The upcoming residential building on the southeast corner of Fountain and Fairfax may be getting even bigger.
The West Hollywood Historic Preservation Commission will decide tonight whether to recommend the approval of an additional floor to the proposed five-story structure, which will stand next to the Crescent Heights Methodist Episcopal Church, an official “local cultural resource” since 1993.\
The complex will replace the church’s two-story parsonage building, which did not receive the historic designation.
The change in plans comes via recent modifications to state law that grant a 50 percent density bonus to projects that provide five affordable housing units on site, a provision already required by West Hollywood’s inclusionary housing ordinance.
The new residential building will be approximately 23,139 square feet and contain 29 multi-family units, with one level of subterranean parking.
The Crescent Heights Methodist Church is a Spanish Colonial Revival style building designed by church designer Harry L. Pierce and constructed in 1924. The church building served as the longtime home of a local Methodist congregation and was a venerable neighborhood institution. The congregation was dissolved in 2011 and vacated the building. In 2018, the building was leased to a Jewish congregation for temporary use as a synagogue.
The 13,456-square foot former church building will be rehabilitated and used as new creative office space. All existing interior features and finishes will be demolished to allow for an open-plan environment. As it would no longer be used as a church, the building’s religious stained-glass windows will be retained but obscured by frosted glass panels. No other visible changes to the historic building’s distinctive exterior are currently planned.
I can understand why a secular business might not want religious art, i.e., stained glass windows, in its space, but couldn’t the windows be removed and saved for display elsewhere, and replaced with clear glass that would allow more direct sunlight than frosted glass? How much could such a small project add to the costs of the renovation to take place anyway?
This early example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture was recognized by The City of West Hollywood as a Cultural Resource from its earliest years, pre-city hood. It has been allowed to diminish in its structural and physical integrity since then with no assistance. In 2017 it was purchased by the developer who indicates that it will be restored and preserved. A structure of this nature while not glamorous represents an early form similar to those in New Mexico and should have its simple dignity restored. An additional structure replacing the parsonage should respectfully, fully enhance the Methodist Church while allowing… Read more »
The Methodist Church was recognized as a Cultural Resource in 1993. For 30 years the City has allowed this landmark to deteriorate before everyone’s eyes. Was this purposeful neglect?
How many units were included in the previous project vs the 29 that are included in this current project? We know it included at least 5 affordable units to qualify for the state’s 50% density bonus, but how many affordable units does the project currently contain?
I’m fine with the proposed development but would like to understand the practical impact the state’s density bonus law has on projects in a City like West Hollywood that already requires 20% inclusionary housing.
Hi Josh, they have added story with additional 4 units from the previous design. There is some controversy as to how exactly these units will be allocated in the mix. They propose 5 units at 17% of the total units.
This project achieves the highest and best use of the vacant land. No negative impact on the historic building to the projects north. It’s about affordable housing and Fairfax is optimum for the housing project. If you are cringing your a NIMBY.
A more aesthetically appropriate building can still achieve “the highest and best use of the ‘vacant land'”. This is not vacant land and no one is arguing against housing. The historic church will be the last to receive any attention assuming this or anything is built adjacent. Meanwhile the intersection will continue to suffer and degrade. Please inform yourself about more than the NIMBY prattle which you have espoused for at least 10 years. Don’t want to be unkind but have not seen you or Don s. make an informed contribution at any city meetings, other than join the chorus… Read more »
Michael no matter what you give them they’ll complain. The ironic part is all these NIMBYS has ZERO CONTRIBUTION to our city. They’ve never built a box let alone a unit. But boy do they complain and scream ugly and not enough parking all while holding their cat!! It’s simple, if you don’t like it move. It’s not ur city to decide if ur not taking the risk. Great project. Can’t wait to see it developed in addition to the one across the street. It’ll change that corner. Enough if NIMBYS in our city, in our city commission and our… Read more »
The misguided claims you continue to make lack sensibility. Rather than telling everyone you disagree with “to move” why not become informed and get some education about the subject. You undoubtedly think all the residents of Spaulding Square, similarly affected, should pack and move. LOL
No but I think you definitely should move. You don’t have single valid argument but constantly complain as though a city is built based on your liking a project or not. Go away NIMBY.
