Preservation Struggles to Persevere in LA

With victories in Beverly Hills, and a notable defeat in nearby Palos Verdes Estates, Alexei Barrionuevo tracks historic preservation's shifting place in Los Angeles.

1 minute read

May 13, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Despite the many successes of the Los Angeles Conservancy, the largest local preservation group in the country, and the on-going revitalization of many of downtown LA's historic treasures, the region continues to threaten and demolish its historic buildings at an alarming rate.

While Beverly Hills recently passed the first historical preservation ordinance in its 98-year history, "Over a third of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County have no local
ordinance protecting significant historic or architectural structures,
said Linda Dishman, the executive director of the Los Angeles
Conservancy."

Barrionuevo chronicles the sagas behind the last-minute preservation of Richard Neutra's Kronish House, and the recent demolition of a spectacular wing-shaped home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr.

Thursday, May 10, 2012 in The New York Times

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

5 hours ago - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

6 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

7 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive