Tour

2013

January 1, 2013 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Venice Tour

Architecture of the 1970s and 1980s

Advocacy

Johnies Coffee Shop

Classic building at Wilshire and Fairfax is nominated for Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument (HCM) Nomination on November 27, 2013. Nomination was written with the help of Alan Hess.

https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/johnies-coffee-shop

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/27/news/la-lh-case-study-houses-national-register-historic-places-20130824

Gregory Ain Mar Vista Housing Tract

Successful HPOZ nomination of the. 52 one story homes. Nomination primarily written by Amanda Seward

Case Study Houses

CSH received National Register Status. Eleven original dwellings remained in Los Angeles, Sand Diego and Ventura counties. Work by Charles Eames, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koeing, Eero Saarinen, and Rodney Walker. Ten of them ended up being successfully nominated by 2013. The eleventh was owner opposed. Volunteers who contributed to the successful completion of this effort include: Steven Kyle, _______________. The Modern Committee is given the Governor’s Preservation Award for its work on the Case Study house nominations.

Annual Holiday Party:

USC Religious Center

Modern Master Awards:

Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman (designers from 1952-2012
Donald Gibbs, FAIA (1961-present)
https://www.laconservancy.org/architects/gibbs-and-gibbs
Gin Wong, FAIA (1950-present)
https://www.laconservancy.org/architects/gin-wong
Kurt Meyer, AIA (1948-1993)

Tangents:

Palm Springs ModCom and Preservation Foundation

ModCom members continue to participate and advocate for preservation in Palm Springs, CA.

Sheilah Graham’s Hollywood Drive Tour

Great Autos of Yesteryear produces a self driving car rally tour focused on location and dates of “September 1956”

MAK Architecture Venice Tour

Venice Area tour on June 23, 2013 featured architecture related to Everything Loose Will Land in the Getty Foundation’s Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A. Houses included: Spiller House (Frank Gehry, 1980) Alan Voo House (Neil M. Denari Architects, house renovation / extension, 2007) Peter Alexander Studio (Peter Alexander, 1999) Petal House (Eric Owen Moss, 1982)
2-4-6-8 House (Morphosis, 1978)

A. Quincy Jones: Building for Better Living

Hammer Museum’s first major museum retrospective of the Los Angeles-based architect’s work. Also included two days of exclusive architectural tours of some of Jones’s most remarkable built projects on June 22 and June 29, 2013.

The book A. Quincy Jones: Building for Better Living by Brooke Hodge is released June 25, 2013
https://www.amazon.com/Quincy-Jones-Building-Better-Living/dp/3791352652/ref=llvn-20

Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990

One of 17 museum and gallery multi-institution collaborative events featured in Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A.. Opened April 9, 2013 at the Getty, celebrates Mutual Housing Association in Crestwood, Richard Neutra’s glass box houses in Silver Lake and Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown. Overdrive is what its similar-sounding 2011 counterpart did for art.

2012

January 1, 2012 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Millard Sheets – a Legacy of Art & Architecture

Self Driving tour of significant works by Millard Sheets in Claremont and Pomona.

Annual Holiday Party:

DWP Headquarters

Modern Master Awards:

Betty Davenport Ford
John Svenson
A. Sarmiento, AIA
Howard Troller

Tangents:

Claremont Modern Symposium and Exhibition

Curated by David Shearer on September 27, 2012 Produced in association with Claremont Heritage
www.claremontheritage.org

2010

January 1, 2010 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

The Sixties Turn 50

Nine month program with various events spotlighting iconic buildings of the 1960s including tours, panel discussions, online polls, and a mobile app.

Home Sixties Home

Tour of iconic tracts of MCM Homes across Los Angeles.
http://takesunset.com/2010/03/home-sixties-home-tour/

Advocacy:

Lincoln Place

Ralph A. Vaughn & Heth Warton, 1949-1951 concludes a ten year long effort to save this important Garden city apartment complex. Saved!

Johnnies Broiler

Downey coffee shop receives a LAC Preservation Award
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/bobs-big-boy-broiler

Balboa Highlands

Successful HPOZ nomination of housing tract developed by Joseph Eichler. 108 Mid Century homes designed by A. Quincy Jones and Emmons as well as Claude Oakland. Nomination primarily written by Adriene Biondo.

