Los Angeles and the Getty Launch Historic Places Database

Confirmed: Los Angeles really does have a rich history. HistoricPlacesLA, a new online database, provides detailed information on the city's historic sites.

1 minute read

March 11, 2015, 7:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Union Station

JulieAndSteve / Flickr

Although Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its historic sites, the city has released a tool showing where they can be found. Laura Bliss reports on the launch: "Almost 15 years in the making, HistoricPlacesLA is the first online database specifically designed to 'inventory, map, and help protect the City of Los Angeles' significant historic resources,' according to a press release trumpeting its launch." 

Designed to raise awareness of the city's cultural offerings and heritage, HistoricPlacesLA includes meticulous documentation on the preservation status of listed sites. From the article: "A joint project of the city of Los Angeles and the Getty Conservation Institute, the resource is meant for anyone with an interest: policymakers, property owners, developers, tourists, students, L.A. history buffs, and plain ol' architecture nerds."

Data used to compile the resource comes from SurveyLA, a city preservation effort scheduled for completion in 2017.

Sunday, March 8, 2015 in CityLab

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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 Planner

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