WHERE’S SHEILA?-Save Residential Hollywood (SRH) is petitioning to have the Mosaic/Christian Scientist Church declared a Los Angeles Cultural Historical Monument. The initial hearing to have it “taken under consideration” by the Historical Commission was on July 16. We sought support from residents as well as our elected officials, and with the exception of Councilman Ryu, who supported us at the hearing, we were met with a wall of “wait and see”. Hollywood Heritage, The Hollywood Hills Neighborhood Council, The Los Angeles Conservancy and various homeowner groups and residents also vigorously supported our petition.
My first request (June 16th) to Sheila Kuehl’s office was met with "It's a City Issue and the Supervisor wants to see how it plays out." At the time I was grateful for any response, but as our deadline approached I realized that the stock, “pass the buck” answer I received wasn’t sufficient. Two days before the Hearing I reached out again and provided her with additional information:
“Upon reflection I'm afraid that I can not settle for the "It's a City Issue and the Supervisor wants to see how it plays out." conversation we had following my original support request. Supervisor Kuehl was elected in no small part on the basis of her support for the local community and its concerns regarding over-development and maintaining our historical and cultural heritage. So it's not just a "city issue"; it’s a "people issue" and as such warrants her support. Here is an article that appeared in CityWatch that perhaps explains it better. Your prompt attention to this time sensitive issue is greatly appreciated.”
I received a phone call saying they were looking into it, but other than that … radio silence.
Then on July 17, I read the following CityWatch article by John Schwada regarding Tom Hayden and Norman Lear’s objection to a development in their neighborhood. The article stated that both Supervisor Sheila Kuehl (photo above) and State Senator Ben Allen had registered their “strong objections to the project.” Interesting that a project in Brentwood, which is no less a part of the “City” than the intersection of Hollywood and La Brea, merits support from these State officials.
The developer’s plans for the Mosaic Property, called “Horizon Hollywood” include seeking a zoning change from its current 45’ height zoning to build a 274’ skyscraper, plus two other buildings and a 940 parking garage, for 410 units at the corner of La Brea and Hollywood Blvd. This is an intersection particularly ill suited for a massive development, as it is currently rated “F” in all current traffic analysis. And certainly, this area of Hollywood is bearing the brunt of the massive over-development and congestion.
{module [1177]}We, at SRH, are trying our best to work within the system and would expect support from our elected officials. We are trying to address the concerns and issues before the wrecking ball is unleashed and destroys this historic and cultural treasure. Before they destroy this historical and cultural monument that illustrates the very establishment of Hollywood as a religious community by the Wilcox family. The site was the home to the Christian Scientist Congregation from 1916 – 2008, when they sold the Church. The current building, a fine example of Mid-Century Modern Architecture, was built in 1959 when the congregation outgrew the original building. The original 1916 Reading Room still exists. It is only reasonable that we strive to protect and save this historic building at this stage of the process.
So how is one to interpret the disparate support of State Officials for two different developments? Is it the difference in zip codes? Is it because a former State Senator does not oppose the “Horizon Hollywood” development? Is it that none of its opponents have the instant name recognition of Lear or Hayden? The residents of our neighborhood were responsible to a large degree in providing the margin of support for the elected officials and it seems only fair that we are listened to with the same degree of seriousness as individuals who are more connected to the “power structure.”
In fairness to Senator Allen, he was approached at the last minute for support, however Supervisor Kuehl was contacted a month before the Hearing.
The Church is now under consideration for historical designation and the Commission will be making a decision within the next 32 days. We now request support from our elected officials for designating this important building as a cultural and historic monument. Here is your chance to step up and support those who supported you in the recent elections.
TAKE ACTION INFO
● We need the support of individuals as well. Please sign our Save Residential Hollywood petition.
● Please email [email protected] for additional information on how you can help us save this building.
(Helen Berman and John Campbell are community activists and represent Save Residential Hollywood.)
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 13 Issue 62
Pub: Jul 31, 2015
