Chattel was among the hundreds of attendees, and one of the conference sponsors, that congregated in downtown Los Angeles from May 29th to June 1st for the 2024 California Preservation Conference. The last time the conference was held in LA was 35 years ago when Robert Chattel was a co-chair of the event. The week was full of workshops, site tours, networking events, and receptions keeping everyone busy and entertained.
The opening reception took place at the Herald Examiner Building, a Julia Morgan-designed project commissioned by William Randolph Hearst in 1913 to house one of his newspapers. While the building is now occupied by Arizona State University, Morgan’s interior work is still visible in the lobby. The rest of the conference events were held at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel which still showcases its iconic 1920s architecture and interiors.
While attending conference sessions, Chattel also participated in several session panels on topics ranging from historic interiors, preservation ordinances, and California’s car culture. The sessions were highly attended, and participants engaged in robust conversations.
At the California Preservation Awards, several notable projects from the previous year were recognized. Chattel received a Design Award in the category of preservation or restoration for work on the Bailey House (Case Study House #21). The project rehabilitated the foundation, original steel framing, walls, and roof for contemporary living use while restoring Pierre Koenig’s original design.
Additionally, longtime expert architectural historian (and Chattel principal associate!) Leslie Heumann received a President’s Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to the field of historic preservation throughout her career. Her more than 40 years of experience was recognized for its impact on shaping the preservation programs that exist today. A wonderful way to wrap up the week!
