Sunset Square’s Historic Designation and Its Consequences

In 2017, Hollywood’s Sunset Square earned the status of a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), entrenching its role in the architectural narrative of Los Angeles. Fast forward four years, and it was the scene of a violent incident where Lady Gaga’s dogwalker was shot in the chest outside a vacant property. Some residents believe these events are interconnected.

The debate in this affluent area, where homes typically command prices of $2 million or more, revolves around the HPOZ designation. Critics argue that the stringent permitting process discourages renovation, leading to prolonged vacancies and inviting crime. Supporters contend that the HPOZ is essential to maintain the neighborhood’s historic charm, preventing it from becoming another typical suburb filled with generic housing.

The HPOZ requires homes to undergo additional layers of zoning and design review, adding complexity to the city’s building process. Homeowners need approval from the board for certain exterior modifications.

Sunset Square displays beautifully preserved examples of Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial Revivals, transporting one back to Old Hollywood’s era when the area thrived as a streetcar suburb on the Pacific Electric Railway Line. However, it also features neglected sites, with vacant properties surrounded by chain-link fences and rubbish-filled lots.

The struggle to balance historic preservation against human safety worries some residents like Mason, who experienced crime near her property, which remained vacant for years. She described HPOZ as an idealistic approach that compromises safety. Concerns heightened following a violent crime incident in the neighborhood in 2021.

It’s the idealism of historic preservation butting up against the cost of human safety. – Mason

The HPOZ originated as a reaction to a bold property overhaul in 2013 where a developer demolished a modest Craftsman home and constructed a box house, provoking residents to demand historic protections. JoAnn Koplin, who was instrumental in establishing the HPOZ, now regrets her efforts, noting the delays and neglect around her.

One renown case involved a developer substituting vinyl windows without permission, violating HPOZ rules. This transgression led to a vacant property, eventually consumed by fire in 2023.

Jonathan Cowan, a member of the HPOZ board, attributes project delays to non-compliant developers. He maintains that the board adheres strictly to guidelines designed to preserve neighborhood integrity.

The whole point of preservation is to maintain the historic look. – Cowan

Despite some unpleasant experiences, Laura Grenfell highlights successful renovations within the HPOZ system, emphasizing the preservation of the area’s allure, which has attracted film industry interest.

The planning department stated that the majority of HPOZ applications enjoy expedited reviews, dispelling the notion of systemic delay.

Sunset Square is like a museum in the streets. The HPOZ allowed it to retain the architectural character that makes it valuable. – Grenfell

For others, like Kate Brown, following HPOZ’s rules proved frustrating due to restrictions on seemingly benign modifications. The experience has taught residents to be cautious about desiring change.

Ultimately, the passage of time reveals the ongoing tension between preserving history and accommodating progress.