Vintage homes win Mills Act approval
Two vintage La Cañada homes were unanimously approved Tuesday night for Mills Act designations during the City Council’s regular meeting. They are located at 1694 Fairmount Ave. in the Alta Canyada area and 818 Old Landmark Lane, a small street near the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Lynnhaven Lane.
The Mills Act is a state incentives program designed to encourage the restoration and preservation of historic, privately owned properties. Qualifying properties that are approved by the City Council pay reduced property taxes.
The home at 1694 Fairmount Ave. was constructed in 1929 for Daniel and Blanche Monahan and designed by prominent Los Angeles architect Gene Verge, according to a report by the Planning Department. It is an Italian Period Revival style house, with period details such as leaded glass windows, wainscoting, hardwood floors, a wooden staircase, wood-paneling, wood-beamed ceilings and a tile roof. The current property owner has improved the residence substantially over the last 25 years, adding more than 27,000 square feet. The home is approximately 4,600 square feet.
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The Craftsman style home at 818 Landmark Lane was built in 1914 for J. Wilber and Daisy Seright, and the architect is unknown. It was originally addressed at 4963 Commonwealth Ave. due to its linear frontage. The current lot is 17,860 square feet and the floor area is 1,862 square feet.
Current owner Mark Dziak attended the meeting and told the council they are the fourth owners of the property in its 100-plus years.
“One of the original owners showed up one day and brought a load of photos and gave us a lot of history on the house,” he said. “It was very moving. We’re very proud to own the house.”
Councilwoman Terry Walker said when she moved to town in 1981, she looked at the home with her husband and did not know about its historical significance at the time.
“It’s great you’re bringing it back,” she told Dziak about his home improvements with his wife. “The work you’re doing is great.”
Sanderson is a contributor to Times Community News.