2023 California Preservation Conference

Chattel had a busy and enjoyable time at the 2023 California Preservation Conference, the first in-person conference held by the California Preservation Foundation since 2019. Hundreds of attendees from all over California came to San Francisco between April 19-21 for several days of receptions, workshops, and networking events.

The conference kicked off with an opening reception at the Maritime Museum located in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Constructed in 1939 as a bathhouse under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the museum is notable for its colorful murals by artist Hilaire Hiler. Conference sessions began the following day at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, starting with a plenary presentation by former Assistant Director-General for Culture of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Francesco Bandarin.

Chattel not only attended conference sessions, but jointly facilitated a conversation on the future of the Mills Act program with planning staff from the Cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Mills Act roundtable was highly popular with conference participants who filled the space to standing room only.

The California Preservation Awards were held during the conference, beginning with a reception that honored past winners from recent years including the Picture Bridge at the Langham Huntington Hotel, a previous Chattel project awarded in 2021. Selected past winners were paired with an assortment of wines, with a sparkling wine chosen to represent the Picture Bridge.

Chattel received a preservation design award in the category of rehabilitation for the Hart Park Adobe House in Bakersfield. The project, completed for the County of Kern, rehabilitated a 1939 WPA-era adobe house in Hart Memorial Park for use as a visitor center operated by non-profit Kern River Parkway Foundation. Representatives from the County and the Foundation joined Chattel for the awards festivities.

All in all, it was an eventful week and a great way to celebrate the California preservation community in person again.

The Purser Receives 2022 Santa Monica Conservancy Rehabilitation Award

Santa Monica Conservancy recognized The Purser at 1659 Ocean Front Walk with a 2022 Rehabilitation Award for recently completed work on the interior and exterior. The rehabilitation was guided by the Secretary’s Standards and Mills Act historical property contact. The City Landmark four-story building was constructed in 1913 and is one of few remaining buildings from the early period of Santa Monica beachfront development. Designed as an apartment hotel, the building responded to seasonal demand for extended stay lodging. It has been memorialized by generations of photographers and tourists as a backdrop for body builders on the original Muscle Beach.

Known as the Purser Apartments, the building had been altered over time with replacement aluminum slider windows, added foam stringcourses and quoining, and faux finish exterior painting that detracted from its simple Mission Revival character. Owner Wilshire Skyline replaced the aluminum sliders with hung-type fiberglass windows, removed stringcourses and quoining, and re-stuccoed the building an off-white color more in keeping with its early character. An exterior lighting program highlights architectural features and improves security for residents and passersby.

The rehabilitation reversed years-long neglect, replaced critical components of the building, such as roofing and waterproofing, and damaged interior features, such as unit doors and appliances. Completion of the project was not without challenges, as all rehabilitation work was carried out with existing tenants in place and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work slowed but continued apace.

New life in the historic heart of Beverly Hills

Just shy of a century old, 9701-9725 S. Santa Monica Boulevard sits at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Roxbury Drive, blocks away from Rodeo Drive, famously known as the height of commercial luxury in Beverly Hills.

Historic aerial of 9701-9725 S. Santa Monica Boulevard in 1947. Image courtesy of UCLA Air Photo Archives.

In 2007, the property was identified in the City of Beverly Hills Historic Resources Survey as eligible for the National Register as a good example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Drawing of the South Elevation prior to rehabilitation. Base drawing provided by Optimus; annotation done by Chattel, 2020. Red dotted line signifies non-original awnings over original transoms whereas red overlay signifies alteration (found through primary documentation; permit or photograph).

Through recommendations and conformance review memorandums, Chattel worked with the project architect, Gabbay Architects and property owner client, Optimus Properties, LLC to address alterations over time, regain consistency of the recessed storefronts below multi-light transoms and reposition the property as a contemporary office and retail space. Goals included repainting the entire building, making the south elevation storefronts more consistent, and implementing a new signage program. Chattel’s reports did so in two notable ways:

  • First, fabric awnings were removed from the transom above storefronts to reveal the windows, originally intended to transmit natural light into each store. The new signage program due inspiration from the Michelin House in London, providing a contemporary interpretation while not detracting from the historic features of the building.

  • Second, all storefront doors and windows were replaced the original design intent with rectangular and angled recesses with full height glass doors, door transoms, and transom windows.

The project received permit approval for exterior façade modification in December 2020 through a City staff level architectural review with guidance from memorandums Chattel prepared. Today, 9701-9725 S. Santa Monica Boulevard gains new life in a revitalized building that retains its historic features while being aesthetically compatible with its posh neighborhood.

