Los Angeles Department of City Planning RECOMMENDATION REPORT

Transcription

1 Los Angeles Department of City Planning RECOMMENDATION REPORT CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION HEARING DATE: May 6, 2008 TIME: 10:00 AM PLACE: City Hall, Room N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA CASE NO.: CHC HCM Location: 5026 W. Rosewood Avenue Council District: 4 Community Plan Area: Wilshire Area Planning Commission: Central Neighborhood Council: Greater Wilshire Legal Description: Lot FR 19 of Rosewood Avenue Tract PROJECT: REQUEST: APPLICANT: OWNER: RECOMMENDATION Historic-Cultural Monument Application for the ISENBERGER RESIDENCE Declare the property a Historic-Cultural Monument Concerned Residents of Larchmont Charles J. Fisher 140 S. Avenue 57 Highland Park, CA George E. Landgraf, Trustee George E. Landgraf Trust 3642 Cerritos Avenue Long Beach, CA That the Cultural Heritage Commission: 1. NOT take the property under consideration as a Historic-Cultural Monument per Los Angeles Administrative Code Chapter 9, Division 22, Article 1, Section because the application and accompanying photo documentation do not suggest the submittal may warrant further investigation. 2. Adopt the report findings. S. GAIL GOLDBERG, AICP Director of Planning [SIGNED ORIGINAL IN FILE] Ken Bernstein, Manager Office of Historic Resources Prepared by: [SIGNED ORIGINAL IN FILE] Edgar Garcia, Preservation Planner Office of Historic Resources Attachments: March 25, 2008 Historic-Cultural Monument Application ZIMAS Report

2 5026 W. Rosewood Avenue CHC HCM Page 2 of 3 SUMMARY Built in 1920, this single family residence exhibits character-defining features of Colonial Revival architecture. It is a one-story, rectangular building with a centered entrance. The exterior is clad in horizontal clapboard wood siding. Its low-pitched side-gabled roof is sheathed in composition shingles. The building façade is symmetrical and includes a centered partial-width front-gabled porch that is supported by a pairing of three wooden square columns. The main entrance consists of a wood door with fifteen lights flanked by side lights. Windows on the façade include a set of ribbon windows consisting of a fixed casement window flanked by two double-hung windows. Additional elements include a large arched vent in the center of the front porch gable and a brick chimney on the east elevation. Windows throughout the house consist of wood sash, double hung and casement windows. Significant interior features include built-in cabinetry, period light fixtures, wood trim, and a brick fireplace. Secondary buildings include a one-car garage in the rear. Two mature trees are located in the front yard. The architect of the subject building is listed on the original building permit as Lumberman s Service Association. According to the Historic-Cultural Monument application, the association was run by Floyd A. Dernier, an architect who marketed affordable design plans through plan books. The original owner of the property was Frank Isenberger, a local real estate broker. Alterations to the subject property include the replacement of a rear elevation window with an aluminum slider. CRITERIA The criterion is the Cultural Heritage Ordinance which defines a historical or cultural monument as any site (including significant trees or other plant life located thereon) building or structure of particular historic or cultural significance to the City of Los Angeles, such as historic structures or sites in which the broad cultural, economic, or social history of the nation, State or community is reflected or exemplified, or which are identified with historic personages or with important events in the main currents of national, State or local history or which embody the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type specimen, inherently valuable for a study of a period style or method of construction, or a notable work of a master builder, designer or architect whose individual genius influenced his age. DISCUSSION Although the subject building appears to have retained many of its character-defining features as a modest size Colonial Revival style house, the subject property does not appear to be a noteworthy or outstanding example of the Colonial Revival style. Floyd A. Dernier, who is tied to the subject building because of his association with the Lumberman s Service Association, does not appear to be a master builder or a significant personage in the Los Angeles building industry. The original property owner of the subject property, Frank Isenberger, also does not appear to be a historic personage. BACKGROUND In September, 2007, the firm of Christopher A. Joseph & Associates prepared a Historic Resource Report to determine if the subject property was subject to the California Environmental Quality Act as a possible historic resource. Although the report s research erred

3 5026 W. Rosewood Avenue CHC HCM Page 3 of 3 in evaluating the original building permits, it found that the subject property was not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or California Register of Historical Resources. A Historic Resource Evaluation by Charles Fisher (also the applicant and representative of the application for HCM designation) commented on the Christopher A. Joseph & Associates report. Correcting the misreading of the subject property s original building permit, the report determined that the subject building may be eligible for local listing. FINDINGS Based on the facts set forth in the monument application, the staff of the Office of Historic Resources determines that although the application is complete, the property is not significant enough to warrant further investigation as a potential Historic-Cultural Monument.

