The Latest
Background on the Issue
About the Building

The Latest

The 1959 UCLA Faculty Center. Photo by Joe Fletcher.

We are happy to report that the 1959 UCLA Faculty Center is no longer threatened by plans for a new hotel and conference center.

Read the L.A. Times article about the new plan

The Faculty Center was proposed for demolition in August 2010, but UCLA has chosen to relocate the conference center project to a new site. We still need to find out more details, but this is a big step in the right direction. Thanks to our volunteer Modern Committee for all their efforts!

Background on the Issue

The interior of the 1959 UCLA Faculty Center. Photo by Joe Fletcher.

In August 2010, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) proposed a Residential Conference Center project that would demolish the campus’ 1959 Faculty Center.

Many nearby residents and members of the faculty opposed the project, including more than 200 people who signed a petition asking the Faculty Center Board of Governors to poll its members to gauge support for the demolition. In the poll of 1,084 members, 75% wanedt to see the current building remain. An ad hoc committee called Save the Faculty Center also formed to oppose the project.

Letter dating from 1951 showing the founding groups vision for a mid-century modern home. Click on the image to see a larger version. Courtesy UCLA Library Department of Special Collections.

In February 2011, the Conservancy responded to the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the project, emphasizing the need to evaluate the Faculty Center as a historic resource.

In our comments on the NOP, we urged UCLA to fully evaluate and examine preservation alternatives, including consideration of alternative sites for the proposed Residential Conference Center.

About the Building

The Faculty Center was designed by the architectural firm of Austin, Field and Fry. The firm was responsible for many civic buildings throughout Los Angeles, including serving as part of the team who designed the 1958 Los Angeles County Courthouse.

Enjoying tea on opening day of the UCLA Faculty Center, February 16, 1959. Photo courtesy Save the UCLA Faculty Center.

The design of the Faculty Center is unusual for its ranch-style residential architecture, particularly in a university and public institution setting. The post-and-beam construction, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and indoor-outdoor spaces create a casual, welcoming environment conducive to faculty lunches and convening.

The building is potentially eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources as a representative work of a notable architectural firm, as well as a unique example of California ranch-style architecture. The Conservancy is currently working on a nomination for the building.

Visit the ad-hoc committee Save the UCLA Faculty Center's website for more information, and to see vintage photos of the Faculty Center.