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Fight Looms At City Hall Over Historic Hollywood Home

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Preservationists opposed to a developer's plan to raze a 100-year-old Hollywood home were expected Thursday to make their arguments before a City Council panel.

The 1914 Colonial Revival home located at 1829 N. Kenmore Avenue was designed by noted Los Angeles architect A.C. Martin and is one of only two known private residences designed by Martin.

The City Cultural Heritage Commission (CH) is set to vote on a proposal from Councilman Tom LaBonge proposal to designate the house as an official historic-cultural monument. That designation could prevent the house from being demolished by developer Elan Mordoch, who wants to build a six-unit townhouse-type project on the site.

The Kenmore house is located in LaBonge's district.

Six LA buildings designed by Martin have already been designated as monuments by the CHC. Only one of these other structures is a private home, the so-called Ganahl House at 232 St. Andrews Place. In addition, three more of buildings designed by Martin are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic-preservation expert Charles Fisher and other preservation supporters say it would be a tragedy if the Kenmore house were torn down on its 100th anniversary to make way for what they have called "another boxy development."

"Now more than ever, the city should be celebrating the Kenmore house and respecting the multi-generational role the A.C. Martin family has played - and still plays - in shaping our city," said Fisher. "Instead, at this moment, the city is sadly considering erasing from our very sight and memory a key part of this influential family's powerful legacy."

The City Council's Cultural Heritage Commission was scheduled to meet at 10 a.m.

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