4 Historic-Cultural Monument Application TYPE OR PRINT IN ALL CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS Identification 1. name of proposed monument Isenberger House 2. street address 5026 Rosewood Avenue city Los Angeleszip code council district 4 assessor s parcel no complete legal description: tract Rosewood Avenue Tract, as per Map filed in Book 22, Page 84, of Maps, in the Office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County. Block N/A Lot(s) 19 arb. no. N/A range of addresses on property 5026 thru 5030 Rosewood Avenue 4. present owner George E. Landgraf, Trustee; George E Landgraf Trust street address 3642 Cerritos Avenue city Long Beach state CA zip code phone (562) owner is: private X public 5. present use Single Family Residence original use Single Family Residence Description 6. architectural style Colonial Revival 7. state present physical description of the site or structure (see optional description worksheet) (see description worksheet) historic-cultural monument application

5 Historic-Cultural Monument Application Name of Proposed Monument Isenberger House 10. construction date: factual 1920 estimated 11. architect, designer, or engineer: Floyd A. Dernier (Lumberman s Service Association) 12. contractor or other builder: Frank Isenberger (Owner Builder) 13. dates of enclosed photographs December 6, condition: excellent good fair deteriorated no longer in existence 15. alterations: Kitchen window on rear elevation replaced with aluminum slider at unknown date. 16. threats to site none known private development vandalism public works project 17. is the structure on its original site moved unknown. significance 18. briefly state historical and/or architectural importance; include dates, events, and persons associated with site (see optional significance worksheet) This Colonial Revival Cottage is an excellent example of the type of housing that was constructed between the two World Wars, when revival housing was at its peak popularity in Southern California. It was designed by the architect Floyd A. Dernier, who used a plan book to market his designs through his Lumberman s Service Association. The Isenberger House has a high level of design that is rarely found in a small house. As a plan book house, it also testifies to the quality of design that was available to the common people who could use their own skills to then build the house and have an architect designed home for a fraction of the cost. The home also displays a level of design that makes it an excellent example of a small Colonial Revival house worthy of preservation the study of it s architectural style. 19. sources (list books, documents, surveys, personal interviews with dates) Los Angeles City Building permits per attached, LA County assessors records, recorded deeds, US Census Records, Los Angeles City Directories and Architecture in Fredonia, , by Daniel D. Reiff, 1972, NY State University College. date form prepared March 25, 2008 preparer s name Charles J. Fisher organization Concerned Residents of Larchmont. street address 140 S. Avenue 57 city Highland Park state CA zip code phone (323) address: arroyoseco@hotmail.com historic-cultural monument application

6 DESCRIPTION WORK SHEET type or print in all capital block letters the Isenberger House is a 1 story, name of proposed monument number of stories Colonial Revival, rectangular plan single family residence architectural style (see liine 8 above) plan shape (see chart) structure use (residence, etc) with a clapboard wood siding finish and wood trim. material (wood siding, wood shingles, brick, stucco, etc material (wood, metal, etc.) its gabled roof is covered with composition shingles. glass and wood, roof shape (see chart)) material (clay tile, asphalt or wood shingles WINDOW MATERIAL multi light and some casement, double-hung and fixed windows window type [double hung (slides up & down), casement (opens out), horizontal sliding, etc] are part of the design. the entry features a a gabled front porch supported by six 4x4 columns arranged in threes. door location (recessed, centered, off-center, corner, etc.) with a wood and glass divided into 15 lights entry door style (see chart) door. Additional character defining elements of the structure are a symmetrical façade consisting of a central gable porch supported by two identify original features such as porches (see chart); balconies; number and shape of dormers (see chart); sets of three simple square wooden columns over a wood and glass entry door. The door is flanked number and location of chimneys; shutters; secondary finish materials; parapets; metal trim; decorative tile or cast stone; arches; by multi-paned casement sidelights. Sets of three multi-paned casement windows flank the central ornamental woodwork; symmetry or asymmetry; cornices; friezes; towers or turrets; bay windows; halftimbering; horizontality; entry. A large arched vent is in the center of the porch gable pediment. A transverse gable is found verticality; formality or informality; garden walls, etc. behind the porch, surmounted by a front to rear hipped gable. A clinker-style brick chimney is additional defining elements located in the center of the East facing side gable. Multi-paned casement windows are found on the front, East additional defining elements and rear elevations, with multi-pane double hung widows on the West elevation. The front of the house is dominaadditional defining elements ted by a large Deodar Cedar tree which probably dates from the time of construction. additional defining elements additional defining elements secondary buildings consist of A frame garage at the rear of the property. identify garage; garden shelter, etc. significant interior spaces include period lighting fixtures, wood trim and wainscoting with built- Identify original features such as wood paneling; moldings and trim, special glass windows, in cabinets, a brick fireplace and buffet (per eyewitnesses who have seen the interior-no photographs ornate ceilings; plaster moldings; light fixtures; painted decoration; ceramic tile; stair balustrades; built-in furniture, etc. available). identify notable mature trees and shrubs identify notable mature trees and shrubs identify notable mature trees and shrubs historic-cultural monument application

