LC Public Correspondence 20250714 Item 6A — Santa Monica City Council, November 18, 2025

Outlook
SM Landmarks Commission - Structure of Merit designation, 1125 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
From David Sonnenschein <[email protected]>
Date Mon 7/7/2025 10:11 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Attn: Stephanie Reich, Design and Historic Preservation Planner Re: Formal Objection to application 25ENT-0069, 1125 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, to preserve as a Structure of Merit
Dear Ms. Reich,
I am writing to formally express my strong disapproval, and that of several concerned neighbors on our block, regarding the proposed demolition of the single-story residence and garden at 1125 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, as outlined in the application dated December 6, 2024.

As a long-term resident of over ten years at the neighboring property, 1127 18th Street, I have witnessed first-hand the historical, environmental, and community value of this property. I submit this letter as a formal complaint and request for reconsideration based on the following grounds:

1. Structure of Merit and Historical Value
The existing home at 1125 18th Street is a clear candidate for designation as a “Structure of Merit” under the city’s conservation guidelines. Its architectural integrity, historical significance, human scale, and integration with the surrounding neighborhood contribute to the cultural fabric of this part of Santa Monica. Preserving such properties is essential to maintaining the city’s identity and resisting unsustainable overdevelopment.

2. Environmental and Health Impacts
The property currently includes green space that serves as an essential oasis for local flora, fauna, and community wellbeing. The garden supports native biodiversity, mitigates the urban heat island effect, and contributes to better air quality. Replacing this space with a multistory structure and subterranean garage will significantly reduce green coverage and increase dust, noise, and pollution during and after construction.

3. Cumulative Impact on Parking and Infrastructure
Parking in this neighborhood is already limited, and the forthcoming construction of several multistoried residential buildings along nearby Wilshire Boulevard will drastically increase demand for both street and permit parking. Adding another dense residential structure without an accompanying plan to address cumulative infrastructure strain is shortsighted and detrimental to current residents.

4. Quality of Life and Community Character
The scale and character of the proposed development—reportedly at least a two-story, six-unit condominium with subterranean garage—will significantly alter the residential feel of this neighborhood. The bulk and height of the structure will lead to a loss of light, privacy, and peace for adjacent homes. This kind of development also risks setting a precedent for further demolitions, eroding the livability of our community.

We ask that your department halt the demolition approval process and initiate a thorough review to determine whether 1125 18th Street qualifies for conservation status. We further urge the city to consider more sustainable, community-aligned alternatives that preserve the environmental and historical integrity of our neighborhood.

We, the residents of 18th Street, value the preservation of Santa Monica’s unique character and natural beauty. We ask that you honor this commitment and give proper consideration to our voices.

Sincerely,
David Sonnenschein
On behalf of concerned neighbors of 18th Street
Resident, 1127 18th Street, #4
Santa Monica, CA 90403
[email protected]
310 963-0807
Outlook
SM Landmarks Commission - Structure of Merit designation, 1125 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
From Annie Goeke <[email protected]>
Date Tue 7/8/2025 9:49 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

As a long-term resident of over 15 years at the neighboring property, 1127 18th Street, and a former Commissioner for Santa Monica as well as being on the Board of the Chamber, I have witnessed first-hand the historical, environmental, and community value of this property. I submit this letter as a formal complaint and request for reconsideration based on the following grounds:

3. Cumulative Impact on Parking and Infrastructure
Parking in this neighborhood is already limited, and the forthcoming construction of several multi-storied residential buildings along nearby Wilshire Boulevard will drastically increase demand for both street and permit parking. Adding another dense residential structure without an accompanying plan to address cumulative infrastructure strain is shortsighted and detrimental to current residents.

We, the residents of 18th Street, value the preservation of Santa Monica’s unique character and natural beauty. We ask that you honor this commitment and give proper consideration to our voices.

