Local Community Award Winners
2009 Award Winners
Linda Phelps says she never set out to be an activist. Taking a clue from her mother, Linda naturally became active in the community and, when the Highland Park Heritage Trust was formed, she volunteered to serve in whatever capacity was needed. She has been a member all these years and has served on the board of directors for most of those years. As Linda says, “I never thought much about it, I just did it.”
Café de Leche owners Matt and Anya Schodorf have provided a gathering place. In the scheme of things, by being innovative, seeking to use the space to the fullest, uncovering the beautiful amber leaded glass along the top part of the windows, and opening up the interior ceiling and walls to expose the ducts and the brick, they created a space that is welcoming and current in a historic setting.
When one enters the Barras Salon they are entering a world of urban chic, right here on Figueroa Street. Mr. Barras took an older building and adapted it to the needs of a contemporary market. He bestowed an urban sophistication on an this structure while being respectful of its historic roots. Barras has been operating his salon for approximately one year. In this short time he has transformed a building that had too many walls, a low suspended ceiling and a linoleum floor into an excellent example of adaptive reuse that respects the architectural integrity of the past and meets the needs of the present. He opened up the space by removing non-historic walls, by polishing the cement floors until they shone, and exposing the original arched windows that show what the building would have looked like even though they are still sealed with cinder blocks. He also revealed the ducts and ceiling joists to give it a more open feeling. Amazingly, he did all of this himself while maintaining a full time job. The tremendous amount of time and energy that went into this adaptive reuse within the heart of the Highland Park Overlay Zone is to be applauded and is well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
The Pisgah Church, also known as Christ Faith Mission, began in 1895 and included eleven historic structures that housed Reverend Finis E. Yoakum and his followers. Pisgah has been a continuous part of the Highland Park community, at times serving the homeless and always a way station for its followers. A few years ago it was decided to rehabilitate Pisgah Village and create 47 units of quality, affordable housing. By using irregular massing, low-pitched roofs and the addition of front porches, the new housing blends in well with the neighboring structures and still allows the Pisgah Home to maintain dominance on the site. The new buildings are not only respectful of the existing architectural integrity, but are sensitive to the environment by using finishes and materials that are eco-friendly. In keeping with the historic layout of the property, a lovely, new courtyard was created for the residents and an existing courtyard shaded by a large California Oak was retained. The use of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties allowed Pisgah Village to be listed as a National Register Historic District. The tremendous amount of time and energy that went into the project and its sensitivity to the historic fabric is truly commendable and well deserving of the 209-2010 award.
In 1984 the statue of Chicken Boy was removed from the roof over the Chicken Boy restaurant, which had recently closed. Amy Inouye campaigned to save the roadside icon and eventually acquired it and put it into storage. Unable to find a proper new public home for him, he languished in storage for 23 years. Upon moving to Highland Park, plans and permits were secured to install Mr. Boy on top of her office on Figueroa Street, where he found a permanent roost in 2007. A true grassroots preservation effort, the Story of Chicken Boy won first place as the 2009 California Preservation Foundation’s Three-Minute Success Story. The dedication to preserving this icon on Route 66 – where it originally had its home – is truly commendable and very well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
Antigua Cultural Coffee House has preserved the past while basking in the present. The business owner took a former ice cream parlor that had much of its architectural integrity intact and adapted it to the needs of a community that serves both a grade and middle school. The neighborhood received a much needed eating establishment and the schools acquired a place to gather. This endeavor was a challenging undertaking and is to be commended. The owners’ foresight has preserved the historic fabric of the building and at the same time serves hundreds of students and the residents of the surrounding area. The owner’s actions are to be praised and he is very well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
This stately Craftsman at 534 N Avenue 54 is dominated by a handsome concrete porch with two battered brick columns on either end. Above the left side of the porch is a sheltered balcony and a gable on the right side is located above an arbor. The earth tones of the paint scheme are created by seven different shades of brown and aqua marine highlights the window sashes. The color combination gives it a distinctly Craftsman look. A well-maintained landscape and avery attractive parkway boasts drought-resistant landscaping. The upkeep and care displayed by these owners show tremendous pride and is well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
