The area of Los Feliz known as Los Feliz Square was recognized by SurveyLA (a comprehensive survey to document L.A.’s historic resources) as being historically significant.

Los Feliz Square is comprised of two sections: Los Feliz Square Single-Family Residential Historic District (SurveyLA ID: 160e82b2-6336-480e-a1ce-c71001618002) and Los Feliz Square Multi-Family Residential Historic District (SurveyLA ID: 52e8c435-648c-4077-a4cd-a91f4a544085).

Residents of the area, with the support of the LFIA, are investigating having the area listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

 

 

WHAT IS THE NRHP?

The National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the NRHP is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The NRHP designates a historic area based on uniform national criteria and procedures, and sets district boundaries based on the historic significance and pattern of intact (contributing) historic properties of the area.

WHAT WOULD BEING ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER MEAN?

The NRHP is largely honorific, recognizing an area for its historic significance.  Being listed on the NRHP would provide Los Feliz Square with a unique designation recognizing the area’s distinction as a prime example of Period Revival–style single-family and multi-family residences in Hollywood.

WILL BEING ON THE NRHP MEAN BUILDINGS CAN’T BE ALTERED, REMODELED OR TORN DOWN?

No. Being listed on the NRHP adds a simple level of protection requiring over-the-counter review by the Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources for any significant project. Many projects affecting the exterior, including paint colors, walkways and driveways, will not trigger any review. Interior work will not require any review. The Office of Historic Resources will also review any proposed demolition of a building in this zone, but does not prohibit tear downs.

Being on the NRHP does not restrict the use or disposition of property or obligate private property owners in any way, nor does it require adherence to design guidelines or a Preservation Plan by a community-based historic preservation board, such as a HPOZ Board.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION?

Designation as a historic district helps protect the investments of owners and residents by maintaining the character that made the neighborhood an attractive investment in the first place. Historic district designation encourages pride of ownership and a sense of place for residents. Historic preservation is an incentive for people to buy and rehabilitate properties because they know their investment is protected over time. Studies show that property values increase in neighborhoods with a historic designation. Designation also makes available specific federal and CA tax credit incentives for the rehabilitation of qualified historic buildings within the historic district.

IS THERE A ZONE CHANGE WITH A NRHP DESIGNATION?

No. There is no zone change. The National Register has nothing to do with zoning. Is should also not be confused with an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) which is a local historic district that protects an area and provides a mandatory design review process.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING ADDED TO THE NRHP?

Over the years, LFIA has compiled a vast amount of information about the history and architecture of Los Feliz (You can see more on the LFIA Interactive Map). That information will be combined with additional documentation being collected by Historic Resources Group (HRG). HRG will collect all of the necessary forms and documentation which will then be sent to the California State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The SHPO can take one of several options: reject the property, ask for more information, list the property just with the state, or send the forms to The National Park Service for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

If you have comments or questions about this process, or would like to be kept apprised of what’s happening, please email nrhp@lfia.org.

If you are interested in learning more about preserving the history of Los Feliz, consider joining the LFIA History Committee.