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
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.