This charming bungalow, known as Takano House, features a dormer with fish scale shingles situated above the porch and a square bay on the right side of the house. Because of the pyramidal roofline and its massing, this structure can be described as a Pyramidal Folk Victorian. The fish scale shingles are also Victorian. However, its battered porch columns, double frieze and horizontal lines are a definite Craftsman influence. A simple paint scheme has highlighted the many fascinating architectural details and gives the house a new lease on life. The owners’ dedication to their property is quite evident and well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
This simple clapboard-sided Craftsman at 150 N Avenue 61 went through a complete renovation in 2009. A number of non-historic windows had to be replaced and the porch had to have the original wooden pillars and railing duplicated. An illegal addition was removed and the home was returned to its original footprint. An attractive paint scheme was the crowning touch. A chain link fence was replaced by an attractive wooden one and the yard was refurbished with a brick sitting area and pleasing landscaping. The tremendous amount of time and energy that went into the renovation of this house is to be applauded and is well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
This handsome and virtually intact Colonial Revival house at 213 N Avenue 55 is highlighted by a full width front porch with four Tuscan columns and colonial balustrades on the porch railing. The front door is located in a central alcove with a transom above. The wooden door appears original and has dentils below the glass and paneled walls on either side of the alcove. The hipped roof has a central dormer whose single diamond paned window mimics the window on the front porch. A new coat of paint and a well tended fornt yard point to the continued care and maintenance of this home. The pride displayed by the owners is commendable and well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
This stately Mission Revival with Gothic influence, Immanuel United Methodist Church and School, has been in the Highland Park area since 1907. An original stained glass window, approximately 12′ high and 6′ wide was installed in 1909. In 1986 the window was cleaned and re-leaded by Judson Studios. The window is covered on the outside to protect it. To behold the architectural integrity of this building is quite amazing. A testament to this are the original hinges that still secure the double arched front doors. A pleasing paint scheme offsets these doors and many other architectural details. The sensitive upkeep of this property and a well-maintained landscape shows tremendous community pride and is very well deserving of this 2009-2010 award.
This Four Square known as Gordon House has been returned to its former glory over the last two years. A fire-damaged upper story that had been covered over with plywood has been re-shingled and the windows brought back to their original design. An old photo showing the second floor balcony inspired the owner to remove the inappropriate railing and return it to the original shingled siding. A warm palette of colors including a muted green on the lower clapboard siding, a darker shade of green on the shingled second floor and a burgundy trim on the window sashes show off its wonderful detailing. The tremendous amount of time and energy that went into restoring this remarkable gem in the Hampton Terrace Tract is to be applauded and is truly deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
Possert House is a charming bungalow built by John H. Scott, a contractor who built a number of houses in the Highland Park area. Its pyramidal roofline would classify it as Pyramidal Folk Victorian, but its many other architectural features are predominately Craftsman. These include the central dormer vent on the roof, the decorative rafter tail ends under the overhanging eaves, and the combination upper shingled siding and lower clapboard treatment. All the details were brought back to life with a pleasing palette of colors that include ristique, carob bean and cream. Leftover bricks from the foundation were used to create a path in the front yard to complement the new landscaping. The crowning touch is a new wooden gate made by the owner that mimics the rafter tail ends on the roof. The owners’ commitment to this home and its architectural significance is commendable and well deserving of the 2009-2010 award.
2014 Award Winners
In 1923 a group of a dozen or so eastern European Jewish immigrants had the desire to create a religious center to serve the Highland Park and Eagle Rock communities. For seven years the women rallied together by raising funds, holding services and classes in various locations, and even purchasing a lot on Monte Vista Street in the hopes of realizing their dream. However, by 1930, and the start of the Great Depression, these women were beginning to think all their hard work was for naught. But through determination, encouragement and just plain will power, construction of Temple Beth Israel began in August 1930 and was officially opened in December of that year. Gerson C. Cohen, a third year architectural student at USC, designed the original building. This temple added to the large number of churches that Highland Park had and still does to this day. The simple modern structure is symmetrical and exhibits two pilasters on either side of the front door. The Temple has been a mainstay on Monte vista for over 80 years and its continued care is to be commended. The 90 years of service to its Jewish congregation and the community as a whole is also to be applauded and is truly deserving of the 2014 award.
