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LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY Preservation Report Card | 2014
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
In addition to specific grades, our in-depth research unearthed some in-
teresting trends in local preservation throughout L.A. County:
One size does not fit all.
Communities pursue preservation in differ-
ent ways. While good preservation programs
require certain basic elements, they can be
used and combined in various forms to suit
the specific needs of the community.
Through the new scoring system, the Conser-
vancy has more clearly articulated what we
consider the most important benchmarks for
communities. Yet we also want to recognize
communities that may not have reached these
specific benchmarks but are making progress
in other ways. These communities are taking
somewhat of a “hybrid” approach to preser-
vation, combining some if not all the key ele-
ments of a strong preservation program.
One example is La Cañada Flintridge, which
adopted the popular Mills Act property tax
abatement program in 2012 but has yet to
adopt a historic preservation ordinance.
Without a historic preservation ordinance,
the city lacks the ability to protect historic re-
sources through local landmark designation.
However, the Mills Act program is a strong
preservation incentive. The city’s implemen-
tation of the program has led several owners
of historically significant residences to apply
for Mills Act contracts, which offer local de-
sign review and limited protection.
Top: La Cañada Flintridge is home to several Another example is Carson. Despite lacking any historic preservation poli-
architecturally significant resources, including the cies, Carson has demonstrated a willingness to recognize architecturally
Katherine B. Flint Residence (1929), designed by
renowned architect Paul Revere Williams. significant structures and ensure that they continue to reflect the commu-
Photo by Conservancy staff. nity’s character. The city provided Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds to aid in façade and signage repainting of the privately
Bottom: Carson Car Wash (1956).
Photo by Mike Hume. owned and operated Carson Car Wash, a highly intact 1956 Space
Age/Googie car wash.
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