Sincerely
Anne Goeke
1127 18th Street, #4
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Annie de la Bouillerie Goeke
International Consultant
To learn more: LinkedIn
Outlook
25ENT-0069, 1125 18th St. Email No. 1 (Front House)
From [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date Fri 7/11/2025 11:58 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
To Stephanie Reich - Hello Stephanie,
I'm going to send 2 emails regarding the houses @ 1125 18th Street. This is email No. 1 and concerns the front (westerly) house. As you are aware, I've lived at this location for the last 23 years (since 2002).

My landlord from 2002 until 2022 was Mr. Karl Jennings. He let me know that the 1125 property was owned by the Jennings family since 1930 and that he grew up in the house I live in (rear house 1125 1/2).

As I showed you during your recent visit, the front house moved some 8 inches to the west during the January 1994 earthquake. Remedial repair work was completed in March of 1994 and approved by SM Dept. of Bldg. & Safety. This house was built in 1923 (Permit no. B 1208) and is in excellent original and preserved condition both inside and outside.

I've researched the Building Permit Records for this house and confirmed that there have not been any modifications to the house itself since 1923 requiring a Building Permit excepting the earthquake repairs.

I think this house should be saved from the "wrecking ball" in order to preserve the beauty and integrity inherent in these simple but elegant "Craftsman Style" houses of era's past.

Thank you for your consideration ! Harry Balaz @ 1125 1/2 18th St. [email protected]
Outlook
25ENT-0069, 1125 18th St. - Email No.2 (Rear House)
From [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date Fri 7/11/2025 12:39 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
To: Stephanie Reich, Hello Stephanie,
Email No. 2 concerns the rear house @ 1125 1/2 St. I've lived here for 23 years. The Building Permit records show that this house started construction in early 1951 and was completed in June 1953. This house was originally built as a 700 sq. ft. one bedroom "Granny House". Permit No. B 8631 confirms that the actual construction of the house was done by the owner (Mr. Robert Jennings). In fact, my landlord Karl (Robert's son) explained to me that Robert and his wife Hazel lived in a tent in the backyard of the front house during the 2 1/2 year construction period. 1125 1/2 is not a direct copy of 1125 but all of the components and its general "feel" are identical.

In 1964 a second bedroom was added to the 1125 1/2 house (see Permit No. B 35069). This additional bedroom was not built by Robert Jennings. It was constructed by "United Contractors" during the time period between May and July of 1964. It was the bedroom for Karl Jennings I think the rear house should be saved because of the unique situation of the rear house being personally built (with his own hands) by the resident of the front house. It's my opinion that these 2 houses are the only 2 left in Santa Monica where the "Granny House" is still standing as a "one family" structure.

Thank you for your consideration ! Harry Balaz 1125 1/2 18th St. [email protected]
Outlook
Reference: 25ENT-0069 Structure of Merit Designation Nomination – 1125 18th Street.

From ariel levy <[email protected]>
Date Fri 7/11/2025 6:24 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]> Cc Stephanie Reich <[email protected]>
1 attachment (15 KB)
1125 18th Street.docx;

EXTERNAL
Dear Stephanie,
I attach a letter in which I have expressed my thoughts on this application.

Sincerely,
Ariel Levy
Stephanie Reich, Design and Historic PreservaƟon Planner City Planning Division
1685 Main Street, Mail Stop 28
Santa Monica, CA90401
Friday 11th July
Dear Stephanie,
Reference: 25ENT-0069 Structure of Merit DesignaƟon NominaƟon – 1125 18th Street.

I have lived at 1122 19th Street for the last 30 years and am very familiar with the property, the subject of the designaƟon applicaƟon.

My affecƟon for this property derives from its exquisite craŌsman architecture, meƟculously maintained, and increasingly rare to be seen in our neighborhood.
1626 California Avenue is an example of a craŌsman house which is being developed. But in deference to its architectural and historic beauty, the development is preserving its façade whilst creaƟng, presumably, a modern home behind.

