The annual Historic Preservation Celebration in West Hollywood, dubbed “Plummer Park Through the Years,” commemorated the rich history and significant events that took place within Plummer Park’s iconic buildings. The gathering was held Saturday in the Fiesta Hall of Plummer Park, situated at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The event was complimentary and open to everyone, with refreshments available.
Alongside its yearly celebration, West Hollywood joined forces with the California Preservation Foundation for the second installment of their Doors Open event. From noon to 3 p.m., the Great Hall, Long Hall, and Fiesta Hall were accessible to the public. Visitors could gain insights into the organizations that had been instrumental in promoting a sense of community within Plummer Park’s historic edifices.
Councilmembers Lauren Meister, Chelsea Byers and John Heilman lauded the new designations of the buildings, and Heilman shared bits about their place in WeHo’s history. Historic Preservation Commission member Jacob Sotsky also spoke during the proceedings.
Noticeably absent from the presentation was any recognition of the work done by Stephanie Harker and Cathy Blaivas to save the park from redevelopment in the 2010s via the Protect Plummer Park movement.
Established in 1984, West Hollywood has placed a high emphasis on the conservation of its cultural assets. The city’s Current and Historic Preservation Planning Division collaborated with the Historic Preservation Commission to pinpoint and safeguard historic landmarks within the community. Since the enactment of its Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1989, the city has recognized over 100 buildings as cultural landmarks. Further details on West Hollywood’s preservation initiatives could be found at www.wehopreservation.org.
I did not attend and was told later told it was not very well attended at all. Sad considering Cathy, Stephanie and I were the first of many women who worked very hard and diligently to. keep Plummer Park as it was built originally. And the women in the group stayed the course to make sure it continued its place as a gem and historical landmark in the city. Being part pf the Save Plummer Park effort was worth every minute of time and energy. Great friendships were forged and everyone that helped…all genders….. are owed a huge thank you… Read more »
Sadly you are correct. The City appeared to be half hearted in their attempt at this event and to this day remain unenlightened and concerned about the concept of Historic Preservation. They appear willfully ignorant and willfully negligent so there was little energy..
The homeless love that park. It’s almost comical that anyone cares about it today. The city is lost.
I thought John Heilman was against the historic designations. Now he “lauds” them? Those pictures make the event look like something for The History Channel.
Heilman did oppose the historic designation and preservation of these unique structures, but he was gracious in defeat and gave a detailed history of how Great Hall and Long Hall played an important role in the founding of the City. This was a well attended event and even though the City seemed to overlook the efforts of Stephanie Harker and Cathy Blavis in organizing the efforts to save these historic buildings, the audience was effusive in their thanks and appreciation.
I suppose since it’s a done deal and the buildings are there to stay, whether some of us like it or not, it makes sense to accept it and embrace it.
Yes, after I put on my big girl suit and stilettos to shake my finger at the CC more than once.