Highland Park Heritage Trust

This is a group that deserves your support. In the face of decades of often overwhelming negative press about Highland Park, this dedicated group of residents has held workshops and tours, published brochures, books and even movies in the pursuit of educating people about preserving their historic homes and neighborhoods. In fact, they offer walking tours every other month. Check it out. You will be amazed by the history and architecture you will see.
You might not know that Highland Park was the first suburb of the City of Los Angeles, formed in the late 1800s. First there were a number of large lovely Victorian-era homes and during the early 1900s the predominant style was the Craftsman bungalow. From the “Professor’s Row” shingle-sided beauties along Sycamore Terrace near where the original Occidental College campus stood, to block after block of a dynamic mix of Spanish-influenced, English or Craftsman-style homes throughout the area between Figueroa and York Blvds, the stock of interesting character-laden homes that still stand is stunning.
HPHT was instrumental in establishing in Highland Park the first HPOZ (Historic Preservaton Overlay Zone) in Los Angeles to include both commercial and residential structures. It’s also the largest HPOZ in the City of LA, over 2500 structures are included. If you own a contributing structure to an HPOZ, you have a strong case to qualify for the Mills Act, which can save you big bucks on your property taxes.
For all the details, check out:
http://www.hpht.org
http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/highland-park
http://www.laconservancy.org/neighborhoods/hpozs.php
But back to HPHT. If you are a supporter of historic preservation or like nice Craftsman homes or are a resident of Los Angeles, or if you are just moved by the pluck and spirit of this dedicated group, go to their website and donate some money. Better yet, join up and become a part of what they do.
Why am I talking so much about preservation and historic architecture? Because a well-designed historic home is worth more preserved than it is “remodeled.” But that’s a subject for another blog.

Tagged as: Highland Park Los Angeles, preservation, real estate