7 c i t y o f l o s a n g e l e s Significance Work Sheet type or hand print in all capital block letters Complete One or Both of the Upper and Lower Portions of This Page Architectural Significance the Isenberger House is an important example of name of proposed monument Colonial Revival architecture Architectural style (see line 8) and meets the cultural heritage ordinance because of the high quality of its design and the retention of its original form, detailing and integrity. A n d / o r Historical Significance The Isenberger House was built in 1920 Name of proposed monument year built Colonial Revival Architecture and plan book housing Name of first or other significant owner was important to the development of Los Angeles because In the days before the post World War II housing boom, where entire communities were constructed using just a handful of stock plans in each, builder, both professional and amateur were just as rapidly constructing homes to meet the demand of a growing population in Southern Cali- fornia. Plan books that advertised an array of designs, ranging from the austere to the most pretentious. When a plan was chosen, the builder or owner could order the detailed plans from the catalogue and build the house. The concept of stock building plans probably goes back to the beginning of architecture, but it was during the mid 19 th Century that the plan book concept came into its own. Architects found the plan book route to be a way to market their designs. Over the decades, a number of architects and building companies went this route. Even well known architects, known for their custom homes, would publish their designs. Joseph Cather Newsom, well known for his grand Victorian designs and later for his unique work in the Mission Revival style, was an avid plan book designer, advertising his wares, both built and un-built, in a series of publications. The residence at 1407 Carroll Avenue, in Angeleno Heights (HCM 189), is an example of one of Newsom s plan book homes, using his Stock El Capitan plan. In later years, the architect Paul R. Williams also published several plan books to market his designs. IT appears that Floyd A. Dernier began designing homes in the first decade of the 20 th Century, and first began marketing his work in a plan book in 1909, when he first arrived in Los Angeles. He had become with the Lumberman s Association, eventually forming his own business, the Lumberman s Service Association a means of marketing his designs to contractors and other builders. One of these builders was real estate historic-cultural monument application

8 c i t y o f l o s a n g e l e s Significance Work Sheet Continued Broker, Floyd Isenberger. The small Colonial Revival house that he built shows a high quality of Design and detailing that is rarely found in a 1,400 square foot house. The various Revival styles had Supplanted the Craftsman design as the most popular in Southern California in the years immediately Following the First World War, as many began to look back toward their own roots in other parts of The United States. Many of the large homes in nearby Hancock Park were designed in the Revival Styles. Many smaller homes were also built in these various revival styles, such as those on Rose- wood Avenue. In the Isenberger House design, Dernier chose to make a heavy use of casement windows with a multi-pane design that reminds one of the early days of the country. This also makes the home appear larger then it s true size, giving it an elegance that has survived to the current day. The house remains virtually unaltered since it was built, showing it s true original design, standing as a textbook example of a well designed Colonial Revival home well worthy of preservation as an example of the Colonial Revival style.. historic-cultural monument application

