Los Angeles Conservancy

Los Angeles Conservancy
source
Name	Los Angeles Conservancy
Formation	1980
Location	Los Angeles, California
Region served	Southern California

Los Angeles Conservancy. The organization was founded in 1980 by a group of concerned citizens, including Linda Dishman, Marta Evry, and Cindy Olnick, who were dedicated to preserving the historic and cultural heritage of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Conservancy has since become a leading voice in the preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods in Southern California, working closely with organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the California State Historic Preservation Office. The organization's efforts have been recognized by Mayor Tom Bradley, Mayor Richard Riordan, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, among others.

● History

The Los Angeles Conservancy was established in response to the demolition of historic buildings in Los Angeles, including the Richfield Tower and the Hollywood Hotel. The organization's early efforts were focused on saving historic buildings such as the Bradbury Building, the Avila Adobe, and the Greystone Mansion, which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Los Angeles Conservancy has also worked to preserve historic neighborhoods, including the Angelino Heights and Victorian Heights districts, which feature notable examples of Queen Anne architecture and Eastlake architecture. The organization has collaborated with other preservation groups, such as the Historic Preservation League of Oregon and the Texas Historical Commission, to share best practices and advocate for historic preservation at the national level, including through the National Historic Preservation Act.

● Mission and Activities

The Los Angeles Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the historic and cultural heritage of Los Angeles through a variety of activities, including advocacy, education, and community outreach. The organization works to identify and protect historic buildings and neighborhoods, and to promote the importance of historic preservation to the public and to policymakers, including the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Legislature. The Los Angeles Conservancy also provides technical assistance and resources to property owners and community groups, and offers educational programs and tours, such as the Last Remaining Seats series, which features classic films screened in historic theaters, including the Orpheum Theatre and the Palace Theatre. The organization has partnered with other groups, such as the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Land Institute, to promote sustainable development and historic preservation in Los Angeles.

● Historic Preservation Efforts

The Los Angeles Conservancy has been involved in numerous historic preservation efforts over the years, including the preservation of the Wiltern Theatre, the Pantages Theatre, and the Greek Theatre. The organization has also worked to protect historic neighborhoods, such as the Olvera Street district, which features historic buildings such as the Avila Adobe and the Plaza Church. The Los Angeles Conservancy has collaborated with other preservation groups, such as the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, to preserve historic sites and landscapes, including the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The organization has also advocated for the preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods in other cities, including San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.

● Notable Preservation Successes

The Los Angeles Conservancy has achieved numerous notable preservation successes over the years, including the preservation of the Central Library, the City Hall, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The organization's efforts have also helped to protect historic neighborhoods, such as the Bunker Hill district, which features notable examples of Beaux-Arts architecture and Art Deco architecture. The Los Angeles Conservancy has worked with other preservation groups, such as the Preservation Society of Newport County and the Historic Charleston Foundation, to share best practices and advocate for historic preservation at the national level. The organization's successes have been recognized by President Jimmy Carter, President Ronald Reagan, and President Bill Clinton, among others.

● Education and Community Outreach

The Los Angeles Conservancy offers a variety of educational programs and community outreach activities, including walking tours, lectures, and workshops. The organization's Last Remaining Seats series features classic films screened in historic theaters, and its Conservancy University program provides training and technical assistance to community groups and property owners. The Los Angeles Conservancy has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District and the California State University, Los Angeles, to develop educational programs and materials that promote historic preservation and cultural heritage. The organization has collaborated with other groups, such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, to support historic preservation and cultural heritage initiatives in Los Angeles.

● Advocacy and Policy Work

The Los Angeles Conservancy is a leading advocate for historic preservation in Los Angeles, and works to influence policy and decision-making at the local, state, and national levels. The organization has advocated for the preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods, and has worked to promote the importance of historic preservation to policymakers, including the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Legislature. The Los Angeles Conservancy has also collaborated with other preservation groups, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Action Council, to advocate for historic preservation at the national level, including through the National Historic Preservation Act and the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The organization's advocacy efforts have been recognized by Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, and Congressman Henry Waxman, among others. Category:Historic preservation in California