Appeal of Technical Denial of Landmark Designation Former Home Savings building (2600 Wilshire Boulevard) Introduction Appeal of Technical Denial of Landmark Designation Former Home Savings building (1970) S. David Underwood, architect collaboration of Howard Ahmanson (owner) and Millard Sheets (artist) Not Identified on Historic Resources Inventory Unique Plan, Massing and Setting Two-story, “Boomerang” shape Central hexagonial form with rectangular wings Symmetrical design Front plaza open space Battered masonry wall and integral raised planters Distinct Materiality Travertine marble cladding Textured ceramic tile frieze Vertical strip windows Floor-to-Ceiling storefront Prominent Artwork Pleasures at the Beach mosaic Child with Dolphins sculpture Family Group at Beach sculpture Stained-glass window 2016

Former Home Savings building (2600 Wilshire Boulevard) Integrity Analysis Alterations The vertical band windows (north wing) altered; new projecting storefront opening. New storefront opening on Wilshire elevation. The main and secondary access stairs, handrails and landings were removed and replaced for ADA requirements, landscape planters altered/removed. Home Savings signage was removed; “emblems” covered; new business signage added/replaced over time. Alterations have diminished symmetry. The former Home Savings building retains sufficient overall physical integrity and is still able to visually convey its historic significance. Facing East from 26th Street (2016) Facing South from Wilshire Boulevard (2016)

Former Home Savings building (2600 Wilshire Boulevard) Background May 2013 – Landmarks Commission proactively files a Landmark Designation application. December 2013 – Building and parcel are designated based on five criteria (6-0-1 vote). Timely appeal is filed by owner. November 2016 - City Council upholds the appeal, in part, and remands the pending Landmark application back to the Landmarks Commission. February 2017 – Landmarks Commission technically denies Designation (3-1-3 vote) on a motion to designate based on five criteria. Timely appeal is filed by SM Conservancy. March 2017 – City Council review of appeal is de novo. Pleasures at the Beach, Colbath 1973 Child with Dolphins, Svenson Family Group at Beach, Ellis 2016 stained glass window, Hertel

Former Home Savings building (2600 Wilshire Boulevard) Issues of Appeal early 1970s The designation of the subject building as a City Landmark is overwhelmingly supported by the evidence presented in the public record. This conclusion is further supported by: City’s historic consultant report; City staff report; Public correspondence (majority). The dissenting vote, which resulted in the technical denial, was arbitrary and subjective, and did not fully take into account the evidence that was presented in support of designation. Individual Commissioners exercise independent judgment when applying the evidence to the criteria. If staff had indicated in written and oral staff reports to the Landmarks Commission that a unanimous vote would be required for Landmarks designation, a different outcome may have resulted. The Landmarks Commission Rules of Order require a vote of at least four members to carry out substantive matters, without exception.

Former Home Savings building (2600 Wilshire Boulevard) Recommendation Designate the subject building, associated art work, and parcel as a Landmark based on 5 of 6 Designation Criteria:   Symbolizes City’s post-war architectural history, incorporating artwork that references the City’s beach culture. (Criteria #1 and #2) Excellent extant local example of the postwar building program set forth by the Home Savings and Loan Association. (Criterion #4)  Representative example of the work of Millard Sheets, a notable and widely respected Southern California designer and artist. (Criterion #5) The building’s monumental form and integrated artwork make it an established and familiar feature for many in the Santa Monica community. (Criterion #6) 1973 2016