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# Santa Monica ‘Visual noise’ should be history
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-visual-noise-should-be-history-editor/
- Published: 2007-07-13T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:17:28.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Karen Blechman Santa Monica*

I question the right of an individual to purchase a property in the heart of a designated historic district (“This old house is causing new problems,” July 11) — knowing full well that there are restrictions in place to protect the neighborhood, to do nothing whatsoever to restore or make habitable the historic California Bungalow on the site for six years — and then to assume that he can use the property as a building site for an ultra-modern home. Should we feel sorry for him if neighbors object?

When Mark Woollen applied last year for permission to build an addition to the historic bungalow at 2617 Third St., I supported him at a hearing before the Landmarks Commission. I felt that the addition was respectful of the Third Street Historic District guidelines and in harmony with the house and the district. It seemed reasonable to modestly adapt the bungalow to meet his and his girl-friend’s needs. At the time, I did not understand why he was also applying to move the whole bungalow forward.

Now he has applied to build a whole new structure in the backyard, dwarfing the bungalow in front and completely out of scale with adjacent historic buildings. It violates the guidelines for the district in numerous, very significant ways. The proposed structure would be an eye-catching glass-fronted Modernist building with a cantilevered second story projecting forward towards the bungalow. It is uphill from the street and much of it would be visible. The design itself might be stunning on a suitable site, but here in the Historic District, it would create undesirable “visual noise.”

At the recent Landmarks Commission hearing on the application, many members of the public spoke: Not a single person was in support of the project. After two hearings, no decision has been made other than to continue to a third hearing.

Other homeowners in the district have respected the guidelines in restoring our historic homes. We have put time, money and effort into making sure that these homes survive for future generations to enjoy. We have not found the guidelines to be overly onerous, in fact, we welcome them. The Third Street Historic District is quite tiny and vulnerable — only a couple of blocks — and any significant intrusion will have a seriously detrimental effect on the district as a whole.

Does Mr. Woollen’s desire to build his dream house trump the rights of all the other neighbors who chose to live in a historic district and who have faithfully respected any restrictions? I would think not!

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 13, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071307.pdf?ref=smdp.com)