This 1886 Queen Anne Victorian at 120 & 126 N Avenue 63 sat vacant and almost invisible for many years. Through the efforts of the Garvanza Improvement Association and the complete dedication of the owner, the Dr. Smith House has been returned to its turn of the century glory. Visible once again are the tall Italianate windows, decorative fretwork surrounding the numerous gables, and the spindled porch columns. The concrete Tuscan columns that lined the main entrance are once again standing proud. A cottage that was built in 1920 was also lovingly restored. The tremendous undertaking that went into the sensitive restoration of one of the highlights of Garvanza is truly deserving of the 2014 award.
According to the owner, this property at 3924 Griffin Ave looked almost abandoned when he purchased it. The yard was badly overgrown and the house begged for a paint job. After much scraping, an arts and crafts green now covers the large Craftsman which exhibits both a dormer and a gable on the front and two side facing gables which are all embellished with curved knee braces. The transverse gables on either side are slightly cantilevered over the first story. Several casement windows have four lites over one with dark green frames and white sashes. The front porch is highlighted by decorative tiles on the risers. A beautiful pepper tree is once again visible and a gigantic bird of paradise towers to the second story. The owner’s pride in his home and his dedication to the historic integrity is truly deserving of the 2014 award.
This single story Craftsman at 430 Mount Washington Drive sits high above the street and is once again inhabitable after a new foundation, new roof and a welcome paint job. It features an extended porch roof that is supported by two Tuscan columns. The wooden porch is original and the front entrance has been replaced with a period appropriate door. A light and dark brown color palette and orange trim provide the final touches to this attractive home. Leading down to the street is the original curved walkway with brick siding and concrete steps. The tremendous amount of work and commitment to renovating the property is commendable and truly deserving of the 2014 award.
The owners of the 1909 Craftsman at 815 Elyria Drive on Mount Washington, which is a Historic Cultural Monument, wanted to add a detached art studio to the rear of the house. Neither of the owners were unbendable when it came to the style, so modern architect Nick Corsini designed a studio that, in his words “would create a dialogue between the buildings and the site.” The use of simple building materials achieved the desired effect and honored the craftsman ideal of simplicity. Simple concrete blocks helped alleviate the need for heating and cooling systems and in Corsini’s words “the rust pallet created a warm relationship with the existing house.” A butterfly roof made of corrugated steel strongly reflects the eaves of the house and clerestory windows allow natural light to permeate the space. Utilitarian built-in cabinets are made of okoume plywood, which also lines the ceiling. The final product is definitely modern, but also reflects the craftsman vision. The sensitive addition to this property that honors the past and salutes the present is truly deserving of the 2014 award.
This same home at 1700 Phillips Way won in 1993 for sensitively restoring brickwork that had been damaged in the 1987 earthquake. Through the years this home has been lovingly maintained and was again nominated this year. This single story Craftsman is highlighted by four large brick piers that support the front entrance. The concrete porch has a rounded edge that sits above a brick foundation. The earth tone that covers the entire house harkens back to the original Craftsman ideal that tried to blend the structure into the surrounding land. The simple elegance of this home has been lovingly cared for and is truly deserving of the 2014 award.
This Dutch Colonial at 127-129 Roselawn Place was returned to its former dignity by removing inappropriate stucco and replacing the original windows. The redwood siding was able to be saved but the upper shingles had to be replaced. The only thing that remained of the windows were the original openings. Period appropriate window sashes were salvaged and the two bay windows were created around them. All the double hung windows and frames had to be replicated. A similar house showed two diamond shaped embellishments on the upper story which the owner chose to duplicate. A light tan and white combination cover the house and a beautifully landscaped yard surrounded by a white picket fence have returned the turn-of-the-century house to its original state. The commitment and dedication of the owner to architectural accuracy is truly commendable and very deserving of the 2014 award.
Over the last 20+ years, Heather McLarty has established herself as a well-known artist and blacksmith whose creations have beautified the community. Her public works include the gates and benches at the Audubon Center in Debs Park as well as the gates to the athletic field and a large copper wall collage at Occidental College. Her privately commissioned works include graceful, organic stair railings, a custom bramble ceiling lamp and fireplace screen, and specially crafted cooking tools. She is dedicated to preserving the art of blacksmithing and used those skills to accurately recreate the square iron nails needed to restore the doors at the Lummis House. She teaches others the craft, is an active member of the Arroyo Arts Collective, and has participated in tours and demonstrations at her blacksmithing shop “Steel Crazy” – a tepee on her property, behind the whimsical gate to her home. She is an outstanding member of the vibrant artists’ community in Highland Park and deserves recognition with this 2014 award.