Annual Holiday Party:

Clifton’s Cafeteria

Modern Master Awards:

Eldon Davis, AIA
William Krisel, FAIA
Dion Neutra, FAIA
Victor Newlove, AIA

Tangents

MAK Architecture Shulman Tour

Tour on the 100th birthday of renowned architecture photographer Julius Shulman, October 10, 2010. Featured modern residences shot over the course of his career: Lovell Health House (Richard Neutra, 1929), Gold House (R.M. Schindler, 1945), Kun House (Richard Neutra, 1936), Hillside House (Carl Louis Maston, 1948), Shulman House (Raphael Soriano, 1950), and Gantert House (Pierre Koenig, 1981).

Stardust Las Vegas Closing

ModCom members meet to witness the last show in the showroom – Steve and Edye Gourmet.

Mondo Lounge III

Final Mondo Lounge event at the Palms Hotel October 10, 2010

Shag Store Opens

SHAG Store opens in Palm Springs. Cherry Capri finally introduces Alan Hess to SHAG on May 8, 2010

Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm

by Christopher Merritt (Author), J. Eric Lynxwiler (Author), Tony Baxter(Foreword) – June 1, 2010. ModCom friends gather at the Birdcage Theater to enjoy a slide show.
https://www.amazon.com/Knotts-Preserved-Boysenberry-Theme-History/dp/1883318777/ref=llvn-20

Southern California Eats 2

More of Southern California’s roadside eateries by John Eng and Adriene Biondo.

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Eats-John-Eng/dp/0764336398/ref=llvn-20

2009

January 1, 2009 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2008-2009

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Modern Masters Awards are established

Meeting Locations

Events

City of Seekers L.A. Unique Spiritual Legacy

Tour of buildings of the 20^th century that have ties to unusual spiritual movements.

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod City

Tour was part of a year-long program called “The Sixties Turn 50” to highlight the fact than many of our mid-20th century buildings are now eligible for historic landmark status.
http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-mod-mod-mod-mod-city.html

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

Downey which was determined eligible for the California Register in 2002 is unceremoniously AND illegally demolished in 2007. Jim Louder agrees to rebuild the Broiler as a new Bob’s Big Boy restaurant along with assistance from the City of Downey Redevelopment Agency.

CBS Columbia Square

Saved March 2009

Columbia Savings

1965 bank building on Miracle Mile demolished in 2010.
https://www.laconservancy.org/issues/columbia-savings

Annual Holiday Party:

Los Angeles City Hall

Modern Master Awards

Jack Laxar
Leland Lee
Julius Shulman
Marvin Rand

Tangents

MAC Architecture Tour

Annual tour focus Silverlake and Los Feliz on October 4, 200 including seven residences dating from 1926 through 1964, by seminal architects R.M. Schindler, Gregory Ain, Raphael Soriano, Harwell Harris and Craig Ellwood.

Palm Springs Holiday: A Vintage Tour from Palm Springs to the Saltan Sea

by Peter Moruzzi – September 1, 2009
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Holiday-Vintage-Saltan/dp/1423604768/ref=llvn-20

Autumn’s Come Undone

A radical departure in SHAG’s style away from satirical pop Modern look – to a dark and foreboding feeling. New book by Shag– October 15, 2009
https://www.amazon.com/Autumns-Come-Undone-Shag/dp/0979330734/ref=llvn-20

“William Krisel, Architect”

Film is produced by Design on Screen
http://www.designonscreen.org/dvds/william-krisel-architect/

Case Study Houses June 2009

by Elizabeth Smith (Author), Peter Gossel (Editor), Julius Shulman (Photographer)
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Study-Houses-Elizabeth-Smith/dp/3836510219/ref=llvn-20

Southern California Eats

A fresh look at Southern California’s roadside eateries. Embark on a road trip to out-of-the-way Route 66 landmarks, futuristic Googie coffee shops, and exotic Polynesian paradises. Part-homage and part-guidebook, this photo essay captures the flavor and character of Southern California’s most unique eating establishments. By John Eng and Adriene Biondo.
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Eats-John-Eng/dp/0764333321/ref=llvn-20

2006

January 1, 2006 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Milestones in the Community

Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale by Dolphin Promotions and an annual symposium is organized by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, showcase the world-renowned midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs. This was an outgrowth of an earlier “20th Century” show that began in 2000.

Meeting Locations

Event

Spectacular Vernacular Tour

details

Advocacy

Capitol Records Building

HCM Nomination written by ____

The Foster Residence in Balboa Highlands

Successful HCM #848 nomination of Mid Century Modern home designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons. Nomination written by Mary-Margaret Stratton.

