The Los Angeles Conservancy turned 40 on March 20. As it marks four decades of preserving historic places throughout L.A. County, the organization considers the next 40 years of preservation in L.A.
In 1978, a small group of concerned citizens formed the Los Angeles Conservancy to create an organized voice for historic preservation across the region. In the wake of major architectural losses including Bunker Hill, the Richfield Building, and Irving Gill's Dodge House—and fighting the demolition of other landmarks including the iconic Central Library—the fledgling Conservancy set out to change the conversation about historic places and how they contribute to a livable city.
The Conservancy marks its 40th on April 5 with a provocative discussion about the future of preservation in L.A. What will historic preservation in Los Angeles look like over the next 40 years? What’s the Conservancy’s role in addressing critical urban issues like density and housing? Who decides what to save?
In advance of the panel discussion, the Conservancy asked the organization's founding president and current chair for their perspectives on how the Conservancy has evolved and the challenges, and opportunities, ahead.
FULL STORY: Forty Years of Leadership
Where Los Angeles Equals San Francisco's Density
Though the Los Angeles region is very dense, significant barriers to transit-oriented planning remain. Based on this analysis, the lack of a central urban core shouldn't be one of them.
A Vision for LA's New Web-Based Zoning Code
For the first time since 1946, Los Angeles is completely revising its zoning code. Urban Insight, the team behind Planetizen, is pleased to be part of this project. One of our key goals is to create a modern web-based version of the zoning code.
Back To The Future: The 1970 Los Angeles 'Centers' Concept Plan
The 1970 Concept Los Angeles plan is a history lesson for urban planners and a vision of what the city could have looked like.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
DOJ Says Trump Has Power to Roll Back National Monuments
The opinion sheds light on how the administration may justify its effort to eliminate protected public lands.
Maryland Awards $1.25M in TOD-Related Grants
The state’s DOT is funding projects that prepare sites around transit stations for future mixed-use development and housing.
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
The court rejected an argument that the MBTA Communities law, which requires zoning for multifamily housing, is an “unfunded mandate.”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)