In this age of acceleraƟng development of contemporary buildings in Santa Monica, the historic beauty and character of these older buildings needs to be preserved if we are not to end up with an unremiƫng concrete and glass urbanscape.

There are opportuniƟes to advance development to tackle the housing shortage, without eliminaƟng all the older historic properƟes.

It is crucial in my view that we don’t exƟnguish the original character of this beauƟful city but celebrate and preserve it.

This applicaƟon is just such an opportunity.

Sincerely,
Ariel Levy
Outlook
25ENT-0069
From Laura Moran <[email protected]>
Date Sun 7/13/2025 12:13 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Dear Ms. Reich,
My name is Laura Moran and my husband, daughter, and I lived at 1125 18th St. from 2009-2011, while my husband completed a fellowship at the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

I heard that the 2 houses on the property are up for demolition, and this is very upsetting to my family and me.

We moved from Illinois and had a friend, that lived in the LA area, check out several rentals for us, since we could not see them ourselves. As soon as he stepped foot on the property, he called us to tell us what a rare find this lovely home was, and we rented it right then, sight unseen.

The previous owner had such wonderful stories to tell us about the house since his grandparents, then parents owned the house before him. It made it through a huge earthquake in 1920, and the house was very loved by the original family, then renters after that.

My daughter was a baby when we lived there and she and I would have picnics under the beautiful tree in the front yard, and eat avocados from the tree in the backyard.

With such great homes on the property, and the long history, I really hope it does not get demolished for a new build.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you!
Laura Moran
1933 SW Iowa St
Portland, OR 97239
(503)502-2272
Outlook
Opposition to Demolition – Support for Designating 1125 18th St. as a Structure of Merit From Bruce Pomeroy <[email protected]>
Date Sun 7/13/2025 6:38 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>; Stephanie Reich <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Re: Opposition to Demolition – Support for Designating 1125 18th St. as a Structure of Merit Dear Members of the Landmark Committee,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Santa Monica to urge the committee to consider designating the property located at 1125 18th St. as a Structure of Merit and to oppose its demolition and proposed replacement with a multi-unit condominium development.

This building is a single-story home with architectural and historical value that contributes significantly to the character and charm of our neighborhood. Its distinctive design, mature tree in the front yard, and well-maintained landscaping provide a sense of continuity and connection to our community’s past, qualities that cannot be replicated by modern high-density developments.

Preserving this property is not just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining the fabric of a neighborhood that values history, open space, and livability. The green yard and large tree serve as more than visual assets- they support local biodiversity, provide openness, and offer a shared sense of peace for neighbors and passersby.

While responsible development is important, it should not come at the expense of irreplaceable historical resources. I respectfully ask the council to prioritize thoughtful preservation and explore alternatives that allow for housing growth without erasing our community’s architectural heritage.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Liz Pomeroy
Teacher at St. Monica’s Preparatory School
Outlook
Opposition to Demolition at 1125 18th Street
From Bruce Pomeroy <[email protected]>
Date Sun 7/13/2025 6:47 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>; Stephanie Reich <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
To: Santa Monica Landmarks Commission and Planning Commission Re: Opposition to Demolition
25ENT-0069, 1125-18th Street
Dear Commission Members:

Do you know how lucky you are?
In amongst the high rises, the hospitals, the restaurants, the problems, you have lovely remnants of a charming Southern California coastal community.

Why on earth would you let the fewer and fewer charming cottages and huge trees be demolished for yet another soulless building? Within blocks of 1125-18th, on Wilshire and Montana, at least 60 units are already slated for development. Seriously- WHY are even more needed?
In the six months after evacuating from the Palisades in January, we have lived in our daughter’s condo at 1117-18th Street. I have come to love Santa Monica and feel fortunate we had a place to go. Taking a long walk each evening, the smaller homes and bungalows I came to know were beguiling. The setbacks allowed for trees and gardens which are soothing. The neighborhood feeling was palpable.