Mullen and Bluett building

1949 department store designed in great detail by Stiles O. Clements was demolished in 2006 alongside the 1936 Phelps-Terkel store by Morgan, walls and Clements.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/mullen-and-bluett-demolished

Tangents

MAK Architecture Tour

The 2006 fundraiser tour on October 1, 2006 featured houses by Modernist masters including Irving Gill, Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner and Pierre Koenig. It concentrated on residencies around the Hollywood Hills.

Americana the Beautiful: Mid Century Culture in Kodachrome

Coffee table book written by Charles Phoenix published in June 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Americana-Beautiful-Mid-Century-Culture-Kodachrome/dp/1883318548/ref=llvn-20

Oscar Niemeyer: Houses

by Alan Hess (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer) – May 16, 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Niemeyer-Houses-Alan-Hess/dp/0847827984/ref=llvn-20

Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism

by Alan Hess (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer) – August 2, 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Architecture-Modernism-Alan-Hess-ebook/dp/1586858572/ref=llvn-20

Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes

by Michelle Gringeri-Brown (Author), Jim Brown (Photographer) – August 29, 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Ranch-Design-Ideas-Stylish/dp/1423600029/ref=llvn-20

Eichler Network

The Eichler Network Newsletter changes its name to CA-Modern Magazine since 2006

2005

January 1, 2005 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Curating the City: Wilshire Blvd

A self guided driving tour that includes six docent stops on October 2, 2005. The tour is instigated by Eric Lynxwiler and Kevin Roderick with help from Jane McNamara, Willian Deverell, Thomas S. Hines, Richard Longstreth, Merry Ovnick, Doug Suisman and Robert W. Winter. A companion book is produced called Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles by Kevin Roderick with research by J. Eric Lynxwiler. A Special Exhibit on MCM architecture on Wilshire Blvd. is mounted at Johnies with a book signing of Googie Redux by author Alan Hess.
https://www.amazon.com/Wilshire-Boulevard-Grand-Concourse-Angeles/dp/1883318556/ref=llvn-20

Retro Fashion Show at El Rey Theater

Fashion Show featuring vintage evening, cocktail & daywear from the 1930’s – 60’s from the lines Peggy Hunt and Jeannette Alexander and three course tea. Produced in association with the Art Deco Society.

Tangent:

Event: A Tiki Tour of Southern California”

Ad hoc tour produced by Mike Skinner (aka ZuluMagoo)

MAK Architecture Tour

Tour on October 2, 2005 included: Walker House (R.M. Schindler 1936), Wilson House (R.M. Schindler, 1935-38), Yates Studio (R.M. Schindler, 1938-47), Silvertop (John Lautner, 1957), Tierman House (Gregory Ain, 1939), Bubeshko Apartments (R.M. Schindler, 1938 and 1941), Schlessinger House (R.M. Schindler, 1952) Elliot House (R.M. Schindler, 1930) and Wolff House in Sherman Oaks (R.M. Schindler, 1938).

James Bond Theme Party

Party event produced by Cary and Mary-Margaret Stratton in an Eichler in Balboa Highlands that ends with a ninja shootout and fireworks in the pool.

Frank Lloyd Wright – The Houses

by Alan Hess (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer), – November 1, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-Houses-Alan/dp/0847827364/ref=llvn-20

The Ranch House

by Alan Hess (Author), Noah Sheldon (Author, Photographer) – January 1, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Ranch-House-Alan-Hess/dp/0810943468/ref=llvn-20

All Summer Long, Vol. 4: Dumb Angel

by Brian Chidester (Author), Domenic Priore (Author) – August 1, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/All-Summer-Long-Vol-Angel/dp/0977353206/ref=llvn-20

Shag: The Art of Josh Agle

by Josh Agle (Author), Colin Berry (Author), Billy Shire (Foreword) – August 11, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Shag-Art-Josh-Agle/dp/081185096X/ref=llvn-20

Shag, Ltd: Fine Art Limited Editions, A Catalogue Raisonne

by Shag (Author) – December 11, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Shag-Ltd-Editions-Catalogue-Raisonne/dp/0867196467/ref=llvn-20

2003

January 1, 2003 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

Hollywood Star Lanes Bowling Alley – filming site of the Big Lebowsky is torn down.

