Echo Park Preservation Watch

We love wood windows

2008-08-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

We must give credit to Angelus Temple as it renovates several of its properties near Echo Park Lake. This shingled apartment building on Glendale Boulevard near Park Avenue is not only getting a new paint job but new wood windows (at least in front) to duplicate the originals. We do have to take some credit here. Kevin Kuzma and Matt Pope of the EPHS met with the church's contractor to provide him with advice on preservation friendly remodeling as well as sources for materials and services. It also helps that this building is located in the area that is being studied for a potential historic district. As a result, any exterior changes need to receive much greater scrutiny. It helps that these changes keep and improve and building's historic character.

We provided similar advice as the church began remodeling two four-plex apartment buildings on Echo Park Avenue. Not only does the church get to improve and update its property but Echo Park retains its old look and feel.

Winemakers' old home gets a facelift

2008-06-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Angona residence (1889) on McDuff street recently underwent a thorough renovation that included new wood windows as well as a soothing coat of blue paint. A purple grape color might have been more appropriate (but not as tasteful) given the home's history. The house is named after Cono and Antonia Angona, who settled here north of Sunset Boulevard when the area was still primarily open fields or used for farming and ranching. The family made wine here from 1900 1910, importing grapes from the San FernandoValley. We are happy to see that the new owners were respectful of this home's historic character and charm.

McMansions march on Echo Park

2008-04-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's too late to stop them. McMansions are popping up all over Echo Park and Elysian Heights, despite the slow real estate market. After digging out a hillside, three giant houses are now being built on Parmer Avenue (top photo).

Meanwhile, neighbors on Cerro Gordo are on McMansion Watch after they learned that three lots on their street between Lake Shore and Alvarado have been purchased for development. Two of the hillside lots are empty, but one contains one of the few remaining cottages/cabins (second pic) that once dominated the hills of Elysian Heights.

If you want to see what kind of homes will rise on these lots, you only have walk about 2 blocks east on Cerro Gordo and take a peek at the Echo Park's original McMansion, (bottom pic) that was built in the 1980s. The same owner of this place built a similar structure on Avon Street last year .

Houses this big and out of scale with existing homes are currently allowed under the city's current zoning laws. Is this the future we want for Echo Park?

Save the Earth: Recycle an old home

2008-04-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

We let Earth Day pass by without reminding folks that the restoration of our old homes and storefronts not only preserves our past but preserves the environment. Why? Because the demolition and mindless remodeling of old structures add to the stream of debris that is choking our landfills. Construction debris makes up about 25% of the "waste stream" that is rapidly filling up our dumps.

There is nothing "green" about ripping out original, built-in cabinets, moldings, paneling, windows, plaster walls that can easily be restored and kept out of landfills. There's more to being green than just driving a hybrid car and asking for paper bags at the supermarket. Learn more about preserving the planet by preserving your old home.

Lots of Latches

2008-04-23T06:45:00.001-07:00

Preservation Tip: One of our members, Katrina Alexy, had a very difficult time finding latches for old metal casement windows. But she found just what she needed at www.VanDykes.com . "I just ordered a bunch of window latches from this site. They have great stuff for our old houses at good prices."

Echo Park's LAUSD Fight Covered By Los Angeles CityBeat

2008-03-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

"Is L.A. Unified's ruin of an Echo Park neighborhood really necessary?"

http://www.lacitybeat.com/cms/story/detail/degree_in_devastation/6808/

New restrictions will affect Echo Park's historic fireplaces

2008-03-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

"Curling up in front of a cozy wood fire on a nippy night will be banned in many parts of Southern California on bad air days under new regulations passed Friday by regional air regulators."

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fireplace8mar08,0,4485269.story

Opportunities To Shape Los Angeles' Preservation Ordinance

2008-03-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Two upcoming public hearings offer an opportunity to weigh in on
possible changes:

http://preservation.lacity.org/node/94

Don't cheap out on vinyl siding for your house

2008-03-17T21:42:00.001-07:00

What's can be worse than applying stucco over old wood siding? Try cheap vinyl or aluminum siding.

"Replacing historic wood siding with new wood, or aluminum or vinyl siding could severely diminish the unique aspects of historic materials and craftsmanship. The inappropriate use of substitute siding is especially dramatic where sufficient care is not taken by the owner or applicator and the width of the clapboards is altered, shadow reveals are reduced, and molding or trim is changed or removed at the corners, at cornices or around windows and doors."