If for some reason so much development is needed, why at least can’t the density be kept to Wilshire, Montana, and other main streets?
Then there is the matter of the huge, ancient tree in front of the property. How many years would it take to replace that tree? Are people so greedy that the need for green space and openness is ignored in favor of density and profit? Surely the tax base in Santa Monica is robust- so it can’t be for tax dollars?!
Please, Santa Monica, take this chance to make the right decision to save this special property with its lawn, tree, charm, and relief from the ugliness of all-the-same condos and apartments.

Bottom line? The whole community of Pacific Palisades was lost overnight. We literally cannot go back. Why, given the chance you have right now, wouldn’t you save your community while you can?
Please.

Anne H. Pomeroy
Student Teacher Supervisor at Samo, LACMA art docent, and strong fan of historical preservation
Outlook
Strong objection to demolition at 1125 18th Street
From Bruce Pomeroy <[email protected]>
Date Sun 7/13/2025 7:22 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>; Stephanie Reich <[email protected]>
1 attachment (19 KB)
1125 18th Street - No Demo.docx;

EXTERNAL
Commission Members,
My wife and I are trustees with my daughter in the home she recently bought at 1117 18th Street. We are sorry to hear that consideration is being given to allowing the demolition and construction on the property immediately south.

As a residential and commercial developer over the last 50 years, I well understand the owner’s interest in demolishing the homes at 1125 18th Street and building condominiums. With more than 500 projects in my resume, I have attended hundreds of community hearings and listened to numerous neighborhood concerns.

I have to say, given the impact and understandable opposition to turning a very nice craftsman bungalow into another dense cube of condominiums, were it mine I would not move forward to develop this property – community over profit.

In support of my opposition to the demolition of this property, please see my letter (attached).

Thank you,
Bruce Pomeroy
Bruce Pomeroy Executive Chairman
14956 Camarosa Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Main: 602.808.8600 | Mobile: 310.743.3999
evgre.com | [email protected]
To: Landmark Commission
From: Bruce Pomeroy
Permit(s): 25ENT-0069
Address: 1125 18th Street
Applicant: Santa Monica Conservancy
Commission Members,
As Pacific Palisades fire evacuees, my wife and I lived with our daughter at 1117 18th Street for the last 5 months. While Santa Monica is characterized by very dense residential development, we were pleased to see grass, trees and some skyline in our daughter’s neighborhood – and specifically, next door.

It would be extremely sad to see the classic bungalow home, amazing mature tree, and the openness of the property destroyed by massive development. Isn’t there already enough of that happening in the City?
In reviewing the file for the hearing with the Landmark Commission, I have noted more support for denying the demolition than the tone of the report suggests. Specifically:
1) The home in question is more than 50 years old;
2) The integrity of the home – location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association - is intact in all respects;
3) The home meets the criteria in section 9.56.080(a) of SMMC. The structure has been identified in the City’s Historic Resources Inventory and the subject property is identified in the City of Santa Monica’s 2018 Historic Resources Inventory update as a potentially eligible resource for local listing. It technically meets the wording of this criterion. While it is Page & Turnbull’s opinion that “identification as a potential resource in Santa Monica’s Historic Resources Inventory does not alone provide sufficient basis for the individual designation of a property as a Structure of Merit”, in fact, it DOES meet the criteria. 4) The Page and Turnbill report states that the Craftsman bungalow does not meet the criteria that it represents a style that is “no longer prevalent” in Santa Monica. That is nonsense. Take a tour of the City and try to say that Craftsman bungalow homes are prevalent! Even of those noted in the 2018 Historic Resources Inventory, the report states that even just since 2018 “some have been removed for site redevelopment and others altered to a degree that they have lost integrity”. Just when will the City draw the line?
I urge you to find that the existing Craftsman home does merit a designation of a Structure of Merit – and deny the request to demolish the property.