Where are your positive, informed contributions at development meetings?
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Often the size and purpose of a project may not be objectionable but the way it is presented and arranged within the confines of the code is where it fails and mars neighborhoods of every strip. The community should not settle for a mud fence if that is what is presented no many how many can be housed in it. It is the owners obligation to the community they may not be a resident of to contribute more than the minimum and present it in compatible value to other high bar structures present. Opportunistic projects are the lowest value and… Read more »
Can’t the graceful architecture of the Methodist church at least be used as an inspiration for the proposed monstrosity that they want to build next to it? Sure the church is old and worn out but frankly it’s still the nicest looking structure in the neighborhood. Does every new housing project have to be in your face straight lines and sharp elbows? I guess the developers’ money grab has no time or interest in anything more but recycled blue prints from other apartment projects. God forbid a unique thought should pop into their swollen heads.
Look at all the NIMBYS coming out the wood work like cockroaches. You group are NEVER satisfied with anything big or small, unique or ordinary. Everything is always ugly. Too many cars ….. blah blah blah. It’s housing and it’s needed. Either contribute to our city or move.
Recycled blueprints are the likely result from advocates of the Pattern Language School of Architecture. They are the most rigid and simplest to execute and replicate resembling former Eastern Block Brutalist structures. An elementary version exists further south on Fairfax housing Senior Russian Immigrants. Bet they would prefer country Dachas with a little bit of humanity instead. Don s seems to be an advocate of this Pattern Language element, similarly seen in stacked shippingocontainers or at the rudimentary level, stacked sardine cans. Take your pick of the ambiance offered
Delighted with the development. Great to see Fairfax Ave between Fountain and Santa Monica progressing through revitalization. This project looks great. It’s housing! So impressed with what has been developed and is in the process of development for this section of Fairfax. As a constituent and neighbor, I fully approve.
100% agree. We need more housing especially along Fairfax and fountain.
I can’t Tate yet ANOTHER story about this development. It is so ugly, on the corner of the most deadly street/intersection in WeHo. Any chance to not cut the already too narrow over used street)parking/not at all secret – best know *secret shortcut driving short cut in LA” The old church is old and DELAPIDATED but of heavy community use & a building that could be restored to it’s initial outstanding authentic Spanish style church building. ITS UGLY, BAD IDEA, DANGEROUS ADDITIONAL Overcrowding .. NO DISCUSSION ON THIS PROJECTS BIG ISSUES TO MAKE. GO AHEAD TO VOTE FOR WHAT’S BEST… Read more »
Omg. So many NIMBIES in the neighborhood. Just move. Nobody wants you around. Seriously. Sooooo anti progress 🤦♂️
Hi Don s, I believe you are very confused. Not one of the commenters here appear to be against housing. Your overuse of the term NIMBY is not useful and seems uninformed. Increased housing is a given so why an applicant would hire an architect that would knowingly design a project that was in disharmony with its surroundings is not productive, it is asking for trouble and gets terminally tied up in revisits, redesigns, appeals and is just plain dumb……and also very costly. Finding a suitable architect, it seemed easier 100 years ago, and not doing so, is beyond comprehension.… Read more »
The ownership of this property should be held to a higher standard as an occupant of a major intersection. While initiating a development opportunity they have consistently allowed the Spanish Colonial Revival Methodist Church Landmark and its non designated parsonage to visibly degrade before everyone’s eyes. It has become magnet for all undesirable activity. However humble the structure is, it was inspired by several of the early missions in and around Sante Fe. It is part of a continuing context of valued architectural examples including St. Ambrose on the opposite corner occupying a broad swath of property and now housing… Read more »
It’s exciting to see the corner of Fairfax and fountain being developed. That part of Fairfax by church definitely needs more attractive housing. It’ll push the homeless away. Yay
Long overdue.
You always had a more accomplished eye Steve, what happened? You don’ need to advocate for or settle for mediocre.
Push the homeless to where?
Next empty abandoned home or lot. Homeless don’t camp out in front of busy and vibrant buildings. They go where no one makes them move. The more vibrant the street the less they loiter.
Such incredible empathy !