You can avoid this by reading the National Park Service's advice on appropriate substitutes for wood siding on historic buildings. Here's the link:

http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief08.htm

The Dusty Arches

2008-01-23T10:22:00.001-08:00

It maybe covered with decades of dirt and dust, but the brick wall and terra cotta arches on this Sunset Blvd storefront are in great shape after a sheet metal cover was removed as part of a renovation. Click here to see a vintage pic of this 1920s era building, courtesy of Mary Austin Klein and Scott Fajack, on the southside of Sunset between Lemoyne and Glendale blvd.

Brick Beneath

2007-11-20T21:53:00.000-08:00

Artist Peter Shire is renovating his studio at 1850 Echo Park Ave. and found the original brick exterior under a cheesy facade installed probably in the '80 'or 70s. Hope this becomes a permanent change.

Still More Stucco

2007-09-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Despite our best efforts, property owners continue to smother wood sided bungalows with stucco in an illfated attempt to modernize. This bungalow court (top photo) on Echo Park Ave. At Scott Ave. is being covered up this week. Only two blocks away a similar property of tiny wood-sized bungalows was restored and painted without all the trouble and expense of a stucco jacket. Meanwhile, nearby on Fairbanks Place, a home (bottom photo) that has been under renovation for years is getting a new skin of wood siding. Go figure. A future owner of the Echo Park bungalows might want to consider removing the stucco (watch the video) to regain some of the character and lost value.

Is Brown the New Green?

2007-09-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Sage green or olive green once seemed to be the color of choice when it came to renovated homes. Now, shades of chocolate are popping up across the neighborhood, including this apartment and storefront at Sunset and Laveta.

Double Trouble on Avon Street

2007-08-27T13:58:00.001-07:00

Avon has long been a pleasant stretch of mostly one-story bungalows in a variety of styles. But this pleasant mix has been upset by the recent arrival of some unwelcome neighbors. The bloated McMansion near Cerro Gordo would certainly be better suited to suburban Las Vegas than historic Echo Park. It may be historic...if you think cookie cutter houses from the 1980s are historic. Two blocks south, a worn-looking but charming Spanish-colonial style home was demolished to make way for this two-story box that will become a duplex. AvonStreet, and Echo Park, deserve far better than these two sad samples of Home Depot-design.

Grand Entrance for Jensen's

2007-08-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

It was worth the wait. After winning a final approval by the city, the main entrance to Jensen's Recreation Center now features a grand, iron gate fit for a landmark hotel. The building is a city landmark, and the gate design needed to be approved and reviewed by the city to make sure it fit into the style of the 1924 building. What made it tricky is that the original design did not include a gate. So, the owners had to come up with a design that provided security but also respected the building's historic character. As an added bonus, a couple of cage-like enclosures in the lobby area will be removed.

Building Fire

2007-07-24T13:03:00.001-07:00

Building Fire
Originally uploaded by ephs.

This classic brick building at Alvarado and Sunset caught fire on July 14, injuring one person. The fire started in an upstairs apartment but two businesses below sufferred heavy water damage. These kind of buildings play an important role in defining our commercial streets, creating a lively environment for pedestrians (as well as providing housing on upper floors). Many have been torn down for mini-malls and parking lots that are more friendly to motorists. We hope this building is repaired in a preservation-minded manner.

Restoration Workshops

2007-07-24T08:15:00.001-07:00

Restoration Workshops
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The last of our trio of Summer Restoration Workshops will be held on Sunday July 22. See the Preseevation page for details. The photo is from our Shopping for Salavage Workshop last weekend.

Elegant Density?

2007-07-11T13:17:00.001-07:00

Elegant Density?
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The mayor has used the phrase "elegant density" to describe well designed and perhaps even stylish big development needed to house a growing population. Well, instead of elegant density, Echo Park seems to get more "ugly urban" as this giant box rising on Cortez Street west of Glendale Boulevard show. The blob like building will serve as a sterile storage box for people and overwhelm the smaller Victorian-era homes now hidden from view. Nothing wrong with building apartments, and big buildings are not necessarily bad. But do they have to be this over bearing and sterile?

Douglas Modern

2007-06-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

Douglas Modern
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The southern most block of Douglas Street near Glendale Boulevard looks like a gritty spot at first glance. But a closer look reveals some promising renovations, including this stylish re-do on the eastside of the block. The materials are new but they complement the building's simple, boxy form.

