Historic Beverly Hills Homes
Beverly Hills homes with historical significance will no longer be torn down without review, thanks to a historic preservation ordinance in the city. The 2011 ordinance created a Cultural Heritage Commission, and adopted 30 day review period for the proposed demolition of any building 45 years or older. The ordinance also created a list of 150 master architects whose work will be preserved when possible. If you are purchasing a house in a Beverly Hills and have plans for a major remodel or to even tear down the house it would be wise to check if the architect who built the house is on the 150 master architect list.
Prior to this ordinance, many historically significant Beverly Hills homes were lost to demolition, including Pickfair Estate, once owned by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. The Beverly Theater, the city’s first theater and a local icon, was also torn down.
It was the proposed demolition of the Kronish House on Sunset in 2011 that finally prompted the city to take action. The Kronish House had been designed in 1953 by master architect Richard Neutra. The local community was outraged, and demanded the city stop the demolition as well as take steps to preserve other historic Beverly Hills real estate.
The historic preservation ordinance benefits real estate in Beverly Hills by ensuring structures with historic significance are not demolished or altered. Keeping these magnificent buildings helps maintain the city’s charm and culture. These structures provide a focal point for communities and add value to houses for sale in Beverly Hills. The only people who are not so thrilled about this ordinance are the builders who like to maximum their profit with constructing overbearing McMansions that very often distort the neighborhood décor.
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Susan Andrews | Estates Director
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Photo courtesy of Curbed LA website.