“It is very gratifying to see the efforts of so many giving our architectural heritage new life,†said Carol Lemlein, President of the Board of the Conservancy. “By recognizing these accomplishments, the Santa Monica Conservancy holds up these projects as good examples of how historic preservation can contribute to Santa Monica’s vitality and attractiveness.â€
The Restoration Award will be presented to Myra and Earl Pomerantz for exemplary restoration of their Craftsman Bungalow, known as the landmark John and Anna George House, at 2424 Fourth Street. This project pioneered a growing appreciation for historic preservation in Ocean Park in the early 1980s.
The owner of a historic Edwin Building at 310-312 Wilshire Boulevard, American Commercial Equities LLC, will receive the R
ehabilitation Award for preserving and rehabilitating this small-scale jewel of a commercial building designed by renowned architect Paul Williams in 1928. The building was designated as a city landmark in 2008.
The Renovation Award goes to Sam Simon who preserved and renovated Case Study House #20, designed by Richard Neutra in 1948. This landmark of mid-Century design had deteriorated significantly over the years, but thanks to Mr. Simon who rescued and renewed it, the home continues as an important contributor to the architectural heritage.
The Adaptive Reuse Award recognizes the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica for converting an adjacent Craftsman Bungalow into classrooms and a meeting space for its congregation, choosing preservation and adaptive reuse over demolition
and new construction. The church, located at 1260 18th Street, is also architecturally valuable, designed by local architect John Byers in the 1920s.
The Stewardship Award will be presented to Deborah Levin, for her dedication and leadership in preserving Hollister Court on Fourth Street, a dozen Craftsman Bungalows grouped as a courtyard complex and designated as a city landmark. Since Ms. Levin purchased one of the bungalows 17 years ago, she has worked to save the homes from demolition, protected them from inappropriate remodeling, and provided guidance to other property owners in respectful rehabilitation of the homes.
In addition to the Preservation Awards, the Santa Monica Conservancy will recognize seven individuals for their exemplary volunteer efforts. For Outstanding Volunteer Service, seven docents who regularly lead the Conservancy’s weekly downtown walking tours every Saturday morning will be recognized. They are: Julie Berger, Winston Chappell, Dorothy Jewel, Kay Pattison, Jerome Robinson, Thomasine Rogas, and Rita Schneir.
“This band of enthusiastic individuals share their knowledge and insights into our architecture and history with visitors, residents, special groups , and anyone willing to explore 135 years of history in just seven blocks,†notes Walking Tour coordinator, Kay Pattison. The popular tour has been in operation since the spring of 2007.
The annual meeting is open to members of the Santa Monica Conservancy and their guests. For more information, see www.smconservancy.org or call 310-496-3146.