De-Stucco on Video!

2007-06-03T14:16:00.001-07:00

The EPHS has created "Take It Off: How to De-Stucco Your Home," a video tape of a de-stucco seminar held in Highland Park. We wish to thank Rob Hanson and Robin Gutman for organizing the seminar and inviting the public. Watch and learn how you can remove the stucco to reveal the original wood siding and shingles covered underneath. Click here to View

Preservationists Head South

2007-05-31T10:15:00.001-07:00

Preservationists Head South
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The south end of Echo Park south of the 101 Freeway often gets overlooked. Many don't even consider it Echo Park. But it is and includes some of our oldest homes, some of which are being renovated. If you take the Court Street Stairway up from Glendale Blvd you will find a tidy row of Victorian homes on Council St. It's quite a pleasant surprise in an area that could-and has- been redeveloped with big boxes.

Preservationists Head South

2007-05-31T10:12:00.001-07:00

Preservationists Head South
Originally uploaded by ephs.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2007-05-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Picking colors is probably among the most difficult decisons to make but the result are perhaps among the most dramatic in a renovation. These colors are being tested on an apartment-retail building at the corner of Sunset Blvd. And Laveta Terrace. Given the samples shown, these owners are not shy of a bold color makeover. This corner building is among the last on this stretch of Laveta to have been renovated and restored in recent years.

Morton Terrace Makeover

2007-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Morton Terrace, a narrow lane that branches west off Morton Avenue, has for decades been lined with tiny, box-like, Spanish-colonial style bungalows. How small, well as you can see by one photo, they are not much bigger than a luxury SUV. But, like the rest of Echo Park, this alleyway has been changing quickly—and not all for the better. Several of the homes, notably on the south side, have undergone dramatic renovations—including near tear downs that have morphed into two-story homes. In many ways look development in Venice, where tiny houses and narrow lots have been replaced by larger and much more expensive two-story “modernist” style homes.

Three of the projects have retained the one story profile and original characteristics. The wood-sided bungalow (the one hidden by the SUV) was one of the first to be renovated in a way that updated the exterior but kept its historical charm. The one-story Spanish-colonial style cottage is OK but the replacement of wood windows and other architectural features that had been stripped away over the years would have given it more character. Right now it looks rather bland.

The two-story homes (one under construction) have taken far different approaches. The Spanish-style home actually uses some high grade wood windows, beams and terra cotta tile that soften the contemporary style. The second looks like a straightforward, modernist project you would find in Dwell magazine.

While these projects are certainly a cut above what has been built in the rest of the neighborhood, the projects certainly could have been more preservation friendly. The new “vertical” bungalows will also certainly change the feel of this part of the neighborhood that has long been dominated by one-story homes.

Without design guidelines or a historic district protections in place, most of Echo Park’s historic character remains at the mercy of individuals who may or may not value our neighborhood’s history and character

A Tale of Two Projects

2007-03-03T15:59:00.001-08:00

A Tale of Two Projects
Originally uploaded by ephs.

These two afforable housing projects are almost across the street from each other on Temple Street but were built about 20 years apart. The designs are certainly different but the most recent addition may not be that much of an improvement over the older project. Casa Gloria was built in the mid-1980s in a suburban- Spanish style. It's a huge complex that resemble a giant Acapulco restaurant. The newcomer, which is nearing completion across fom the Echo Park Library, does not pretend to be old and features clean lines and a good mix of textures. But it has a strange, fenced front yard that will never get used. There is also a grand entrance that is a nice way to connect to the street but it resembles a big hole. Both projects are taller than 45 feet, dwarfing the neighboring bungalows, and appear to be squeezed into the site. We hope but not optomistic that future subsidized and private housing pay as much attention to scale and size as they do design.

New Boathouse Roof

2007-02-16T17:24:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-16T10:27:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-12T13:25:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-03T17:45:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-03T17:33:00.001-08:00

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.

We Spoke To Soon

2007-01-23T11:34:00.001-08:00

We Spoke To Soon
Originally uploaded by ephs.