Thank you,
Bruce Pomeroy
Outlook
Re: Strong objection to demolition at 1125 18th Street
From Sharon Bialy <[email protected]>
Date Sun 7/13/2025 7:43 PM
To Bruce Pomeroy <[email protected]>
Cc Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>; Stephanie Reich <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Stephanie
I am also lending my support and concur with Bruce Pomeroy's letter and will be at the hearing tomorrow evening.

In addition to everything that Mr. Pomeroy brought up, there are a few beautiful craftsman bungalow homes in the area that add to the beauty of Santa Monica.

In particular there is one on 18th street just south of Wilshire. So I don't understand the position that Turnball has taken as it appears to not reflect the reality of the neighborhood and it's history.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sharon
On Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 7:19 PM Bruce Pomeroy <[email protected]> wrote:

Commission Members,
My wife and I are trustees with my daughter in the home she recently bought at 1117 18th Street.

We are sorry to hear that consideration is being given to allowing the demolition and construction on the property immediately south.

In support of my opposition to the demolition of this property, please see my letter (attached).

Thank you,
Bruce Pomeroy
Outlook
25ENT-0069 Structure of Merit Designation Nomination 1125 18th Street From Joe Hackett <[email protected]>
Date Sun 7/13/2025 8:53 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
To Whom It May Concern,
The property at 1125 18th St is a beautiful building. It would be a shame to tear it down. My partner and our children walk by it everyday.

We are neighbors who work and live in Santa Monica.

All of our children go to public school here and we are very much a part of the community.

The more buildings we see torn down the more we feel like the diverse community is negatively impacted.

Sincerely
Joe Hackett
323-346-7815
[email protected]
Outlook
Comment on 1125 18th Street (25ENT-0069): Structure of Merit Application From [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date Mon 7/14/2025 12:50 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]> Cc Regina Szilak <[email protected]>; Stephanie Reich <[email protected]> 1 attachment (23 KB)
Risch-Comment-on-25ENT-0069.docx;

EXTERNAL
Dear Landmarks Commission:

Attached please find my comment on the Structure of Merit Application 25ENT-0069 for 1125 18th St.

Regina and Stephanie, I am also copying you so you also have a copy of my comment.

Many thanks for you assistance and consideration,
Neil Risch
Comment on Agenda Item: 1125 18th Street (25ENT-0069): Structure of Merit Application One thing I appreciate most about Santa Monica is its diversity of architecture - reflecting structures from various eras, representing different styles - so we can actually view the evolution of architecture here. We have buildings over 100 years old alongside art deco, mid-century modern and more modern structures all within the same neighborhoods and streets. I also live on 18th St north of Wilshire, and have walked extensively through most of the streets of WilshireMontana, because I am avid walker – I enjoy frequenting the stores and businesses on Montana Ave and frequently walk to the beach on California, Washington and Idaho. I also walk east through the neighborhood to appreciate the various architectural styles in that direction. So I feel I have a good sense of the varied architecture that exists in this beloved (at least to me) section of Santa Monica.

While development of new housing structures is also important for a thriving Santa Monica, preservation of structures that are rare and reflect the history of development in Santa Monica is also paramount to maintain this longstanding architectural history. I believe that the 103 yearold craftsman style house at 1125 18th St meets exactly that standard of historic and rare, reflecting a craftsman style of architecture that was popular in the early 1920s when the structures were built, but are now sparse in the neighborhood.

The Santa Monica Conservancy, in its nomination of this structure, has laid out in far greater detail than I could the description of the history of the house and its construction, its details, the setting and the neighborhood. I have also read the architectural report from the firm of Page & Turnbull, and will focus primarily on the criteria for Structure of Merit in Santa Monica, and whether they have been met. I say this because there is an apparent discrepancy between what the Conservancy has said about the criteria – and in particular the prevalence and rarity of craftsman structures similar to 1125 18th St, versus what Page & Turnbull has said, and their conclusion.

