Renovation at Lummis Home to Cost $240,000

Construction has started on what is expected to be a $240,000 renovation and restoration of the garden at El Alisal, the Charles F. Lummis home at 200 E. Ave. 43, a familiar landmark in Highland Park.

The initial phase--removal of pathways and their replacement with decomposed granite walkways--has been funded by a grant from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, according to Betty Marsh of the Historical Society of Southern California.

Additional phases will include a modern irrigation system, as well as the planting of drought-tolerant native species and other plants that survive on a minimum of water. Completion is expected to take two years.