New Boathouse Roof

New Boathouse Roof
Originally uploaded by ephs.

Workers are installing a new red, tile roof on the Echo Park Boathouse. This has been a long time in coming and is part of other improvements, including a new dock and the relighting of the boathouse beacon. The original tiles were removed long ago. Look for other historically sensitive improvements soon.

Echo Park Modern

Echo Park Modern
Originally uploaded by ephs.

This multi unit townhouse going up on Quintero Street feature a more contemporary and unique design than the stucco boxes/condos nearing completion down the hill on Sunset (see previous post). We are supportive of new and innovative design when it complements and fits into the scale of the neighborhood. This project is perhaps too big for the lot but the design is a big step up from what else has beeb built nearby.

Rec Center Under Repair

Rec Center Under Repair
Originally uploaded by ephs.

Seismic work is underway on Echo Park's Recreation Center. Designed by

Allied Architects in 1925, the brick Spanish- Colonial style Recreation

Center, across the street from the lake, is one of the oldest operating

recreation center in the City of Los Angeles and the second oldest built as

a recreation center. It is protected under Echo Park's Historic-Cultural

Monument listing (#836).



With work confined to the building's foundation and basement, the Historical

Society has been reassured by the Department of Recreation & Parks that the

work will not impact historic features. Where brickwork is disturbed,

original bricks will be used for repairs. Unfortunately, the work will not

restore the building's missing shutters, which disappeared about ten years

ago. The reinstallation of replacement shutters should be fairly simple with

the hinges and tiebacks, or shutter dogs, still in place.



When it was originally built, the current Recreation Center replaced a wood

Craftsman-style building built in 1908. The Echo Clubhouse, as it was

originally named, was designed by Sumner P. Hunt, who went on to design the

Southwest Museum and the Pierpont Inn in Ventura. In 1925, the Clubhouse was

moved to 1004 Echo Park Avenue where it exists today as office space for the

St. Paul Episcopal Cathedral. While no longer serving its original purpose,

the Clubhouse is Los Angeles' oldest building built as a recreation center.

Signs of the Past

Signs of the Past
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The owners of the Beauty Box apparently know about stylish design as well as hair. A playful color scheme and a destintive, period-style sign are a big improvement over the bland, plastic signs (and vinyl banners) that dominate stores on Sunset Boulevard.

A Turn for the Better

A Turn for the Better
Originally uploaded by ephs.

We were afraid at first at what would happen to this 1907 cottage on McDuff Street (above the A1 market). Lots of torn out woodwork was dumped outside. Cheap, metal windows were installed in back. But then things took a turn for the better. The remaining wood windows, including two big bay windows overlooking Sunset, were restored and the wood siding got a beautful burgundy paint job. Inside, the wood trim, wainscoting, and cabinets have been stripped down to their natural finish. Looks like another old house has been saved.