Woodland Hills, CA - Van Dekker House by Schindler

[egads]

Rats!
Oh and not to hijack this thread too much, but I think the How kitchen update is great. Let the purists live in the 1920s with servants. I want a dishwasher. (although I think they should be integrated, i.e. hidden controls and a full panel) I'm sure you hid a microwave in there as well, but I followed the rules and did not open any cabinet doors.

[mtwall]

This house is one of the most remarkable residential architectural achievements of the past 100 years and counting! Obviously it was horribly neglected for decades (think "Grey Gardens") but it is equally obviously capable of being restored to its full glory. All it takes is the right person(s) of the right mind with the financial resources and determination to make it happen. I think (and hope) it will

[nichols]

More from Curbed today...

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2009/10/h ... n.php#more

[ch]

Looking up! Can't wait to see this one on the MAK 2012 architecture tour.

[nichols]

SOLD! To a very sympathetic buyer.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2009/10/t ... w.php#more

[Stephen]

[ch]

[ch]

[ch]

Finally got to drive by the house. Sad to report that absolutely nothing appears to be happening. There is no sign of human life, no evidence that work of any kind is occurring. There is a plastic tarp thrown over part of the roof that has pulled away. Anybody have any information? I fear that this house is still headed for the wrecking ball.

[Pal George]

[Perks]

Well, the sale did record in October, so we know that happened. I don't see any evidence that they've even pulled permits for any of the work.

The $580k purchase price is, admittedly, a tear-down price in that neighborhood. That doesn't necessarily mean it will be torn down, or that the lack of immediate action indicates it will be demolished either. (Or perhaps I'm just too hopeful...?)

Realistically, a restoration of that scale and expense will require very meticulous planning since so many different contractors will need to be involved (and finding guys who understand how to work on that sort of structure isn't necessarily easy). Six months wouldn't be an unreasonable period of time for consulting, planning, budgeting, etc., especially if the owner is busy and/or not frequently nearby. The renovations, if done correctly, will likely take a very long time. The Freeman House, for example, is still undergoing extensive repairs from the 1994 earthquake.

I for one can't wait to see this place restored. On the other hand, an extra year or so of decay probably won't add significantly to what the past half-century's neglect has already wreaked.

[Stephen]

If I remember correctly, didn't a young architecture student file paperwork for this property to some preservation body and didn't such a move make renovation a lot more time-consuming and difficult?

If that's the case, then 6 months would not be nearly enough time to get plans, find the right people, and obtain the proper approvals form the preservation body.

[ch]

I hope you guys are correct. Six months isn't a great deal of time, but I would think the new owner would at least want to tarp the roof and maybe get a cyclone fence around the thing. I know I would if it were my project.

For all you Schindler fans, it's a good time to take a look around (just in case).

[Perks]

I didn't realize it had already gone through (I've clearly not been paying attention), but the Van Dekker House was awarded historic-cultural monument status in February. That will certainly slow down the process of restoring the structure.

Josh Gorrell, who is the owner (or, rather, the primary owner, as it seems to be to some degree an investor partnership), is a designer with experience restoring Schindlers and Neutras. From what I can tell, it seems to be in good hands.

[ch]

It's now been over a year since my last visit. Can anyone in the area report on the status of the restoration? I've not seen or heard anything. Thanks.

[Jinxxie]

[ch]

[Jinxxie]

I don't even know if anyone logs in here anymore, but I remembered this thread from years ago..

This is the house now:

http://www.ourventurablvd.com/Summer-20 ... e=0#artanc

[egads]

Hey, congratulations on being one of the first to post on the the resurrected site. And thanks for the link to these photos.

[Futura Girl]

thanks for checking in guys - i appreciate the support.... still working on it...

it may be a little rocky as we update the software... but at least we're back on the road