Taliesin West hosts AIA colloquium on historic architecture.

Principal Architect, Peyton Hall, FAIA, Chair-Elect of the American Institute of Architects’ Historic Resources Committee, organized an educational professional practice colloquium, held in October 2013, at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Historic Resources Committee welcomed the invitation from the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture to meet in an inspiring retreat setting to tackle important, current, and forward-looking issues in architecture. Approximately 40 individuals from across the United States participated, augmented by the students and faculty of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. The topic, "Design + History" brought leading professionals and professors together for the first time in many years to lecture and lead group discussions about additions to historic buildings, new infill buildings in historic contexts, and the interpretation of the National Park Service’s guidance on these issues.

Side: Vincent Michael, Ph.D., Executive Director, Global Heritage Fund; Jonathan Spodek, AIA, Associate Professor, Ball State University; Sean Malone, CEO & President, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation; and Will Bruder, FAIA, lead one of the discussion groups on design of infill buildings in historic districts.

 

HRG recognized by the California Preservation Foundation.

HRG will receive two 2013 Preservation Design Awards from the California Preservation Foundation in San Francisco on September 27th. Winning projects are the 28th Street YMCA in Los Angeles and the Orchard Gables Cottage in Hollywood.

Side: Orchard Gables, Hollywood. Photograph by Tavo Olmos.

 
 

HRG protects Los Angeles’ motion picture legacy.

HRG recently completed photographic documentation of a historic district located on the NBC Universal Studios property in the San Fernando Valley. The identified district includes buildings, structures and sites significant for their association with the history of Universal Studios and the development of the motion picture industry in the United States. There are several buildings in the district which date from the silent film era.

Photo documentation of the historic district is the latest project in HRG’s long association with Universal Studios. It was completed as mitigation for the recently approved NBC Universal Evolution Plan which will guide the future development of the Universal Studios property. This effort, in conjunction with a Preservation Plan also prepared by HRG, will ensure the protection of Universal Studio’s historic legacy as the property is improved and developed.

Side: Universal Backlot, Los Angeles. Photograph by Tavo Olmos.

 

Rubel Castle is nominated to the National Register.

HRG nominated Rubel Castle for listing in the National Register on behalf of its owner, the Glendora Historical Society. Rubel Castle, also known as Rubelia or Rubel Pharms, is located on a portion of the former Albourne Ranch, which operated as a citrus farm until 1949. The Castle was the creation of Michael Clarke Rubel (1940-2007), who envisioned a monumental, medieval-style castle constructed out of recycled materials. Rubel acquired the property in 1959, and with the help of a wide network of friends, associates, townspeople, and “Pharm Hands,” began collecting found objects and other materials to use in the construction. The main portion of the Castle is a 124-foot diameter irrigation reservoir that dates from 1910 which provided a ready-made concrete foundation. Capped with battlements, the Castle walls are built primarily from stream rocks and slabs of recycled granite set in cement mortar. Construction unfolded over two and a half decades, beginning in the 1960s and ending in 1986. Although it was completed in the recent past, the State Historical Resources Commission agreed at their August meeting that Rubel Castle is exceptionally important as a folk art monument, and therefore eligible for listing in the National Register.

Side: Rubel Castle, Glendora.

 

You can make a touchdown at the Rose Bowl!

For nearly twenty years, HRG has partnered with the Rose Bowl to preserve and maintain its architecture and history. For members of the public who love the landmark as much as we do, there is now an exciting opportunity to assist with the preservation of its special legacy: sponsoring a paver with your name inscribed for the new main entrance plaza. The proceeds from the Brick Campaign will be used to support the continuing improvement of the stadium, including projects directly benefitting patrons of the Rose Bowl Game. And as an added bonus, thousands of visitors, millions of TV viewers, and your grandchildren will know you cared about history.www.rosebowlbricks.com

You may also contact the Rose Bowl Legacy group for other sponsorship opportunities.www.rosebowllegacy.com

Side: Rendering courtesy of DAIQ Architects.