Again, I don’t feel I need to reiterate the Conservancy’s compelling argument (nor the comments in some of the submitted letters). Rather, I will focus on arguments made by Page & Turnbull, who conclude that the building does not meet criteria for Structure of Merit.

The Santa Monica Code 9.56.080 regarding criteria for Structure of Merit states the following:
“For the purposes of this Chapter, an improvement may be designated a Structure of Merit if the Landmarks Commission determines that it merits official recognition because it has one of the following characteristics:

The structure has been identified in the City's Historic Resources Inventory.

The structure is a minimum of 50 years of age and meets one of the following criteria:

1. The structure is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historical type.

2. The structure is representative of a style in the City that is no longer prevalent.

3. The structure contributes to a potential Historic District.” So, the question appears to be whether the subject house meets either criterion A or B, or both.

I believe it meets both criteria A and B (in disagreement with the report of Page & Turnbull).

Regarding A, it is unequivocal that the subject house, 1125 18th St, exists in Santa Monica’s Historic Resources Inventory, and has since 2018, and so it “has been identified in the City’s Historic Resources Inventory,” seemingly meeting that criterion. However, Page & Turnbull appear to qualify its identification there, as follows:
“As the subject property is identified in the City of Santa Monica’s 2018 Historic Resources Inventory update as a potentially eligible resource for local listing, it technically meets the wording of this criterion. However, it is Page & Turnbull’s opinion that identification as a potential resource in Santa Monica’s Historic Resources Inventory does not alone provide sufficient basis for the individual designation of a property as a Structure of Merit. This criterion recognizes the findings of previous evaluations conducted in support of the inventory and update. It appears to presume that if a property is “identified” in the inventory, it has already been evaluated according to and found significant under at least one of the categories of SMMC 9.56.1080(b) (see below). Therefore, while the property may meet the text of the criterion as written in SMMC § 9.56.080(a), it does not appear to meet the intent of the criterion.” I believe this to be an overreach by Page & Turnbull. They are now subjugating this explicit criterion to the vagueness of “intent” with an “opinion.” I don’t believe it is up to this firm to determine what the original “intent” of this inventory and its designations have been. In fact, as they point out, other entries in the Historic Resources Inventory (specifically 14 craftsman style houses according to my count in the Wilshire-Montana neighborhood) have the same designation. If the Landmarks Commission were to agree with this interpretation of the Code’s explicit statement, that would effectively nullify all structures with similar entries in the entire Historic Resources Inventory including all of Santa Monica.

Now I will discuss item B, and in particular B.1 and B.2 (since the structure under discussion does not lie within a “potential Historic District”). There appears to be a discrepancy here between the arguments proffered by the Conservancy and Page & Turnbull. The Conservancy has stated the following:
“1. The structure is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail or historical type. The subject property is a Craftsman bungalow that was constructed late in the time period for that style’s prevalence – 1923 – and has design features that are unique within the typical framework of that style: the offset entryway placed at a side elevation rather than at the front; the small entry porch reduced to frame the front door; the intersecting cross roof gables; the bank of windows on the front façade with crossed muntins which are asymmetrical, lacking the lower muntin.

2. The structure is representative of a style in the City that is no longer prevalent.

Single-family one-story Craftsman homes represent a style that is no longer prevalent.” By contrast, Page & Turnbull have stated the following in their report:
“According to the 2018 Historic Resources Inventory update, 178 Craftsman-style buildings were deemed individually eligible citywide, with 30 of these located in Wilshire Montana. Of those, roughly 20 are comparable in scale and character to 1125 18th Street. Although some have been lost to redevelopment and others altered to the degree that they have lost integrity, the modest Craftsman bungalow remains a relatively common building type within the neighborhood.”
I will now discuss this claim of “relatively common building type within the neighborhood.” As I mentioned above, I have walked the Wilshire-Montana neighborhood extensively – and seen all the more recent developments that others have commented on. What I have more closely paid attention to are the older historical structures that still exist. One thing I have noticed is that the western part of Wilshire-Montana seems to have more of these residences than the eastern part. Through investigation, I now understand that my impression has a basis.

