2019 Award Recipients
Preservationist of the Year
Louise Ivers is Professor Emeritus of Art at California State University Dominguez Hills, historian, author of two books on Long Beach architecture, and a former Cultural Heritage Commissioner. Her tireless efforts have saved places across the city, many of which have become local landmarks.
Cultural Resource Study Award
The Long Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau digitized more than eight episodes of Harvey Keller’s Long Beach Treasures, a cable television program that explored local history and visited historic landmarks. The series will be available through Long Beach Public Library and the Historical Society of Long Beach.
Preservation Technology Award
A team of experts utilized the latest approach to seismic stabilization of adobe on the 19th-century Ranch House that is part of the 7.5 acre Rancho Los Alamitos historic site. Staff worked with Summit Consultants, Structural Focus, Gates Construction, and subcontractor Todd Jones to execute the project.
Rehabilitation Award
George’s ’50s Diner, a legacy business and local landmark in Bixby Knolls, was rehabilitated by George and Helen Alvarez following a 2016 fire. The building by architect Wayne McAllister opened as Grisinger’s Drive-In at the height of mid-20th century auto culture.
Rehabilitation Award
This Miner Smith “bungalow mansion” was rehabilitated by owner Dominique Hohman. Miner Smith built almost two dozen of these upscale homes in Long Beach in the early 1920s. Many of this residence unique features were restored, including the porch railing, decorative interior trim and built-in cabinetry, light fixtures, and fireplace.
Preservation Award
Architect Edward Killingsworth completed his personal residence in 1961, following five years of design evolution and with much of the labor provided by the family. His wife, Laura, and their two sons have preserved the home to ensure the integrity and condition of this significant Modern house.
Rehabilitation Award
John McWilliams, an aerospace engineer, was inspired by Arts & Architecture’s Case Study House Program when he designed and built his custom house in Los Altos. Blake and Melissa Nicolai purchased the house from McWilliams’ estate and embraced its unique features, including a wall of glass that opens to a large, private rear yard.
Restoration Award
Completed in 1979, the Homes Savings Center (now International City Bank) was the first commercial building to open as part of a comprehensive downtown Long Beach revitalization plan. Artist Susan Hertel of Millard Sheets Studio contributed a mosaic to the 10-story complex by architect Frank Homolka. Edward Ahdoot of Rockwell Properties led the mosaic restoration project.
Rehabilitation Award
This award-winning Modern office building, designed by Killingsworth, Brady and Smith, features 12′ ceilings and a slender post-and-beam frame. All spaces, including six private offices, benefit from extensive glass and outdoor connections. Owner Oren Tanzer of Summerjax Productions recently completed a sensitive rehabilitation of the original design.
Selection Process
Each Preservation Award Winner is selected by a jury of local professionals engaged in architecture, history, and real estate. The jury selects projects located in Long Beach that have been recently completed and conform to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