The Eastsider LA contains a wealth of information about the history, happenings, and historic preservation activities in Highland Park and neighboring communities. It was created in July 2008 and is maintained by Jesus Sanchez, an accomplished journalist for over 25 years, who was born and raised in East Los Angeles and has received accolades from several magazines for producing the “Best L.A. Neighborhood Blog.” The Eastsider has done a commendable job promoting the cause of preservation in N.E.L.A. by publicizing the controversy over the Southwest Museum and Shoppers Market, and by interviewing local historian/preservationist Charles Fisher. The website also published a photographic two year retrospective of changes on York Boulevard, and has showcased outstanding restorations of historic places, such as Dr. Smith’s Victorian home in Garvanza, and other homes in our neighborhoods. These efforts to keep the community aware of and actively protecting its local treasures surely deserve this 2014 award.
Avenue 50 Studio is a valuable cultural resource in the Highland Park neighborhood. In the last 12 years it has presented over 300 shows in the Northeast L.A. area that primarily focus on Latino artists of Mexican and Central American descent whose work has not been represented in mainstream galleries. As stated on the studio’s website, “the showing of multicultural arts on a monthly basis in a working class community can go a long way in educating people to the importance of diverse art in our lives.” In addition to exhibiting works of art, the studio conducts monthly poetry readings for community members and guest poets to read their creations, and holds weekly classical guitar lessons by a master guitarist for beginning to advanced players. The Avenue 50 Studio deserves this 2014 award for its ability “to build bridges of cultural understanding through artistic expressions” that reflect and enhance the Highland Park community.
The restoration of this 1921 cottage at 5928 Terrace Drive turned a dilapidated structure into a preservationist’s delight. The colonial influenced residence features a protruding classical front porch highlighted by four Tuscan columns. The original front door has lites on either side and the concrete front porch has founded edges. The white paint on the small clapboard siding and Tuscan columns is offset by blue and grey trim. The pleasing results of this undertaking display pride of ownership and are definitely deserving of the 2014 award.
This very symmetrical Craftsman at 1743 N Avenue 53 has a low side gabled roof and a doubled gabled vent dormer over the front entrance. The large fixed pane windows are on either side of a tiered and battered front door. There are also four square columns spanning the front porch and a bottom rounded step. A Craftsman style light fixture also enhances the entryway. The light green clapboard siding is offset by the yellow and cream trim. The sustained maintenance on this home and yard show definite pride and are deserving of the 2014 award.
This well maintained Victorian with Second Empire influences, located at 216 Thorne Street, was the home of William Lees Judson. The home still sits across the street from Judson Studios, which at one time housed the USC School of Fine Arts and Architecture. The zany eclectic nature of the house stems from the fact that some of the students were involved in the design. The house features an arroyo stone ground floor and an alternating shingle pattern on the second story. A turret sits toward the rear of the right side of the house. The owners scrapped unsightly excess mortar off the arroyo stone wall and returned it to its original state. The yard has also been upgraded by planting Cypress trees and a jasmine vine. The owner’s dedication to the historic integrity of this Garvanza gem is definitely deserving of the 2014 award.
This double gabled Craftsman at 4866 Lincoln Ave is surrounded by a beautiful arroyo stone wall that is topped by a simple wooden picket fence. The avocado green clapboard siding has a horizontal one over two pattern. A darker green and crimson trim set off its many architectural features which include a gabled roof and a gabled porch roof which are highlighted by three knee braces on each gable. Button purlins embellish the top of the porch and the original first door features beveled glass. An archway leads to a beautifully landscaped yard. The care and commitment to this charming property is quite evident and is well deserving of the 2013 award.
This front gabled Craftsman at 1035 Dexter features a wide front porch with four Tuscan columns that are supported by concrete pillars. The owner did a complete renovation that included de-stuccoing the house and replacing nearly half of the clapboard siding. All the windows were recreated by using a single window that had been left under the house. A beautiful shade of salmon and a complimentary light green and white trim have breathed new life into this charming home. A Craftsman style wooden fence completes the picture. The owners are to be commended for their dedication to historic integrity in the renovation of this property and are truly deserving of the 2014 award.