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.
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