SAVING ICONIC Architecture

SIA Helps Preserve LA’s Architectural Legacy

BY MICHAEL WEBB

RON WOODSON AND JAIME RUMMERFIELD co-founded an upscale interior design firm in Los Angeles, but they are also passionate preservationists. Their successful, year-long campaign to save Richard Neutra’s Chuey House from demolition inspired them to establish Save Iconic Architecture (SIA), a non-profit dedicated to conserving the best of LA’s architectural legacy. Their tastes are eclectic, embracing the vernacular of Spanish-style bungalows, as well as masterworks by leading architects.

Fifty years ago the Walter Dodge House, built by Irving Gill in 1916 as the first great modern residence in America, was wantonly destroyed despite a concerted effort to save it. Since then, many other important houses have bit the dust, despite growing public awareness of the added value of architecture and the best efforts of the LA Conservancy. As land prices soar, many Realtors urge buyers to treat existing houses as tear-downs. In contrast to New York, San Francisco and other major cities, LA does not proactively protect exemplary architecture, and makes it as difficult and costly as possible for individuals to do so.

Architects

SIA is crucially important as a watchdog and advocate, seeking to find sympathetic buyers for endangered properties before a demolition permit is issued. As designers, they have access to houses that are hidden from public view and whistleblowers alert them to potential threats. But it’s an uphill struggle. Recently, a developer tore the façade off an important Paul Williams house, formerly home to Frank Sinatra and David Niven, to disqualify it from protection. He broke the law but paid no penalty. Currently SIA are working to save Paul Williams’ Jay Paley mansion And they are concerned for the integrity of historic neighborhoods that are steadily losing their character—North Westwood Village is a prime example. As Jaime laments, “before you can blink it’s gone. We find that heartbreaking.”

For more information on SIA and to support the cause go to siaprojects.org

Above: Showcasing elegant style across more than 15,000 square feet, the residence is considered one of Paul R. Williams most iconic works.

Left/Bottom: At Paul Williams' Jay Paley residence, a covered patio lined with towering columns hangs off the back of the home, leading to a massive lawn surrounded by lush landscaping.