Historical Preservation
Imprint of the Janss Investment Co on a sidewalk on Kelton. Images like these can often show evidence for a particular company developing an area. Photo by Lisa Kelly.
What Arguments are Developers Likely to Make?
1. The buildings are not architecturally significant.
Build an airtight case for this. Research is everything. If the
homes are truly historically significant, show this beyond a
shadow of a doubt. We showed maps of the 1920s development, early
pictures, quotes from books written by historians, letters from
historians, architectural details that were significant, rarity,
and social and cultural importance. The developer is likely to
say that the buildings are not unique, they are not culturally
significant, and try and refute your word. Cite sources, and
bring examples.
2. The area has lost historic context and would not qualify
as a historic.
They may argue, among other things, that the buildings in the
neighborhood are not intact or uniform, or perhaps say that the
neigborhood is a mix of old and new. Stick to your guns, and keep
showing the cultural, social relevance and the architectural
details that make the building special. Highlight the credentials
of the architect (does the person have any other significant
designs?), and show that it's rare. Show that it is exceptional,
unusual, and unique. This will override any concerns about what
surrounds the community. After all, if surrounding modernization
were a strong argument to why a building were not significant,
then almost all buildings in Los Angeles could be leveled. This
argument often cites that a neighborhood must be intact and
should be covered by an HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay
Zone). However, a building can be considered a historic monument
without being within an HPOZ.
3. Alterations to the buildings compromise the historic
integrity of the buildings.
Arguments may be made by the developer that there have been
alterations made. However, you may counter that if these are
minor alterations that do not alter the character or style of the
buildings, then they are still historically viable and
essentially intact. This would include typical maintenance such
as replacing the roof tiles, garage doors, doors, or windows,
exterior staircases, new electrical work or fixtures, doorknobs,
or other items that can easily be replaced by something closer to
what was part of the original design - or by removing it
altogether. Maintenance is expected on old buildings. Alterations
that are done to the back of the buildings are not significant
and don't change the street view. Show that any alterations have
not changed the character or style or essence of the building.
Minor alterations are reversible.
4. These buildings are not unique/there are many other
buildings similar to these.
A developer may argue that there are other buildings that look
like the ones in question. Even if this is true, you can
successfully argue that the building is part of a particular
development that is now rare, as was the case with our Kelton
Avenue duplexes, although these homes certainly had enough
architectural merit to be considered at least somewhat unique
(Art Deco fireplaces, mushroom-shaped alcoves, and other unique
designs exist in these homes). Consider arguing that it's not
significant that there are other homes like this in Southern
California, but that it's significant that it's the last
remaining in a particular neighborhood. Show that this is true.
Show that they are unique. Show that they are rare. Show that
they are the last remaining of a particular architect, cultural
movement, or socially relevant development. Simply being old is
not grounds for historical significance.
5. Financial hardship.
The owner may claim that if the building is deemed historical, he
or she will not be able to afford it. Prove their financial
worth. Show that they can sell the properties to other people who
are interested in historical preservation. Show that it is
commercially viable as a potential source of income. The owner
may claim that he or she cannot afford the Environmental Impact
Report, which is triggered automatically when a building is
granted historical monument status when it is in danger of being
demolished or developed. This expense must be paid out of the
developer's own pocket. The developer can avoid this expense by
selling it to someone who will historically preserve it (or
perhaps by choosing not to develop it!).
Application for Historic Monument Status
The Cultural Heritage Commission Review Process
Arguments that a Developer May Make Against Historical Preservation
Next Steps After Properties Have Been Designated Historical Monuments
How Can I Help Save The Historic Kelton Homes?
We Are Looking For Buyers For The Historic Kelton Homes
Email the Kelton Avenue Ad Hoc Committee
