A rendering of the Preservation Resource Center of the completely rehabilitated Shotgun House.

Santa Monica Conservancy Receives $7500 Grant For 1890s Shotgun House Rehabilitation:

Santa Monica’s 1890s Shotgun House is one step closer to becoming a Preservation Resource Center with the Santa Monica Conservancy receiving a $7500 grant to put towards the project.

The grant was awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from its Los Angeles County Preservation Fund, and the funds will support a portion of the rehabilitation costs for the new Preservation Resource Center.

The Shotgun House is a survivor from the early days of Ocean Park when many simple cottages were built for the visitors and new residents attracted by the City’s beaches and coastal climate.

The small board and batten structure was formerly located on private property at 2712 Second Street and was land-marked by the City of Santa Monica in 1999.

It will be moved out of storage to City-owned property at Norman Place and Second Street, only two blocks from its original site.

When the rehabilitation is complete, the new Center will be a base of operations for the Conservancy, offering programs and resources to help the Santa Monica community and its visitors understand the methods and benefits of historic preservation.

“We are delighted with this grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation,” said Conservancy President Carol Lemlein. “The rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Shotgun House speaks to a core value that we share with preservationists everywhere: even the simplest structure can be re-purposed to fill present-day needs, preserving the character of our neighborhoods while minimizing the impact of demolition and new construction on our environment. The grant from this prestigious national organization is intended as a fundraising catalyst and is a huge vote of confidence in the Conservancy’s plans.”

Individuals or organizations who are interested in helping with this project in any capacity – as volunteers, by providing in-kind services and materials, or as early financial contributors – may contact the Conservancy at 310.496.3146 or by email to info@smconservancy.org.