BEVERLY HILLS
Page 38 | July 22, 2011
ONE OF A KIND— The last Richard Neutra designed house in Beverly Hills is in danger of being demolished. Photo by (c) J. Paul Getty Trust. Used with permission. Julius S h u l m a n Photography A r c h i v e , Research Library at the Getty Research Institute (2004.R.10)
NEUTRA (Continued from page 5)
the house. There is no way to stop the demolition once the permit has been approved. Beverly Hills currently has no protection for its historic resources. “Most cities are really proud when they have a house like this, they would want to save it,” Dishman said. “Once this house is gone, it’s gone.” Author of two books on Richard Neutra and restoration consultant, Barbara Lamprecht said the Kronish house is one of Neutra’s largest houses in North America. He stands out from other architects based on how he weaves outdoor and indoor spaces together. “Neutra believed strongly that we needed access to nature and we needed simple functional spaces that were adjacent to nature and invited nature in,” Lamprecht said. “The house is a big instrument for well being.” Dishman said one of the problems in preserving historical buildings is the City’s last of a historic preservation ordinance. If Beverly Hills residents are interest-
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ed in saving houses like the Kronish house, Dishman said they can do something to help. “Residents should let the City Council know they care about the architectural legacy in Beverly Hills and want to see it preserved,” Dishman said. “The City is in the process of adopting a Mills Act program and we really applaud their efforts. But, there also needs to be a (way) to stop demolitions or at least have a breathing period to see if there is an (alternative).” Next week, the Planning Commission will vote on a resolution to recommend the Mills Act Program to the City Council. Brought up by John Mirisch, the Mills Act Program is a way to incentivize the preservation, maintenance and rehabilitation of historic properties through a reduction in property taxes. If approved, the pilot program would commence on Jan. 1, 2012 and run for two years. No more than five single-family homes or theaters will be accepted a year, totaling a potential 10 properties. If the program is successful at the end of two years, the City Council can adopt it for all buildings in Beverly Hills.