I examined the Historic Resources Inventory to identify all craftsman style houses in WilshireMontana. Similar to Page & Turnbull’s findings, I also found 32 such structures (all built between 1906 and 1924), although one had a lack of visibility listing, and another had been demolished since 2018. Of the remaining 30, I then ordered them from west to east, and here is my observation:

Ocean Ave - 1
2nd St - 2
3rd St - 1
4th St - 3
5th St - 5
6th St - 3
California Ave at 6th St – 1
7th St - 2
Lincoln Blvd -1
9th St - 1
California Ave at 9th St – 1
10th St - 2
11th St - 1
14th St - 1
California Ave at 16th St – 1
18th St - 1
19th St - 1
21st St - 1
22nd St - 1
The first thing to notice in the list above is that 19 of the 30 lie west of Lincoln Blvd, and 25 lie west of 14th St. Only 5 lie east of 14th St. Thus, the entire eastern part of Wilshire-Montana is extremely sparse when it comes to craftsman style houses. It appears that while Page & Turnbull correctly determined the number of remaining craftsman houses in Wilshire-Montana, they didn’t further investigate their distribution and density.

But there is another salient issue. Both the Conservancy and Page & Turnbull have documented that 1125 18th St lies within the historic Green Acres section of development, which was from 17th St to 21st St, Wilshire to Washington. According to the above, there remain only 2 existing craftsman houses from that development. If 1125 18th St were demolished, there would be just one remaining, and ultimately potentially none. Allowing for this demolition would effectively eliminate any historic remnants of this style from that era. In other words, evidence suggests that such craftsman style homes from that era are indeed sparse, especially in the eastern part of Wilshire-Montana.

In summary, as a person who treasures living in Santa Monica, and especially the neighborhood in which I live, I feel a strong interest in maintaining the ambiance that gives it a special character – and for me, it is the varied, and especially older and historic homes that dot the landscape, of which 1125 18th St is one valued representative. While I, as others, also understand the need for development, I feel that it should be done judiciously so as not to infringe on our history. I do believe that according to the stated criteria in the Santa Monica code regarding the requirements for Structure of Merit status, the evidence indicates that the house at 1125 18th St meets both criteria A and B.

Sincerely yours,
Neil Risch
1117 18th St
Santa Monca, CA
Outlook
25ent-0069,1125 18th street
From Randal Groves <[email protected]>
Date Mon 7/14/2025 6:55 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
To whom it may concern,
My name is Randal Groves. It has come to my attention the property located at 1125 18 th street in Santa Monica may be subject to redevelopment.

This news comes as little surprise as so many of the single family homes in Santa Monica have suffered a similar fate. However this property is truly special and deserves to be protected the from the wrecking ball.

If only to preserve the spectacular Chinese Elm that was planted by the family of original owner/builder, as I understand from the landlord I rented the property from for many years.

The front house on the property is an example of a classic 1930’s California beach bungalow that my wife and I considered the most perfect home we have ever lived. The dappled western light, filtered by the Elm tree filled the house in the afternoon through the divided light windows, it is sublime. With a breeze coming from the Pacific the temperature was always just right, never a need of anything more than a window adjacent.

It’s a small home but it’s filled with so much love that has been shared by all who have occupied this gem.

For my wife and I the time in this wonderful home were some of the best years of our life together. When the owner of the home was ready to sell they offered the house to us as he understood we would be great stewards in the preservation of his family’s home. Unfortunately the home market in Santa Monica proved to be too expensive for 2 successful film makers.

Please strongly consider preserving this example of the best of California beach bungalow architecture.

Peace,
Randal Groves

Outlook
1125th 18th St
From Andrea Flores <[email protected]>
Date Mon 7/14/2025 8:08 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Hi, good morning.

