Monterey Park : Park Adds Reception Hall

Jardin El Encanto, a 1928 Spanish-style reception hall that once was to be the centerpiece of a failed Beverly Hills-type development in the city, has been added to a city park.

The hall, commonly known as El Encanto, was built by developer Peter Snyder, who envisioned luxury homes on the slopes of Monterey Park. But the Great Depression killed his Midwick View Estates project.

The city bought El Encanto in 1987 and is restoring it to its original condition.

It will become part of Heritage Park, which includes a waterfall built by Snyder across the street from El Encanto, and a series of grassy islands connecting the two.