June 6, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Cottages Designated As Santa Monica Landmark:

It was a house divided at Council Chambers last Tuesday night, as the Santa Monica City Council narrowly upheld a decision that designated an Ocean Park property as a city landmark.

The 4-3 vote affirmed the Landmarks Commission vote on Feb. 14, 2011, to determine whether a home consisting of two cottages on the 2500 block of Second Street in Ocean Park was representative of Santa Monica’s history and, therefore, should be designated as a landmark.

Both cottages on the property located at 2501 Second Street were built more than 100 years ago; the first was constructed in 1902, and the second in 1907.

A staff report to council members stated only one of the cottages found on the property “exemplifies the early history of Ocean Park and manifests its cultural, economic and social development” and that “it is a fine example of a Turn-of-the-Century Cottage with subtle but refined architectural detailing which is increasingly rare in the City.”

The property’s location on the corner of Second Street and Mills Street also seemed to be an asset, as city staff pointed out the cottages were locally recognizable for their architectural detailing and its setting on a prominent corner in the neighborhood.

In all, there are six criteria the Landmarks Commission relies upon to determine whether a building or property is worthy of “Landmark” status.

Only one of the following six criteria need be met for “City Landmark” status to be granted: the property must exemplify, symbolize, or manifest elements of the “cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history of the City;” the property possesses “aesthetic or artistic interest or value, or other noteworthy interest or value;” and, the property is attached to “historic personages or with important events in local, state or national history.”

Also, the potential landmark may earn its designation if “it embodies distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to a study of a period, style, method of construction, or the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship, or is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historical type valuable to such a study.

Finally, either the property in question must be “a significant or a representative example of the work or product of a notable builder, designer or architect” or it must be situated in “a unique location, (possess) a singular physical characteristic, or is an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the City.”

The Landmarks Commission determined three of the six criteria were met for the front cottage at 2501 Second Street. Specifically, it manifested elements of Santa Monica’s architectural history. Further, commissioners determined the cottage was situated in a unique location and featured “distinguishing architectural characteristics.”

The other structures, including a rear residence and a garage, were not deemed worthy of Landmark status.

A full council was present to vote on the Landmarks Commission appeal; voting to uphold the commission’s decision were Bloom, Davis, McKeown, and Shriver.

Plaster Family Trust filed an appeal on Feb. 23, 2011, citing several deficiencies on the property. Specifically, the appellants noted the two cottages should not receive City Landmark status because of “structural deficiencies” and the overall “poor physical condition of the building.”

The appellants also cited mold and “other hazardous materials and conditions” as a reason to withhold designating the property at 2501 Second Avenue as a City Landmark.

Land use attorney Chris Harding spoke to the council on behalf of the trust and stated a landmark designation for the one home would be cost prohibitive, as the city would potentially shell out too much money to maintain the property.

in News
<>Related Posts

Palisades Students Display ‘Banners of Hope’ to Heal Community

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

A new initiative includes restocking art supply closets at participating schools and offering free arts-based healing programs A new art...

THIS WEEKEND: Paliskates’ Fire Relief Jam to Feature Professional Skaters and Competitions

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Prizes will include cash and a week at Skate Camp. Dozens of sponsoring organizations, vendors, and food trucks will be...

Peacock Declares ‘BLSH*T Day’ with Free Burgers Across L.A. to Celebrate “Poker Face” Season 2

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Streaming Platform Partners With 13 Burger Spots for One-Day Giveaway on June 7 To mark the return of its mystery...

Marina del Rey Sportfishing: A Great Day on the Water

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Fishing is a pastime like no other, America’s Most Popular Outdoor Activity for Year in and Year out! You can...

Santa Monica City Council Votes to Limit Public Comment During Meetings

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

The decision follows months of discussion, beginning with a March 11 meeting where the council explored ways to balance efficiency...

THIS WEEKEND: Animal Shelter to Host Annual Open House Fundraiser 

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

The event invites the community for an afternoon of activities, including shelter tours to meet adoptable animals, many of whom...

Film Review: The Phoenician Scheme

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE PHOENICIAN SCHEMERated PG-13101 MinutesReleased June 6th  Wes Anderson movies aren’t for everyone, and they’re not meant to be....

Fogo de Chão Unveils Fiery Off-Menu Cocktail, the Paper Flame

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Tequila-Based Drink Features a Dramatic Tableside Presentation Fogo de Chão has unveiled its first-ever secret cocktail, the Paper Flame, an off-menu specialty...

Palisades Restaurants to be Supported at Westside Benefit This Weekend

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Local vendors, many impacted by the fires, will have booths with all vendor fees waived, and proceeds from on-site sales...

(Video) See How CO2 Laser Treatment Removes Wrinkles and Scars

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

To Book an Appointment, Go to Mirrormirrormedspa.com To Book an Appointment, Go to https://t.co/T2Rxg30Z1N pic.twitter.com/52vzQMmHJZ — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror)...

(Video) Sea Lions Return to Ocean as LA’s Toxic Algae Crisis Ends

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

The crisis led to dead dolphins and sea lions washing ashore in Venice and Santa Monica in recent months The...

Film Review: Dangerous Animals

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

By Dolores Quintana There’s nothing quite like a good shark horror movie, especially since we are heading into summer. With...

Marelle Launches ‘The Guest List’ With Renowned Chefs and Friends Alan Wong and Raphael Lunetta

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Santa Monica’s New Chef Series Debuts With a Culinary Celebration of California and Hawaiian Flavors Marelle, a coastal dining destination...

SMPD Respond to Bomb Threat Hoax at Donald Douglas Loop

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

No individual matching the caller’s description was found, and a search of the area revealed no suspicious devices Santa Monica...

Tenants Sought for Former Rusty’s Surf Ranch Space on Santa Monica Pier

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

4,112-Square-Foot Retail Space with Commercial Kitchen and Oceanfront Patios Awaits New Operator A 4,112-square-foot retail space at 256 Santa Monica...