Los Angeles is a large and diverse city, and its historic places and landmarks tell many stories. But whose stories are told? Whose history is preserved and remembered? In Los Angeles and across the nation, very few sites associated with Asian American history are designated landmarks at the local, state, or national levels. To help […]

The Conservancy works to preserve irreplaceable historic resources throughout L.A. County. We work proactively and in response to specific threats. We work with property owners, public officials, and other stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions through preservation and reuse strategies. When needed, the Conservancy asks for specific help on issues, from writing letters of support […]

The perfect gift for architecture lovers or history buffs!

2526 18th StreetSanta Monica, CA 90405Tel: (310) 452-7505Fax: (310) 452-1494Contact: David Kaplandavid@kckarchitects.comkckarchitects.com Kaplan Chen Kaplan provides a full range of architecture and planning services, including site and facilities analysis, programming, master planning, community workshops, concept documents for planning approvals and fundraising, historic preservation consulting, architectural design and construction documents, as well as construction phase services. We view design as a collaborative process in which client and user are integral components. Our projects stress the importance of place by providing for natural light and connection to the surrounding environment. We rely on clarity of plan as well as interest in its complexity to encourage exploration and discovery. We are interested in communities and neighborhoods, including issues of environment and conservation of resources through sustainable design. Our work acknowledges history and tradition, while embracing contemporary requirements.  

Preserving and maintaining historic structures requires the special touch of professionals who understand the importance of preserving historic character — and who have the skills to do it right. To help you protect and enhance your investment in Los Angeles County’s rich architectural legacy, we offer a professional services directory for various aspects of historic preservation. […]

I remember the La Brea tar pits, the former Bullocks Wilshire building, the Wilshire Blvd. Temple (oldest Jewish congregation in Los Angeles) founded in 1873 on the corner of Fourth street (now Broadway) and Third Street. I am interested in the history of Los Angeles, Douglas Park on Wilshire Blvd. Between Chelsea and 25th street […]

Patriarch of one of the oldest and most prolific architecture firms in Southern California, Albert C. Martin saw opportunity in the open fields of a fledgling city...

Like most of the kids in my high school, I got my driver’s license as soon as I turned sixteen. But unlike everyone else, I was too afraid to drive the freeway; and so that entire first summer (1970), my younger sister and I regularly drove the family’s 10-year-old Ford Falcon over 25+ miles of […]

I remember the May Co: As a junior high student, my best friend and I would walk back and forth between May Co. and Ohrbachs. This was pre-mall hanging out (early 1960s). Also Thrifty Drug: My mother’s part time job; my first (and only) off the book job — untangling jewelry and wrapping gifts — […]