FREE Lecture at the Getty Center: Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 pm. Tickets Required

Chattel is honored to be presenting on the rehabilitation of Compton City Hall, part of the Getty Conservation Institute's second annual event celebrating modern architecture in Los Angeles, entitled "Modern Snapshots From the Field."

Interior of Compton City Hall (Chattel, 2012)

City Hall opened its doors to the citizens of Compton in 1977. It represented a new civic identity for a community that had recently witnessed a dramatic change in demographics, evolving from exclusively Anglo prior to World War II into a majority African-American city in the decades following the war. Designed by local African-American architect Harold L. Williams, FAIA (1924-2015), the City Hall was the result of Williams’ desire to create an architecturally significant landmark for the residents of Compton. Williams has been recognized for his involvement and leadership in a number of organizations throughout his lifetime, including the AIA, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and as the chairman of the Committee for Simon Rodia's Towers in Watts that have earned him the reputation as the “People’s Architect.”

In 2009, the City of Compton received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to replace glazing of windows and doors and provide weatherstripping. Chattel was brought on in 2012 to perform Section 106 review including preparing a determination of eligibility for the property and finding of effect for the project.

City and County of San Francisco preservation planner Justin Greving will be presenting on behalf of Chattel, highlighting our role in preserving this local landmark. Justin served as Chattel project manager for the City Hall and spearheaded the successful effort to gain approvals and implement the project on a tight schedule. The lecture will take place at the Museum Lecture Hall at the Getty Center, Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 pm. The event is free but tickets are required. RSVP.