Our previous post had expressed some hope that a small, wood-sided cottage on Lucretia (see photo below) was on the verge of getting a well-deserved renovation. Wrong.
The illegal demoltion at 1600 Lucretia Ave. was caught today by one of our EPHS board members while it was underway. He immediately took a photo, checked online to see if a demolition permit had been filed (it had not) and reported it to the building & safety department and police. The contractor and property owner will now have to file for the proper permits for public review and ensure public safety.

This demo is probably legal (with permits) but we cannot allow property owners and developers to knock down our old and historic homes and buildings on a whim and without proper approval. Our vigilance lets people know that they can't get away with this and perhaps make them think twice about "scraping" these structures and replacing them with what will probably be a big, boxy building.

If you think you are seeing an illegal demo in process, first check to see if the proper permits have been filed by going to the Building & Safety website and enter the street address. If no permits have been filed, call the department right away (use the city operator at 311) to register a complaint. If the demo is in process and no inspector can come out, call the police as well (use the non emergency number at 877-ask-lapd) to report the activity.

In addition to be vigilant, we need city laws that require special public hearings for any demo involving an old building to make sure it has no historic value in addition to ordinances that make it more difficult to build a "mc mansion" where a a small home used to stand.

An "Emotional Spanish"

2007-01-18T13:10:00.003-08:00

Emotional Spanish
Originally uploaded by ephs.

An "Emotional Spanish"
Originally uploaded by ephs.

Walk west from Echo Park Ave on Delta St. and go up the stairs to the top of the hill to Lucretia. Here (besides great views) you will find a 1920s Spanish Colonial home that was recently restored to its period glory (some real estate agents refer to these super-cute homes as "emotional spanish," hoping buyers will give up common sense to make an offer.) . New and repaired wood windows and a fresh coat of smooth stucco (not that lumpy stuff that collects dust) give this home a refined look. Hope the wood-sided cottage across the street and next to the stairs gets an equally impressive renovation.

Do It Right on Sunset

2007-01-14T16:17:00.001-08:00

Do It Right on Sunset
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The Do It Right Hardware Store on Sunset Blvd near Marion Ave is going to be developed into more than 150 affordable apartments and some for-sale condos. This is still in the early stages, and the developer, Mercy Housing of San Francisco, met with EPHS for feedback. We encouraged them to try and avoid a giant box and instead echo the nearby hillside courtyard apartments (pictured) that climb up the hills in terraces. There is a large and relatively unique cluster of these kind apartments on this section of Sunset that we would like protected from destruction with special zoning that would encourage similar new buildings.

Craftsman Copy

2007-01-07T22:13:00.001-08:00

Craftsman Copy
Originally uploaded by ephs.

This newly built home on Cerro Gordo St. near Echo Park Ave. is perhaps the most extreme example (at least in EP) we have seen of new construction trying mirror earlier styles, Craftsman in this case. The builder gets extra points for some nice details and great windows. However, the big garage door at the front does dominate the house and there is no way to disguise this modern convenience. The Craftsman era peaked around 1920, well before two-car garages became the norm.

Temple of Doom?

2007-01-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

Temple of Doom?
Originally uploaded by ephs.

High density zoning on this section of Temple Street on the south end of Echo Park probably means this cute bungalow is soon going to be demolished to make way for new development. This Victorian-transitional cottage near Boylston Street is probably 90 years old. Similar homes like it were destroyed suddenly a few blocks west for a housing project. A creative developer would find a way to restore this cottage and include this home in a new project.

This Porch Rocks

2006-12-31T12:51:00.001-08:00

Test 4
Originally uploaded by ephs.

The owners of this bungalow on Alvarado south of Montana did a great job restoring this Craftsman-style home that was in poor shape. One of the notable improvements was to strip away the blue paint that had covered the river rock front porch. This is a difficult and time consuming process. How did they do it? We don't know but are so glad they did.

Echo Park Salvage Exchange

2006-09-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Need an old door for your old Echo Park House? Then please check the inventory of the Echo Park Salvage Exchange .

The Salvage Exchange is designed to recycle low cost architectural salvage for local restoration projects. Common items such as doors and window sash and even old hardware are now available for a fraction of the cost of local salvage dealers.

Qualifications

T the item must be used for the restoration of a structure within Echo Park or Angeleno Heights and Elysian Heights. Furthermore, in order to ensure a successful program, preference goes to EPHS members and installations must be verified by the EPHS.

Got Salvage?

To build up our supply of materials, we are also taking donations of items. So, if you know of an old door on the sidewalk, let us know and we'll pick it up. Contact us at ephs@HistoricEchoPark.org for details.

