The LA City Council has what can only be called a piss poor track record when it comes to protecting historical buildings. When a building is declared historical a series of meetings and such are supposed to take place before it can be torn down. Yeah they tend to ignore that. See to the city these buildings are 'in the way of progress'...something that is taking up valuable land that could be sold to contractors to make either condos or parking garages. Of course what do you expect of a city that lets Pia Zadora tear down Pickfair?
Hollywood Heritage has done their best to fight such fights for years. Unfortunately their strongest fighter, Robert Nudelman passed on not too long ago and several battles remain to be fought and won. Now the city has gone too far: they're trying to evict Hollywood Heritage.
The Wattles Mansion has been in the hands of Hollywood Heritage since 1983, when they began preservation and restoration efforts to the now 101 year old mansion. In 1993 the Wattles Mansion was declared a LA Cultural Monument. Why is it a significant piece of history? Its the only remaining intact piece of architecture from the pre Motion Picture Hollywood, being built in 1907 (D.W. didn't come here till 1910, being the first non bootleg filmmaker to do so).
Over the years Hollywood Heritage has pumped $2.5 million into the mansion, restoring it to a beautiful state. The group rents the mansion out for parties and events which the Times reports can cost upwards of $9,000.
In late September an LA Times article appeared announcing an audit had been done and the City Council had decided to hand Hollywood Heritage a 30 day eviction notice citing 'disruptive parties' and 'ignoring city rules'.
The Times article also claims the group refused to turn over financial records and that the mansion was dilapidated. Hollywood Heritage disputes both claims, which they explain here. The group has done good work before, always trying to protect and save Hollywood's historic buildings, many of which are steeped in Silent Movie history. As of now they are fighting the eviction, and believe it may be retaliation for the lawsuits they have placed in the past years trying to save other historic buildings. Indeed the very least anyone can say is this would be a very random moment to slap them with an eviction if there was not some vindictive motive behind it.
If you would like to help Hollywood Heritage in their fight there are various ways to contribute:
*Donate any amount you feel necessary
*Rent out the Mansion for a special event
*Contact the City Council and tell them how you feel:
Councilman La Bonge (213) 485-3337 (click here to email)
Councilman Garcetti (213) 473-7013 (click here to email)
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