Meeting Locations

Event: “Built by Beckett Centennial Celebration”

Tour of buildings by Welton Beckett and Associates. Event also includes a presentation at Beckett designed Cinerama Dome. Members of the Beckett family are in attendance.

Download Tour Map as a PDF

Advocacy

Holiday Bowl

Designed by Armet and David in 1958 – part of a long preservation battle that concluded with the salvation of the coffee shop. The bowling alley is demolished.

Ambassador Hotel Presentation

Panel Discussion on preservation options

Tangents:

Mondo Tiki and Mondo Vegas Tour

Mondo Tiki event at the Hard Rock Hotel and Mondo Vegas bus tour on Friday Night, April 18thconducted by MM Stratton and Eric Lynxwiler ended just in time for cocktails at 9PM at Taboo Cove (Designed by SHAG and ___at the Venetian. Highlights included: The Infamous Giant Aku Aku Moai from the Stardust Hotel, 1950s and 1960s Boulder Highway Googie motels, Neon Sign Museum at Fremont Street, 1955 National Register Moulin Rouge, Narrated History of Vegas and the Strip.

Apartment Living is Great

Leslie Marlene Siegel produces an exhibit and book celebrating Los Angeles graphic dingbats at the Outre Gallery in Melbourne, Australia

Art Cars at the Petersen Museum

Event is introduced by Michael Palumbo, former ModCom chair

MAK Architectural Lovell Houses Tours

November 1, 2003 tour featured the two houses designed for Philip Lovell: Lovell Health House (Richard Neutra, 1929) and Lovell Beach House (R.M. Schindler, 1926).

Book of Tiki signing

Book signing at La Luz de Jesus Gallery and Wacko book store solidifies the important place of Tiki in preservation of Mid Century architecture and design

Southern California in the ’50s: Sun, Fun and Fantasy

Book by Charles Phoenix is published June 1, 2003
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-50s-Sun-Fantasy/dp/1883318491/ref=llvn-20

2001

January 1, 2001 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

Tiki Oasis – Otto Von Stroheim, a friend of the Modern Committee, begins to produce what will become an annual event that celebrates the Polynesian Pop culture in Southern California and abroad. It was first celebrated at the Caliente Tropics Motel in Palm Springs in 2001. Modern committee members and extended family who contributed included: Pete Moruzzi, Sven Kirsten, Kevin & Jody, Steve Luchsinger, Crazy Al, Bamboo Ben, Derek Yaniger, Mateo, Jim Giddings, Lee Joseph.
http://www.tikioasis.com

Meeting Locations

Events

Silverlake Tour

A LAC ModCom tour of SilverLake is produced in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art on May 5, 2001

3D L.A.: Modernism in Three Dimensions. The Stereo Photography of Jack Laxar 1953-1965

A 3-D slide show of mid-century buildings displayed in Downtown Los Angeles.

Tangents

Knotts Berry Farm Tour

Ad hoc tour of Knott’s Berry Farm took place on Saturday, June 23, 2001 produced by Mary-Margaret Stratton. Speakers included: Chris Merritt, Daniel Paul and Charles Phoenix.
http://new.lottalivin.com/events/past-lotta-events/knotts/

MAK Architecture Tour

Tour on August 19, 2001 featured residences designed by architect R.M. Schindler: Gold House (Studio City, 1945), and Elliot House (Los Feliz, 1930)and Rodriguez House (Glendale, 1941).

All-American Ads of the 50s

by Jim Heimann (Editor) – December 1, 2001
https://www.amazon.com/All-American-Ads-50s-Jim-Heimann/dp/3822811580/ref=llvn-20

ART OF SHAG: BOTTOMLESS COCKTAIL

by Shag
https://www.amazon.com/ART-SHAG-BOTTOMLESS-COCKTAIL-Shag/dp/0867195282/ref=llvn-20

Palm Springs Modernism Scene Explodes

Palm Springs Modern Committee

PS Modcom produces a comprehensive map to Modern Architecture

Alexander Weekend

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PS PF) produces an “Alexander Weekend” March 25-27

When Mod Went Mass: A Celebration of Alexander Homes

Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation produces a weekend of exclusive home tours November 2-4

Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

by Andrew Danish (Author), Alan Hess – April, 2001
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Weekend-Architecture-Midcentury/dp/0811828042/ref=llvn-20

2000

January 9, 2000 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Milestones in the Community

National Trust For Historic Preservation Conference – Conference held in Los Angeles. Several tracts on Modernism with participation by Modcom members. In addition a special 1 day bus tour version of the How Modern Was My Valley conducted by Mary-Margaret Stratton.
Dwell Magazine is launched.

