1. 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

2. 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)

3. 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 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

4. 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.

5. 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