Historic Preservation
Introduction
Culver City's Historic Preservation Program was established by Ordinance in 1991. The Ordinance added language to the Municipal Code providing for the designation and preservation of structures within the City as Cultural Resources because of their architectural, historical, and/or cultural importance.
In November 1987, Thirtieth Street Architects, Inc. completed a
field survey of significant structures in Culver City that became the basis for the August 29, 1990
Culver City Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Report ("HPAC Report"). The 1990 HPAC Report listed 124 structures (including film studio, commercial and residential properties) that were ranked either "Landmark," "Significant" or "Recognized." The "Landmark" designation was reserved for properties considered exceptional examples of the highest architectural/cultural/historical significance to the Culver City community; the "Significant" designation applied to properties determined to be of substantial architectural/historic or cultural significance; and, "Recognized" applied to those properties determined to be of architectural, historic or cultural interest.
These designations were conceptually approved by the City Council on October 15, 1990, brought back to City Council for further consideration in early 1991, and finally adopted by Resolution on April 22, 1991. A total of 50 structures currently have either "Landmark" or "Significant" designations. Culver City also has three designated historic districts: 11027 - 11047 Braddock Drive; 4052 - 4070 Lafayette Place; and, 4128 - 4181 McConnell Boulevard.
As included in the City's Municipal Code, all structures with "Landmark" or "Significant" designations are required to display a
plaque identifying that building or district as either "Landmark" or "Significant." Three of Culver City's "Landmark" structures are also included in the
National Register of Historic Places. These are the Washington Building (9720-9730 Washington Blvd.), the Citizen Building (9355 Culver Blvd.) and the Culver Hotel (9400 Culver Blvd.).
Current List of Culver City Historically Designated Properties (pdf)
Top Ten Myths About Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation and Cultural Affairs
In 2001, the City's historic preservation program was incorporated under the purview of the newly established Cultural Affairs Commission. The Cultural Affairs Commission has the authority to recommend to the City Council the designation of structures as cultural resources. Any alterations to the exterior of "Landmark" or "Significant" structures require Cultural Affairs staff comment as part of the review process.
For Property Owners
Owners of historic properties, especially those with "Landmark" or "Significant" designations, are encouraged, at a minimum, to familiarize themselves with Culver City's requirements under the current
Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 15.05 of the City's Municipal Code), and the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (which includes the widely cited
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings). In addition, the National Park Service has created
Rehab Yes/No, an on-line tutorial addressing basic issues that frequently arise during rehabilitation. For further reading, the National Park Service also has available, free of charge, a series of
Preservation Briefs that are designed as basic "how to" guides written by field experts. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines and resources will not only assist you in caring for your historic property but will also help you to plan and prepare yourself in advance of commencing a remodeling project involving a historic structure.
If you are planning a remodeling project that will affect the exterior of either a "Landmark" or "Significant" designated structure, your project may involve a Certificate of Appropriateness as part of the review and approval process. Please refer to the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance for definitions and guidelines. Cultural Affairs staff work closely with both Planning Division and Building Safety Division staff in reviewing tenant improvement applications involving historic properties (also referred to as remodeling/alteration projects) submitted to either of those divisions.
Historic Preservation Month
In 2004, Culver City joined the
National Trust for Historic Preservation and communities throughout the United States for the first time in celebrating historic preservation during the month of May. On April 11, 2005, the City Council again adopted a
Proclamation stating that the community would participate in observance of May as historic preservation month; this year's theme is Restore America: Communities at a Crossroads and is intended to call on communities to recognize that they are shaped by choice and not by chance.
Additional Resources
If you are interested in local, regional or national historic preservation issues, the web sites listed below are excellent resources. These organizations are also sources for additional information on state (e.g., California Environmental Quality Act) and federal guidelines that apply to local historic preservation programs in California.
Staff Contact
B. Christine Byers
Public Art & Historic Preservation Coordinator
(310) 253-5776 or
email