The Preservation Dilemma in Sunset Square: A Closer Look

Sunset Square in Hollywood became a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) in 2017, marking its contribution to L.A.’s architectural heritage. In a dramatic turn of events, four years later, an incident involving Lady Gaga’s dogwalker, shot outside a vacant home in the area, has ignited debate over the impact of the HPOZ designation among residents.

A conflict is emerging in this affluent neighborhood, where properties typically exceed $2 million in value. Some residents argue that the HPOZ’s strict permitting process has hindered developments, leaving houses vacant and increasing crime risks. Others believe maintaining historic authenticity is essential to prevent the area from being overrun by modern housing styles.

A microcosm of a larger struggle, this situation reflects Southern California’s challenge of balancing housing demand with historic preservation. What is essential to keep? What can be demolished? How do we provide more housing while safeguarding our history?

L.A.’s HPOZ initiative, launched in the 1970s, aims to protect homes in 35 significant neighborhoods, including historic areas such as Hancock Park and Angelino Heights. Over 21,000 properties fall under the HPOZ regulations, requiring board approval for any exterior modifications. This process serves to preserve the visual and cultural legacy of each neighborhood.

Sunset Square showcases well-preserved Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial Revivals, reminiscent of its early 20th-century charm when it was part of a streetcar suburb linked by the Pacific Electric Railway. However, this strict preservation has left some properties stagnant, surrounded by construction barriers, and slow renovations.

In the eyes of some, such as resident Mason, the original intent to protect historic nature now seems an obstacle, contributing to vacant properties being targets for criminal activity. After experiencing a nearby shooting incident, Mason criticized the disuse of properties.

The impetus for Sunset Square’s HPOZ was a controversial redevelopment in 2013, which transformed a modest Craftsman home into a large, modern residence. This act united community members in advocating for historical preservation, leading to the area’s protected status.

Not all residents find the HPOZ beneficial. JoAnn Koplin, who helped establish the preservation zone, now regrets her involvement, citing delayed renovations and increased property trespassing. She faced challenges when making unauthorized modifications to her property to deter crime, leading to an order for removal.

While others like Kate Brown encountered setbacks with design approvals, resulting in unfinished renovations, some residents managed to finalize projects before the HPOZ was enacted, experiencing fewer restrictions.

A prominent controversy involves 1547 N. Sierra Bonita Ave., where unauthorized renovations stopped progress and left the property vulnerable to illegal activities before a fire ultimately destroyed it.

According to ongoing reports and LAPD data, crimes continue, but officials insist that the HPOZ does not correlate with rising crime rates. Jonathan Cowan, HPOZ board member, emphasizes adherence to prescribed guidelines to ensure efficient project approvals.

Laura Grenfell, part of the neighborhood organization, underlines that the HPOZ has been instrumental in preserving Sunset Square’s architectural charm, contributing to its attractiveness as a filming location for movies and TV shows like “Nightmare on Elm Street.”

The planning department reports efficient processing for 90% of applications within the HPOZ, countering the notion of barriers. Nevertheless, for residents seeking minor alterations and facing challenges, the HPOZ denotes a complex lesson in foresight and community values.

Brown, dissatisfied with the constraints, encapsulates this dilemma: “It’s a pain,” she noted.