We love wood windows

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

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

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

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

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

"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

"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