The House of Tomorrow

On September 30, 2021, the Palm Springs City Council unanimously voted to designate the Alexander Residence at 1350 Ladera Circle as a Class 1 Historic Site, the City of Palm Springs’ highest level of landmark designation. Also known as the “House of Tomorrow,” the 1960 residence was designed by master architect William Krisel of Palmer & Krisel for real estate developer Robert “Bob” Alexander, his wife homemaker and philanthropist Helene, and daughter Jill. As on-call consultants to the City, Chattel prepared a historic resources report that served as the basis of the nomination.

The Alexanders were part of a family of real estate developers led by Bob’s father, George Alexander. Together, George and Bob oversaw the Alexander Construction Company, which built over 1,000 homes in over 10 subdivisions in Palm Springs. When Bob and Helene moved into the Alexander Residence, their home and lifestyle were featured in a six-page spread in a 1962 issue of Look Magazine. Bob and Helene would live in the home from 1960 until their deaths in a plane crash in 1965.

Cal Bernstein, Look Magazine, 1962

Constructed with a unique interpretation of the Mid-Century Modern style with Organic and Googie elements, the Alexander Residence features a spaceship-like quality of design in its vast shed roof configuration with striking point appearing to lift off at the front façade. The building is characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows; exterior use of fieldstone, stucco, glass, and aluminum; multiple levels that change in elevation with the sloping site; and a variety of expressive visual details such as circular, seeded aggregate steppingstones that lead up to a decorative iron gate and dramatic, full height, highly decorative double door entry.

Though not significant to its designation, the Alexander Residence was also briefly occupied by Elvis and Priscilla Presley following their wedding in 1967. The property spent several years known as the Elvis Presley Honeymoon Hideaway, hosting various events and tours related to the King of Rock and Roll.

The new property owner supported the Class 1 Historic Site designation and has been rehabilitating the property to upgrade systems and restore its former grandeur.

National Register News 2021

This year, Chattel had the pleasure of listing not one, but TWO historic Southern California locations in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register), the official list of historic and cultural resources worthy of preservation in the United States. The Edward and America Griffith House in Laguna Beach and Malaga Cove Plaza in Palos Verdes Estates join over 95,000 other properties from across the country that have received this recognition since inception of the program in 1966.

The Edward and America Griffith House includes several contributing buildings and structures constructed between 1927 and 1937 for filmmaker Edward Hilaire Griffith and actress America Chedister Griffith, forerunners to other upper-class families who sought a respite from living in the hustle of Los Angeles and Pasadena. Located in the gated Laguna Beach community of Three Arch Bay, the property features a prominent lighthouse tower and concrete tidal pool that were used to entertain guests. Chattel prepared the nomination on behalf of the property owner, and the Edward and America Griffith House was officially listed in the National Register on March 11, 2021.

At the State Historical Resources Commission meeting held on January 29, 2021, Commissioner René Vellanoweth shared:

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked past the Griffith Residence on the way to the beach and every single time I’ve looked down and commented how incredible this place is and how intact it is and how it really sits in the landscape in such a beautiful manner. That the owner of the Griffith Residence recognizes the historic importance of this is a major feat, I believe, especially since there are very few of these original structures left, especially on the bluff.

Recognized as a historic district, Malaga Cove Plaza includes 11 contributing buildings, two contributing sites, and one contributing object constructed between 1925 and 1964. The Plaza was originally conceived as part of the master plan designed for the City of Palos Verdes Estates by planner Charles Cheney and landscape architects Olmsted Brothers. Many different architects contributed to the design over several decades, with buildings facing the prominent Neptune Fountain. Chattel prepared the nomination on behalf of Malaga Cove Plaza Beautification Project, Inc., and the Motley Living Trust, and the historic district was officially listed in the National Register on October 1, 2021.

Palos Verdes Bulletin, 1924

Palos Verdes Bulletin, 1924

Chattel and the team engaged in public outreach with the commercial property owners, the City of Palos Verdes Estates, and local stakeholder groups to share the nomination and gather support. At the State Historical Resources Commission meeting held on July 30, 2021, Commissioner Luis Hoyos noted, “I think the nominators and the community that is supporting this nomination should be congratulated for an excellent job.” Following the listing, reporter Michael Hixon also highlighted the achievement in an article for the Daily Breeze.

The Edward and America Griffith House and Malaga Cove Plaza exemplify much of what makes the Southern California communities in which they are located so special. Chattel is proud to have prepared both nominations and is excited for their future preservation.

SLO Growth!

Rehabilitated in 2020 and located in the heart of San Luis Obispo’s Downtown Historic District, Hotel Cerro is a 65-room boutique hotel that adaptively reused two historic buildings on Garden Street. The Smith Building was repurposed as the hotel entrance, lobby and common area lounge. The Union Hardware and Plumbing Company Building was reused as guestrooms on the upper floor and houses the new Brasserie SLO on the ground floor. Through environmental review, construction documents and monitoring, Chattel worked with the project team for over a decade to retain and rehabilitate these buildings and integrate them into the larger infill development.