Meeting Locations

El Paradiso ModCom Meeting

Events

How Modern Was My Valley Two Day Tour

Tour – more info on website:
www.HowModernWasMyValley.com

Mid Century Riverside Tour

Ad hoc, yet comprehensive self-driving tour of the greater downtown Riverside area on 9-30-2000. Produced by Daniel Paul. Coincides with the “Everyday Modernism Conference at UCR

Your Government in Glendale

Ad hoc walking tour produced by Laura Friedman. Laura later went on to become a Glendale city council member and mayor.

Advocacy

Holiday Bowl

Bowling alley designed by Armet and David 1958 becomes a long preservation battle – concludes in 2003.

Lincoln Place

Garden city apartment complex by Ralph A. Vaughn & Heth Warton, 1949-1951 become a ten year long effort to save. Efforts conclude in 2010.

August 14, 2014 marked the reopening of Lincoln Place, a historic 38-acre, 1951 garden apartment complex off Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. thanks to Amanda Seward for her leadership as the ModCom residential committee chair and for her work on the California Register nomination.

www.laconservancy.org/gardenapartments

https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/lincoln-place

Tangents:

The Architecture of John Lautner

by Alan Hess (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer) – January 1, 2000
https://www.amazon.com/Architecture-John-Lautner-Alan-Hess/dp/0847822222/ref=llvn-20

Rancho Deluxe: Rustic Dreams and Real Western Living

by Alan Hess (Author), Alan Weintraub (Author) – March 1, 2000
https://www.amazon.com/Rancho-Deluxe-Rustic-Dreams-Western/dp/0811824209/ref=llvn-20

MAK Architecture Tour

Sites included: Buck House (R.M. Schindler, 1934), DeKeyser House (R.M. Schindler, 1935), Dunsmuir Flats (Gregory Ain, 1937), Bonnet House (Richard Neutra, 1942), Fitzpatrick House (R.M. Schindler, 1936), Mackey Apartments (R.M. Schindler, 1939), Hailey House (Richard Neutra, 1958), Kallis House (R.M. Schindler, 1946), Kings Road House-Studio (R.M. Schindler, 1922), Shulman House and Studio (Raphael Soriano, 1950), Bergren Residence (John Lautner, 1951). And cocktails at Case Study House #22, designed by architect Pierre Koenig.

1998

January 1, 1998 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Chris Nichols, 1998-1999

Milestones in the Community

Modern Committee Website is launched initiated by Mary-Margaret Stratton
Charles Phoenix First “Americana” Slide Show first showed his slides to ModCom members. His first public event, entitled “God Bless Americana: The Retro Vacation Slide Show of the USA”, was held at the California Map and Travel Store in Los Angeles in 1998. What begins as a friendly get-together mushrooms into a phenomenon. His outreach ends up bring Modern kitsch images to the masses
http://www.charlesphoenix.com/

Meeting Locations

Events

A Place in the Sun: Architecture of Wayne McAllister 1928-1961

Exhibit honors the influential work of Wayne McAllister showcasing his career from 1930s drive-in restaurants to Las Vegas hotels in the 1950s

Terminal Island Long Beach Tour

Ad hoc self-driving caravan tour produced by Daniel Paul

Advocacy

Albert Frey Gas Station in Palm Springs – check this date

Modcom travels to speak on behalf of the Tramway Gas Station at the PS City Council

Cinerama Done

Pacific Theaters, proposed a project that would have destroyed the theater’s existing plaza, box offices, and marquee. Modcom contributed to the efforts of Doug Haines to save the iconic theater in Hollywood (along with Hollywood Heritage and Friends of Cinerama) which was made an HCM on December 18, 1998.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/cinerama-dome

Tangents

MAK Center Schindler Tour

Tour on November 6 – 7, 1998 presented: Sachs Apartments (1926-1928, 1934-1940), Grokowsky House (1928), Elliot House (1930), Yates Studio (1938, remodeled 1998), Falk Apartments (1939-1940), Roth House (1945), and Laurelwood Apartments (1946-1949).

