Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/21555
L astpage I Discover Hollywood Special Spotlight Hollywood Community Housing Corporation Giving New Life to Hollywood’s Bungalow Courts n the early part of the twentieth century, when New York filmmakers and their Eu- ropean counterparts discovered the sunshine and Southern California’s dramatic scenery, there was a growing need to house the nascent industry’s burgeoning workforce. One solution was the bungalow courtyard, few of which remain today. Four classic examples, the Hollywood Bungalow Courts on Serrano and Kingsley Avenues, have been beautifully restored even including built-in ironing boards and pull-down tables, earning a Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award and a California Preservation Award. Passing by, or even pausing for a close look, you’d never guess that these lovingly restored courtyards now serve as affordable housing for 42 low-income households. The property’s developer, Hollywood Community Housing Corporation, has restored a number of award-winning historic properties in addition to creating new affordable buildings. According to HCHC Executive Director Bill Harris, “Each of HCHC’s developments have brought improvements to Hollywood in different ways, whether it’s been pro- viding homes for low-income families, the preservation of Hollywood’s unique history and architecture, offering a new life to disabled, chronically homeless households or revitalizing neighborhoods. We’re especially proud that the Hollywood Bungalow Courts have done all of this.” The scattered, non-contiguous development includes four separate courtyards, three of which had been slated for demolition to make way for condominums. Fortunately, the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency stepped in before they could be demolished. “CRA/LA recognized their historic value and saved them,” said CRA/LA Board Commissioner Dr. Lula Ballton. “The Hollywood Community Housing Corporation, with their expertise and track record of historic preservation, enabled us to pre- serve a unique piece of Hollywood history and serve a population in need.” The four courts are Craftsman and Mission Revival architecture, predominant styles for this type of housing in the 1920s. All units have hardwood floors and by Linda Huggins original tile with varying unique features: a built-in hutch or desk or a mantle. Drought- resistant and period landscaping provide an attractive setting. At one, inviting teak settees provide a place to relax in the shade. At another, a resident’s artful potted succulent garden is on display. Other significant HCHC historic projects include the St. Andrew Bungalow Courts and the Palomar hotel on Santa Monica Boulevard. Plans are underway to restore Orchard Gables, a 1904, Arts & Crafts style structure at the corner of Wilcox and Fountain. HCHC has been awarded a small grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist with the rehabilitation. Orchard Gables is the last grand house remaining from the historic “Colegrove” development created by Senator Cornelius Cole, who represented California in the House of Representatives from 1863-65 and in the U.S. Senate from 1867-73. Cole formed the township of Colegrove in 1880, on 500 acres of Rancho La Brea land he had received from Henry Hancock. Cole deeded the property on which Or- chard Gables stands to Paul A. Homan in 1897, son of a Washington colleague. Homan chose Norman F. Marsh, one of the architects hired by Abbot Kinney as master planner and architect of Venice, California, to design the Orchard Gables Cottage in 1904. The property was sold to William E. Belkamp in 1913, who is believed to first have named the house "Orchard Gables.” From 1949 until 1951 it housed the “Orchard Gables Reperatory Company,” the first professional theater company in Hollywood. And now, Orchard Gables will again have a role in the arts in Hollywood. Once it’s restored, it’s slated to serve as the home base for the LACER Stars Af- terschool program, which provides arts-enriched programs at four middle schools and two high schools in the Hollywood area. DH 62 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / WINTER 2010