New Paint Job

2006-08-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

1417 Calumet Ave
1909 Arthur B. Benton House
Perhaps this is shameless to post my own house, but i thought it would be interesting to see how people respond to our paint job (after on left). We are restoring bit by bit. Still needs some work inside, but much of the house was intact when we got it. We have spent much our money just working on the non-cosmetic aspects, like electrical and the foundation, and are slow to finish some of the cosmetic elements outside. We have removed the cartport and restored wood pieces that fell off as well as some rotten siding...

Thanks for the cool blog.

--Alex Robinson

Echo Park Bridge Gets Face Lift

2006-06-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

The landmark bridge at Echo Park Lake is currently being renovated as workers replace rotted wood and make other necessary repairs. The bridge's wooden railings and deck have been removed will be rebuilt and repainted in a historically appropriate manner in light of the park's new status as a city historic landmark. The photo shows the new color on the metal brace underneath the bridge (the orange netting and a pontoon bridge underneath is temporary) Officials are also looking at moving and building a new and more attractive gate that currently blocks access to the bridge and island. The new gate would be located at the end of the bridge closest to the island, allowing park visitors to once again walk across the span and enjoy the view but keeping the island (an unofficial bird sanctuary) off limits. The current bridge was built probably after 1940. A bridge of some sort has been located in the same spot for more than a century.

We Love Wood Windows!

2006-06-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

We Love Wood Windows!
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

So, this renovation at the corner of Laveta Terrace and Scott Avenue is not necessarily a shining example of preservation. The interior of this unit has pretty much gutted without much thought to salvaging and recycling interior details. Some of the exterior details are not necessarily the right choices--in terms of preservation. The new wood windows, however, are a winner. The owner actually made the window openings smaller than the original. That's usually a bad sign that is
often by the installation of cheap, aluminum slider windows. But, in this case, we were pleasantly surprised to see the arrival of new double-hung wood windows (the slide up and down). Why do we love wood window so much? They really add depth and detail to even the simplest of buildings, like this boxy duplex. You can save yourself the expense and time of buying new windows buy repairing your existing ones. We will show you how during our upcoming Wood Window Repair Workshop in August. Check the Preservation section of www.HistoricEchoPark.org for details.

Bonnie Brae Fixer

2006-06-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Brae Fixer
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

This house under renovation is located on Bonnie Brae Street just south of Sunset Boulevard. It's one of the few bright spots on a block where many of the structures have been either stuccoed over or remodeled beyond recognition. In this case, this lucky house is receiving a rather high-quality renovation. The exterior wood siding (increasingly rare) has been restored and repainted (though we are getting tired of this sage green color) and the columns and doorway frame on the front porch have also been retained, and look as if they are getting nicely renovated. The original wood windows, if you look closely, have been removed and replaced with double-hung (they slide up and down), metal windows. But the use of a dark window sash and the fact that the original wood window frames have been retained make up for the loss of the wood windows. We hope this encourages other thoughtful renovations in the area between Echo Park Lake and Alvarado

Duplex Delux

2006-05-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Duplex Delux
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

It does not get any better than this. This duplex on Elysian Park Avenue between Sunset Boulevard and Stadium Way (it's the street that leads into the main gate of Dodger Stadium) received a top notch preservation that retained and restored the original doors and windows and finished it off with an appealing paint scheme and great landscaping. The great work here stands in contrast to the duplex right next door that was covered with stucco and stripped of its wood windows and other original features. If only these restoration wizards could work their magic on the property next door. This would be a great looking block.

Do you De-Stucco?

2006-05-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Do you De-Stucco?
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

Yeah! The members of the EPHS have waged a long, and often losing,battle against the "stuccoing" of wood sided houses. This unfortunate remodeling ruins the appearance of many of our oldest, homes by smothering their wood siding and shingles under a coat of stucco. This effort to "modernize" a home also leads the homeowner, prodded by a contractor trying to make a buck, to rip out wood windows and replace them with cheap aluminum sliders. But, as in the case of this house on Effie between Lakeshore and Lemoyne, a few homeowners have reversed the process by removing the stucco and restoring the wood underneath. It's a relatively simple process. Check out the "de-stucco" primer in the Preservation section of www.HistoricEchoPark.org Very few people de-stucco, and the owners of this place are certainly deserving of an Echo Park Preservation Award for taking such action.