May I Take Your Order: American Menu Design 1920-1960

A book which sheds light on many obscure Los Angeles eateries by Jim Heimann June 1, 1998
https://www.amazon.com/May-Take-Your-Order-1920-1960/dp/0811817830/ref=llvn-20

1997

January 1, 1997 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Cruising Industrial Los Angeles

Tour produced by Peter Mouruzzi which roughly follows the Los Angeles River and Major rails lines to discover the industrial backbone of Los Angeles. Stops include:

Sparkletts Water
Vernon Light and Power Plant

http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/03/local/me-38740

Advocacy

Grandma Prisbey’s Bottle Village Tour and Cleanup – check this date

Ad hoc tour of the folk art environment built between 1955 and 1983 in Simi Valley produced by Daniel Paul

Tangents

Modern Architecture in Palm Springs California, USA

A weekend Tour November 8 & 9 and Slide Show October 20. Produced entirely by Tony Merchell in conjunction with his presentation to the DOCOMOMO Conference in Germany. The tour becomes the foundation for future Palm Springs Modernism Advocacy.

SHAG Show

SHAG’s has his first solo gallery exhibition is in 1997. His seminal show “J is for Jetsetter” later in January 2001 at La Luz de Jesus Gallery at their original upstairs location on Melrose firmly cements the image of hip MidMod style in the arts community.

1996

January 1, 1996 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

McDonald’s Corporation rededicates the Golden Arches Downey McDonalds and adds an historic museum to the site.

Meeting Locations

Events

Society for Commercial Archeology Conference

Tour coincides with the Society for Commercial Archeology Conference at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Four-day “Life in the Past Lane” conference is co-sponsored by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Over 200 people attend. Panels of historians, architects, preservationists and critics will tackle such topics as “The Four Level Stack as Los Angeles Icon,” “The Stucco Box,” and “Booze, Bread, MGM, Ham and Giant Dogs: The Emerging Urban Landscape of Washington Boulevard, 1920-1940.” Auto Club historian Matthew Roth speaks. Chris Nichols dances along to stock film footage of Los Angeles roads and streets during the decades that commercial archeologists most love–from the 1920s to the ’60s. John English, leads two bus tours Sat: San Gabriel Valley and Anaheim tour and Sun: Central Los Angeles

Advocacy

Bullock’s Pasadena

Ongoing preservation issue to save the Welton Beckett designed sprawling Pasadena Bullocks – now a Macy’s. A project that would completely surround the former Bullock’s Pasadena on South Lake Avenue. Modcommers worked in association with Pasadena Heritage. In an unforgettable moment of preservation activism, Michael Kiralla opens an umbrella up at the Pasadena City council meeting and claims: “It’s raining lies in Pasadena.” The issue dragged on for 2 years until success in 1998.

Van De Kamps headquarters

Modcom stages a rally at the Dutch revival headquarters in Glassel Park. The bakery closed in 1990 and the building became threatened. It becomes a HCM landmark in 1992, but is threatened with demolition.

Tangents

20^th Century Tiki

Group show at La Luz de Jesus. Co-curated by Otto von Stroheim and Sven Kirsten that included the work of SHAG and the birth of pop surrealism when Mark Ryden showcases his definitive piece “Exotica.”

Car Hops and Curb Service: A History of American Drive-In Restaurants 1920-1960

by Jim Heimann March 1, 1996
https://www.amazon.com/Car-Hops-Curb-Service-Drive-/dp/0811811158/ref=llvn-20

1995

January 1, 1995 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Architect’s Own Homes and the Modern Tradition in Los Angeles

Tour of homes designed by and for prominent local MidMod architects

Advocacy

Tangential

Exoticon

Steve Alper, Otto von Stroheim of later Tiki Oasis fame and co-producer Josh (Strike) Eick, put on major exposition at the Park Plaza Hotel. Event featured the smart set in vintage clothes drinking to the music of Combustible Edison, Korla Pandit, Joey Altruda Sextet (featuring “Pink Panther” saxophonist Plas Johnson), Phantom Surfers, Wonderful World of Joey, the Tiki Tones, Davie Allan & the Arrows, Brother Cleve, the Boardwalkers and Eddie Detroit
http://articles.latimes.com/1995-11-12/news/ls-2161_1_pop-music

1992

January 1, 1992 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

Modern and Post-WWII Committee Group changes name to Modern Committee (aka ModCom)
Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) is founded by Peter Loughrey.
https://lamodern.com

Meeting Locations

Events

Neutra in the 1930s

Tour and Lecture

Advocacy

Bobs Big Boy

Preservation Efforts to save the coffee shop drive-in in Toluca Lake begins.

