Built between 1921 and 1925, these four historic bungalow courts exemplify the type of housing that largely characterized residential development in Hollywood during the early twentieth century. Despite being somewhat neglected and altered over the years, the properties retained much of their historic features, down to built-in ironing boards and rare pull-down tables.

 

However, many of the bungalows occupied land that had since been zoned for much higher density, making them prime demolition targets during the building craze of the early 2000s. Three of the four properties were proposed for demolition simply to clear the land and enhance their appeal as development sites. The Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) stepped in, conveying the historic value of the properties and asking a nonprofit developer to explore alternatives to demolition.

 

Ultimately, the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation acquired the properties and rehabilitated the forty-two one- and two-bedroom units as scattered (non-contiguous) special-needs and low-income housing. Federal historic preservation tax incentives provided a tax credit of 20 percent of the project cost.

 

The project team carefully surveyed the existing condition of the different properties and units, all of which had stylistic variations and distinctive original features, from built-ins to woodwork to decorative tilework. They replaced the nearly ninety-year-old mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, placing new mechanical units discreetly away from sightlines and using existing conduit for rewiring.

 

Each of the unique interior features was preserved, repaired, and restored, but not overly so: the goal was to update and restore with minimal impact. Outside, historic plantings were retained, trimmed, and infilled with new drought-tolerant and period landscaping. Historic walks and concrete porches were restored, repaired, or replaced as needed, with custom color schemes for each property.

 

The project saved and revived a significant amount of historic housing stock, giving it new life as valuable affordable housing in the heart of Hollywood. The process even spurred a neighboring bungalow owner to rehabilitate their own courtyard housing, inspiring further preservation and serving as a model for other projects.