Just wanted to write a brief email in support of my next door neighbor at 1125 18th street. Harry is a wonderful neighbor living in the house on the back, and I would like to be supportive in saying that his house should not be demolished, it’s his home and we like to maintain a peaceful community around here without any heavy construction going on as well.

I kindly ask to reconsider the construction.

Thank you, have a great day.

Andrea F.

Outlook
25ENT-0069, 1125 18th St
From Adrianna Valencia <[email protected]>
Date Mon 7/14/2025 11:52 AM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Hello Stephanie,
My name is Adrianna Valencia and I’m reaching out because it has come to my attention that the property @ 1125 18th Street is subject to re-development. This news has greatly saddened me. My husband and I had the great pleasure of living there for 2 short years. Both my husband and I work in Film/TV industry. We moved in when our dear friend another industry colleague moved out. I can’t express the excitement I felt when our friend called us to inform us that the rental was becoming available again.

I’m born and raised in Los Angeles. Growing up in Eagle Rock and Pasadena I have a great admiration for beautiful Craftsman and Bungalows style homes in those neighborhoods. Unfortunately, as soon as we signed our lease we both were called to work on a project in New Orleans in 2020 After only living @ 1125 for 3 months. When the world shut down we remained in New Orleans for an entire year. We left on April 2020 and returned March 2021. By then the previous owner had decided to sell his family’s property. I loved the history of his home. The property spanned 3 generations. The beautiful Chinese Elm was planted by his father and Karl the previous owner when he was a child. His grandfather built the back house with his own hands. Karl went to school across the street when there was a school there.

In the short amount of time we lived there we built a lovely community there. We had lovely informal gatherings with our neighbors under the Chinese Elm. Most people that walked by were often surprised that this little gem of a house still existed in the neighborhood, in the ever changing glossy Santa Monica. I still miss living there. I miss the beautiful dappled light coming through the original windows.

The sound of the Chinese Elm rhythmically swaying when the ocean wind came from the west. I was shattered when a neighbor sent a photo of the demolished garage. While it was nothing to look at — it was functional.

We were offered to purchase this Gem of a Home. Unfortunately, my husband and I are mere mortals and could not swing Santa Monica property prices. Hind sight is 20/20. I truly hope that the city of Santa Monica considers saving this beautiful gem. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Adrianna Valencia
Outlook
SM Landmarks Commission - Structure of Merit designation, 1125 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
From Morgan Sykes Jaybush <[email protected]>
Date Mon 7/14/2025 12:00 PM
To Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]>

EXTERNAL
Attn: Stephanie Reich, Design and Historic Preservation Planner Dear Ms. Reich,
I am writing to express my strong support of the Structure of Merit designation for the 1923 single family residence at 1125 18th Street.

I am on the Board of the Santa Monica Conservancy, but I am writing to you personally, and not as a part of the Conservancy.

This Craftsman style house is a unique example of the style, which is not just a typical Craftsman that you see in many places in the City and in the County. It has an asymmetrical street facing facade with wrap-around windows in the main front living room facing the front yard, with the front door actually being located on the side of the house. Paired with the magnificent tree in the front yard, this house acts as an oasis on this block of 18th Street, which only has 3 original houses left on the block.

Everything else on this block has been torn down and turned into oversized apartment buildings.

We need to preserve the very few single family properties we have like this in neighborhoods which have been intensely densified, such as this particular block, or we will continue to lose all of the character and charm that people move to Santa Monica for in the first place. There are many many other properties in the City which could be densified, without sacrificing the history and charm of the neighborhood.

Another potential great option could be just densifying the rear portion of the lot, similar to the excellent projects at 2501 2nd St., 401 Ocean Ave., and 1012 2nd St.

Thanks,
Morgan Sykes Jaybush
Creative Director, Legacy LEED AP
Omgivning
O: 213.596.5602 ext 717
M: 323.687.8065
Located at:
söm co-space
1301 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Santa Monica City CouncilNovember 18, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
November 18, 2025