affiliated with the Conservancy the theatre. three years ago. When I retired I looked for “I have met so many wonderful people volunteer opportunities on the Internet and at the Conservancy who have enriched my ike an aggressive poker player with a discovered the Conservancy,” said Burton, knowledge of the history of this beautiful Lgreat hand, Michael Burton is going all who lives in Brentwood with his best friend city,” Burton said. Many tour-goers have in. In addition to serving as a docent for the and wife of 43 years, Gail. “I decided to been enriched by his acquaintance as well, Santa Monica Conservancy, leading walk- give it a go and committed to six Saturdays seeking out his upcoming scheduled tours ing tours of Downtown Santa Monica and of training [at the Annenberg Community after meeting him. Film Screening Features the Former Marion Davies Estate By Elaine Cohen pproximately 50 people attended a special Ascreening of the 1953 noir thriller movie, “Blueprint for Murder,” at the Ocean Park Library in July.