Losing Our History

As the Mom of a 3rd Generation Valley Girl, it made me more than a little sad to read Connie Llanos’ piece in the DN today about development superseding the historical preservation of some of the Valley’s most important homes and landmarks.

"In an attempt to revitalize an area, the history and quality of life suffer from overdevelopment," said Richard Hilton, a Valley historian.

Hilton cites the Josef von Sternberg House in Northridge. Designed in 1935, it was regarded as one of the finest pieces of work from modernist architect Richard Neutra. But it was torn down in 1972.

There was also the Valley Music Theater, the area's first performing arts center, which hosted Bob Hope, Jim Morrison and other celebrities. It was demolished to make room for condominiums in 2004.

The Getty Museum has stepped in to help with a $2.5 million grant to undertake a citywide survey on historic sites. An assessment of LA’s preservation work (a Getty-sponsored report) puts the percentage of the city’s geography overlooked by preservationists at roughly 85%.

THE LIST OF SHAME!
Some of the San Fernando Valley's historic structures now LOST TO US FOREVER:

LOST
Joseph Von Sternberg House
Bob's Big Boy Van Nuys
Devonshire Downs
Van Nuys Drive-In
The Valley Music Theater
Chatsworth home of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
Harrison Gray Otis House
Busch Gardens
Moses Hazeltine's Sherman Oaks home
One of the original Van Nuys homes built by William Paul Whitsett

IN QUESTION
Lankershim Train Depot
Phil's Diner
Weddington House
Eichler Tract in the Balboa Highlands
Oakie Estate
Campo de Cahuenga