Tangents

Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design

Lectures at the Schindler House featuring Peter Moruzzi and Sven Kirsten and others

1990

January 1, 1989 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Mike Ulander, 1990

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Yesterday, today and Tomorrow. Case Study Houses Tours

Tour coincided with the MOCA exhibit, Blueprints for Modern Living: History and Legacy of the Case Study Houses held between October 17, 1989 and February 18, 1990

Advocacy

1989

January 1, 1989 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Gene Polk, 1987 – 1990

Milestones in the Community

Preservation Database completed – 20+ years before Getty embarks on similar mission.
You can view that survey here.

Meeting Locations

Events

Advocacy

Modern Database

A very comprehensive 28 page database of Modern Resources is produced, compiled and concluded on September 8

1988

January 1, 1988 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Kathleen Leonard, Co-Chairperson 1987-1988

Gene Polk, Co-Chairperson 1987 – 1990

Milestones in the Community

First formal ModCom Tour – John Lautner
Docomomo International (non-profit organization) is initiated in 1988 byHubert-Jan Henket, architect and professor, and Wessel de Jonge, architect and research fellow, at the School of Architecture at the Technical University in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Docomomo is short for the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement.
http://www.docomomo.com

Meeting Locations

Events

John Lautner: Real Architecture

Tour and Lecture

Before I started architecture school in 1988 I had a background in photography and filmmaking. I was a film editor on commercials, documentaries and feature films but I became more and more interested in architecture. I was telling a friend what I was really interested in architecture. He had asked me if I had seen the work of John Lautner? I started to research Lautner’s work and I stumbled on the Garcia House (The Rainbow House). The owner invited me in and said there was going to be a Los Angeles Conservancy Tour on Lautner and he asked if I would like to be his guest. I went inside the Carling House for the first time, the living room was on a hinge and the pool was inside and outside the living room. I saw the Silvertop House, Lautner’s own house and a few other houses, which were on the tour. The owner of the Garcia House said to me, “… you seem so interested in Lautner’s work you should go to Lautner’s office; it’s right on Hollywood Boulevard”. Bette Cohen, Producer of the documentary, “The Spirit of Architecture: John Lautner”
http://www.johnlautner.org/wp/?cat=11

Advocacy

Eames House

Early ModCom members worked with Ray Eames to ensure the Case Study House #8 (Eames House, Studio and Grounds) was nominated as HCM #381 on July 15, 1988

Tangents

Westwood

A series of Historic Cultural Monuments (HCM) in Westwood were accepted in June and July of 1988 – including several Mid Century Modern Richard Neutra designed homes.

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Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Venice Tour

Advocacy

Johnies Coffee Shop

Gregory Ain Mar Vista Housing Tract

Case Study Houses

Annual Holiday Party:

Modern Master Awards:

Tangents:

Palm Springs ModCom and Preservation Foundation

Sheilah Graham’s Hollywood Drive Tour

MAK Architecture Venice Tour

A. Quincy Jones: Building for Better Living

Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990

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Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Millard Sheets – a Legacy of Art & Architecture

Annual Holiday Party:

Modern Master Awards:

Tangents:

Claremont Modern Symposium and Exhibition

Classic Dining: Discovering America’s Finest Mid-Century Restaurants

Supersonic Swingers: Around the World with the Art of Shag

Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors

Southern California Out & About

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Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

The Sixties Turn 50

Home Sixties Home

Advocacy:

Lincoln Place

Johnnies Broiler

Balboa Highlands

Annual Holiday Party:

Modern Master Awards:

Tangents

MAK Architecture Shulman Tour

Stardust Las Vegas Closing

Mondo Lounge III

Shag Store Opens

Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm

Southern California Eats 2

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Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

City of Seekers L.A. Unique Spiritual Legacy

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod City

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

CBS Columbia Square

Columbia Savings

Annual Holiday Party:

Modern Master Awards

Tangents

MAC Architecture Tour

Palm Springs Holiday: A Vintage Tour from Palm Springs to the Saltan Sea

Autumn’s Come Undone

“William Krisel, Architect”

Case Study Houses June 2009

Southern California Eats

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Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

Spectacular Vernacular Tour

Advocacy

Capitol Records Building

The Foster Residence in Balboa Highlands