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11 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning 03/24/2008 PARCEL PROFILE REPORT PROPERTY ADDRESSES 5026 W ROSEWOOD AVE ZIP CODES RECENT ACTIVITY TT A CASE NUMBERS TT Address/Legal Information PIN Number: 141B Area (Calculated): 6,747.4 (sq ft) Thomas Brothers Grid: PAGE GRID G7 Assessor Parcel Number: Tract: ROSEWOOD AVENUE TRACT Map Reference: M B Block: Lot: FR 19 Arb (Lot Cut Reference): Map Sheet: 141B189 Jurisdictional Information Community Plan Area: Wilshire Area Planning Commission: Central Neighborhood Council: Greater Wilshire Council District: CD 4 - Tom LaBonge Census Tract #: LADBS District Office: Los Angeles Metro Planning and Zoning Information Special Notes: Zoning: R3-1 Zoning Information (ZI): General Plan Land Use: Medium Residential Plan Footnote - Site Req.: See Plan Footnotes Additional Plan Footnotes: Wilshire Specific Plan Area: Design Review Board: No Historic Preservation Review: No Historic Preservation Overlay Zone: Other Historic Designations: Other Historic Survey Information: Mills Act Contract: POD - Pedestrian Oriented Districts: CDO - Community Design Overlay: Streetscape: No Sign District: No Adaptive Reuse Incentive Area: 35% Density Bonus: Eligible CRA - Community Redevelopment Agency: Central City Parking: No Downtown Parking: No Building Line: Ft School Zone: Active: Van Ness Elementary School 500 Ft Park Zone: No Assessor Information Assessor Parcel Number: Parcel Area (Approximate): 6,751.8 (sq ft) Use Code: Single Residence Assessed Land Val.: $280,129 Assessed Improvement Val.: $112,044 Last Owner Change: 01/25/01 Last Sale Amount: $0 Tax Rate Area: 67 Deed Reference No.: Building 1: 1. Year Built: 1920 The contents of this report are bound by the User Agreement as described in the Terms and Conditions of this website. For more details, please refer to the Terms & Conditions link located at

12 1. Building Class: D55A 1. Number of Units: 1 1. Number of Bedrooms: 2 1. Number of Bathrooms: 1 1. Building Square Footage: 1,408.0 (sq ft) Building 2: 2. Year Built: Not Available 2. Building Class: Not Available 2. Number of Units: 0 2. Number of Bedrooms: 0 2. Number of Bathrooms: 0 2. Building Square Footage: 0.0 (sq ft) Building 3: 3. Year Built: Not Available 3. Building Class: Not Available 3. Number of Units: 0 3. Number of Bedrooms: 0 3. Number of Bathrooms: 0 3. Building Square Footage: 0.0 (sq ft) Building 4: 4. Year Built: Not Available 4. Building Class: Not Available 4. Number of Units: 0 4. Number of Bedrooms: 0 4. Number of Bathrooms: 0 4. Building Square Footage: Building 5: 5. Year Built: Not Available 5. Building Class: Not Available 5. Number of Units: 0 5. Number of Bedrooms: 0 5. Number of Bathrooms: 0 5. Building Square Footage: 0.0 (sq ft) Additional Information Paul Williams Designed: Airport Hazard: Coastal Zone: Farmland: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Fire District No. 1: Fire District No. 2: Flood Zone: Hazardous Waste / Border Zone Properties: Methane Hazard Site: High Wind Velocity Areas: Hillside Grading: Oil Wells: Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone: Distance to Nearest Fault: Landslide: Liquefaction: Economic Development Areas Business Improvement District: Federal Empowerment Zone: Renewal Community: Revitalization Zone: State Enterprise Zone: Targeted Neighborhood Initiative: No Area not Mapped No No No No No No No (km) No No No Public Safety Police Information: Bureau: Division / Station: Report District: 697 Fire Information: District / Fire Station: 52 Batallion: 5 West Hollywood The contents of this report are bound by the User Agreement as described in the Terms and Conditions of this website. For more details, please refer to the Terms & Conditions link located at

13 Division: 1 Red Flag Restricted Parking: No The contents of this report are bound by the User Agreement as described in the Terms and Conditions of this website. For more details, please refer to the Terms & Conditions link located at

14 CASE SUMMARIES Note: Information for Case Summaries is Retrieved from the Planning Department's Plan Case Tracking System (PCTS) Database. Case Number: TT A Required Action(s): Data Not Available Project Description(s): TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO REQUESTING A ONE LOT SUBDIVISION TO CONSTRUCT 33 NEW CONDOS WITH 74 PARKING SPACES ON 27,009 NET SQUARE FEET OF LAND IN THE R3-1 ZONE. EXISTING STRUCTURES (INCLUDING 4 SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS) TO BE DEMOLISHED. Case Number: TT Required Action(s): Data Not Available Project Description(s): TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO REQUESTING A ONE LOT SUBDIVISION TO CONSTRUCT 33 NEW CONDOS WITH 74 PARKING SPACES ON 27,009 NET SQUARE FEET OF LAND IN THE R3-1 ZONE. EXISTING STRUCTURES (INCLUDING 4 SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS) TO BE DEMOLISHED. The contents of this report are bound by the User Agreement as described in the Terms and Conditions of this website. For more details, please refer to the Terms & Conditions link located at