Also on Lakeshore

2006-05-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

Also on Lakeshore
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

This one-story cottage is located on Lakeshore Avenue near the entrance to Gateways Hospital. It's a few houses up from the farm-house like property with the big windows noted in a previous blog posting. The owners here did a great job restoring the wood windows and other wood siding. They finished everything off with a nice paint color and trim. It's a sweet place and, as you notice, for sale. This project along with the one down the street have certainly been welcome on a block where several houses have been stuccoed over without any regard to their historic character.

Lake Shore Rehab

2006-05-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Lake Shore Rehab
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

This house has always stood out on on Lakeshore Avenue between Berkley and Gateways hospital because of some enormous double hung windows (they slide up and down) and a farm-house feel. The property is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion. The good news is that they have restored the wood siding and ENORMOUS wood windows (they look at least six feet tall in the dormers). The bad news is that addition in the back (not seen in the pictures) looks like pretty much tacked on. Overall, though, this renovation we hope triggers some other thoughtful remodeling on this stretch of Lakeshore.

Promise on Portia?

2006-05-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

Portia Street runs north of Sunset Boulevard. It's a mixed bagged in terms of renovation. The bungalow with the blue trim looks like it is being restored in a sensitive manner, with a new but compatible front door. Across the street, however, there are signs of trouble. A nearly intact two-story, wood framed house is undergoing a strange re-do. Notice the fake, terra cotta-colored brick on the porch columns. Half way up Portia, the owners of a Colonial-style, clapboard bungalow are repainting and restoring the wood--but they removed the wood windows and replaced them with aluminum sliders. The old wood windows gave the place more depth and "texture." At least they didn't stucco!

Stucco Box on Sunset

2006-05-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Stucco Box on Sunset
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

This project at Sunset Blvd. and Elysian Park Ave. lacks any connection

to the neighborhood's historic scale or character--unless you count a

few panels of fake siding and the sliding windows that are not fooling

anyone by pretending to look "olde" with divided lights (those small

squares in the windows). It's a pretty depressing project.

A Worst Case Scenario

2006-05-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

A Worst Case Scenario
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

This condo complex is rising at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and

Quintero. Talk about a box. No friendly frontage (just a view of the

parking garage) on either street and, from what we hear, a pretty dull

design. What a wasted opportunity on an important corner on a prominent street.

Walgreens Development Plan

2006-05-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Walgreens Development Plan
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

Owners of Walgreens, which owns the entire block where the Pioneer market used to be on Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue, unveiled plans to build new structures at the northeast corner of Echo Park and Montana. They said this is an early concept and were looking for feedback from the community at a neighborhood planning meeting. On first glance, it was a typical strip mall development that could be in Diamond Bar. At least they put it up against the sidewalk. It would be better if the new construction was placed on Sunset to restore the old storefronts that were destroyed to make way for the Pioneer parking lot. Many people voiced support for that and opposed the drive-thru Walgreens wants. Stay tuned.

Fire Damages Leo Politi house

2006-05-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Fire Damages Leo Politi house
Originally uploaded by Historic Echo Park.

Just before 3:00 PM Thursday, May 4 a fire broke out in the former home of the award winning and highly respected artist and illustrator Leo Politi on W. Kensington Road near Douglas in Angeleno Heights. The extent of the damage to the interior of the residence is unclear at this time, but the roof was severely damaged. Flames could be seen shooting up into the air. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded with several companies and at least a dozen fire trucks. They did a superb and quick job of putting the fire out. The front of the house appeared not to be harmed, but the house is not easily seen from the street. Many residents of the neighborhood showed up to watch the activities and some were visibly shaken.

Leo Politi was a long time resident of Los Angeles. He was particularly famous for his illustrations of dozens of children's books, but he also painted portraits on Olvera Street beginning in the 1930's. He lived on Bunker Hill until it was destroyed in the urban renewal frenzy of the 1960's. His paintings of the Victorian houses of Bunker Hill are among his finest. He then moved to Angeleno Heights until his death in the 1990's. He, and his wife Helen, were well loved members of this historic neighborhood

This information was provided by Bruce Lash.

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Win on Academy Road

2006-05-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

WIN
This simple duplex on Academy Road near Morton Avenue was renovated in the last five years. The owners kept the original layout and size but updated interiors in keeping with the home's simple style.