IMG_9444.JPG

Identified on the City Master List of Historic Resources, the two unreinforced masonry buildings are representative of early 20th century commercial architecture, and include the Smith Building at 1123 Garden Street constructed in 1923 and the Union Hardware and Plumbing Company building at 1119 Garden Street constructed in 1912. The hotel is configured in such a way that the character of the historic buildings is celebrated at the front door and doesn’t compromise modern amenities, such as an edible garden on the roof of the new building. Hotel Cerro is adjacent to the most popular unofficial landmark, Bubblegum Alley!

Chattel's 25th Anniversary

Chattel, Inc. celebrated our 25th anniversary with a small dinner party at Vintner Grill in Las Vegas on June 6, 2019 and hosted a lovely anniversary party with our closest friends, colleagues, and clients at the newly opened Santa Monica Proper Hotel in Santa Monica on August 15, 2019. Our anniversary party featured a custom specialty cocktail, the Spanish Colonial Reviver. Thank you to everyone for joining us to celebrate and for working with us for the past 25 years!


Successful Reboot for Hotel Figueroa

We were happy to notice a colorful article in United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine about Downtown LA’s beautiful “new” Hotel Figueroa, a recent Chattel project that has been getting a lot of attention since it reopened last February. Thanks to a creative contemporary vision (including a new 12-story tropical mural crawling up the entire west elevation) that plays directly into the hotel’s simple elegance, the two-year rehabilitation is already making an exciting impact.

United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine, October 2018

United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine, October 2018

A noteworthy example of Italian Renaissance Revival design by local architect Lester Hibbard, the 1926 building has a unique and unusual backstory. At a then-cost of $1,000,000, it was constructed for the YWCA and at the time was the largest project in Los Angeles to be built, financed, owned, and operated by women. The re-imagined hotel calls proud attention to this history with an art collection of entirely female artists.

1926 Dick Whittington (USC Digital Library)

1926 Dick Whittington (USC Digital Library)

2018 Hotel Figueroa

2018 Hotel Figueroa

The hotel’s former owner added a Moroccan theme including painted motifs on the S. Figueroa Street façade that urged the building away from its original design, purpose, and backstory. For us, restoring the upper façade with new hung windows and through window units removed was a strong and immediate way to return to its earlier appearance. The street level was opened up with tall steel sash doors and transoms to better connect outdoor and indoor space and enliven the sidewalk.

The Hotel Figueroa is just a few blocks up from the Staples Center, so stop by next time you’re in the area to try one of the two restaurants or just to glimpse the fantastically restored and revitalized 1926 lobby.

Who's Counting Awards?

Chattel is pleased to add three more awards to our trophy case for 2018!. On October 19, 2018, we received California Preservation Design Awards for both the City of San Gabriel Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Ordinance Update (cultural resources studies) and the Gilmore Gas Station/Starbucks (rehabilitation). The same two projects were honored earlier this year by the Los Angeles Conservancy.

On stage receiving the American Public Works Association award

On stage receiving the American Public Works Association award

On August 27, 2018, we received an American Public Works Association Award for the Historic Westside School in Las Vegas. With more than 30,000 members, the national organization serves professionals in all aspects of public works, including local, state and national agencies. The Historic Westside School was recognized in the Historical Restoration/Preservation category. It was quite an honor for all of us including our client City of Las Vegas and team members KME Architects and Whiting-Turner.

Parking Day LA 2018

Joining in with the nationwide event PARK(ing) Day on September 21st, Chattel turned the parking space in front of our office on Ventura Boulevard into a public "park" for the day. Offering puzzles, refreshments, relaxation (and shade), we hosted passersby in a limited time only public park—our parking space. The idea behind PARK(ing) Day is to reclaim metered parking spaces for a day and turn them into miniature parks, highlighting the lack of public open space and demonstrating that even a small car-sized park can have a big impact.

With tables, umbrellas, plants, and an inviting turf floor decorating our once-upon-a-time parking spot, we all enjoyed the excuse to spend the day outside with the community as people walked by and joined in. Some sat to chat, some helped us puzzle, and others asked whether this was all a new permanent installation of a puzzle store replacing our office. Sadly, not. We completed a 1,000 piece puzzle showing the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Front Walk buildings we’re working on! So we do have a proven puzzle connection even though we don't sell any.

IMG_9107.jpeg
IMG_9096.jpeg

Small challenges, aside from the puzzles which required a full team effort, included looking out for rumbling buses and remembering to feed the meter! All in all a great day and an interesting cause to highlight by simply having some fun out on the street. Literally.