15 Floyd A. Dernier, Architect ( ) By Charles J. Fisher Floyd Albert Dernier was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on August 30, 1879 as the first child of Aldro A. and Mary J. (Rust) Dernier. After graduating high school, young Floyd left home to attend school in Texas, where he met his future wife, Irene Farrar. Their first son, Lochlin A. Dernier, was born there on April 15, Soon after that, the family moved to Tulare, California, where their second son, Floyd A. Dernier, Jr., was born on April 23, It was during this early period that Dernier began designing homes as a sideline. In 1909 the family relocated to Los Angeles. It was then that he published his first home catalogue. However, business was slow initially, so Floyd found work as a commercial trader. However, his wife passed away a short time later and he and his sons soon joined his extended family in a large house on 4 th Avenue. During World War I he worked as a salesman while he continued publishing his architectural catalogue. He had joined the Lumberman s Association and soon started his own business as the Lumberman s Service Association, specializing in the plans for high quality affordable housing. He was also a member of the prestigious Jonathan Club and the Christian Science Church. One of his early designs was a small Colonial Revival house on Rosewood Avenue, which was built by Frank and Mabel Isenberger, in This house displays an attention to detail that is usually found in larger, more expensive structures. In 1924, he published a plan for a small duplex in National Builder magazine. He published his designs and produced a plan book, which sent his work all over the United States. Some of his designs are known to have been built in locations as far away as Fredonia, NY, where one of Dernier s Tudor Revival designs was used by Anthony F. Drago, the president of the local Bison Canning Company, in 1930.

16 Dernier s firm was always a small operation, with his sister, Eva, working with him in an office on the 4 th floor of the Fay Building, at 3 rd and Hill. Lumberman s Service Association continued into the Great Depression, however, Floyd Dernier died suddenly at his home on August 5, 1934, just 3½ weeks away from his 55 th birthday. The plans that Dernier produced and marketed have left his mark in all parts of the United States, giving him a little known but impressive legacy of design for the common man. 2008, by Charles J. Fisher

17 Display Ad No Title Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Sep 6, 1919; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times ( ) pg. II9 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

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20 Display Ad No Title Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); May 30, 1920; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times ( ) pg. V5 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

21 Building Permit History 5026 Rosewood Drive Los Angeles October 22, 1920: October 22, 1920: Building Permit No to build a 1-story, 32 X 44 6-room frame residence on Lot 19 of the Rosewood Avenue Tract. Owner: Frank Isenberger Architect: Lumberman s Service Assn. Contractor: Owner Cost: $5, Building Permit No to build a 1-story, 12 X 20 1-room frame garage on Lot 19 of the Rosewood Avenue Tract. Owner: Frank Isenberger Architect: Lumberman s Service Assn. Contractor: Owner Cost: $ May 21, 2004: Electrical Permit No. WO for 200 amp meter relocation. Owner: George E. Landgraf Trustee, George E. Landgraf Trust Architect: Engineer: Contractor: Owner Cost: Not Listed

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26 5026 W ROSEWOOD AVE APPLICATION / PERMIT NUMBER: PLAN CHECK / JOB NUMBER: -- Permit Application or Issued Permit Information GROUP: Electrical TYPE: Electrical SUB-TYPE: 1 or 2 Family Dwelling PRIMARY USE: N/A WORK DESCRIPTION: PERMIT ISSUED: CURRENT STATUS: 200 AMP METER RELOCATION Yes Issued PERMIT ISSUE DATE: CURRENT STATUS DATE: 05/21/ /21/2004 ISSUING OFFICE: West LA Permit Application Status History Ready to Issue 05/21/2004 LANIE CARNEY Issued 05/21/2004 KERMIT YOUNG Permit Application Clearance Information No data available Licensed Professional/Contractor Information Owner Information George E. Landgraf Trustee, George E. Landgraf Trust Contractor Information Owner-Builder Inspection Activity Information

27 Inspector Information JUSTIN COWAN, (213) Office Hours: 7:30-8:15 AM and 2:30-3:15 PM MON-FRI Pending Inspection Request(s) No data available Inspection Request History Rough 06/04/2004 Corrections Issued SAMUEL IN Rough 06/11/2004 Approved SAMUEL IN

28 Isenberger House Photographs Isenberger House, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

29 Isenberger House, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, West facade, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

30 Isenberger House, rear facade, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, casement windows on rear facade, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

31 Isenberger House, East facade, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, casement windows on East facade, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

32 Isenberger House, garage, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, chimney, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

33 Isenberger House, Deodar Cedar in front yard, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

34 Isenberger House, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, front porch, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

35 Isenberger House, front porch vent, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, casement windows in front facade, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

36 Isenberger House, porch light, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo) Isenberger House, front door and side lights, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)

37 Isenberger House, 5026 Rosewood Avenue, December 6, 2007 (Charles J. Fisher photo)