By Daily Press Staff
An early 1900s beach cottage in Ocean Park will remain a historical landmark, despite the owner’s request that he be allowed to tear down the building or have it moved to another location.
The City Council on Tuesday upheld a June Planning Commission decision that designated the two-story property, located at 128 Hollister Ave., an historic landmark. Buildings landmarked by City Hall cannot be torn down or moved.
Rosario Perry, the owner’s lawyer, asked the council to repeal the finding or give the cottage a designation of “historic significance.”
If it were found to be of historic significance, community members would have up to one year to raise money and relocate the structure.
Perry said the owner bought the house with the idea of building a different home there.
“It’s old, but old does not equal landmark status.”
“This is not the house that our client wants to live in,” Perry said.
Perry said it’s unfair the owner was targeted by City Hall because no one contacted him until he filed demolition permits.
City staff originally said the house should not be considered historic, but later changed that recommendation based on consultants’ reports.
Findings from consultants were presented Tuesday that covered both sides of the issue. In the end, council members chalked up the dispute to a professional difference of opinion.
While some argued the house is a good example of the “American Foursquare” style, others said it had been too greatly modified since it was built in 1905.
Four members of the community spoke against repealing the landmark designation. One was a resident who lives near the house. The other three speakers were Planning Commissioners who said they agreed City Hall ought to be more proactive in identifying possible landmarks but said the build-
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 29, 2003. Read the original PDF.