Old buildings get new kudos

Glendale’s decision to breathe new life into old buildings has been recognized by the Los Angeles chapter of the American Planning Assn., which next month will give the city a preservation award for two small parks.

At Adams Square Mini Park, the city constructed a small children’s playground and landscaped areas while keeping an old gas station structure. A metal picnic table and concrete seating occupy the space where the gas pumps once stood, and inside the attendant’s shack, a display shows advertisements for the Atlantic Richfield Co.

The shade structure for motorists bears the word “Glendale” in stylized Art Deco writing, and the station’s old electric sign still stands.

The centerpiece of the Glendale Historic Garden at Harvard and Cedar streets is a restored early 20th century Craftsman home that now serves as a Community Services and Parks Department office. Youth and family services programs are also organized at the office. The windows offer views of the park’s landscaped gardens, fountain and a modern jungle gym made of black rope.

“It feels like home when you come in,” said Nune Sogomonyan, a community services specialist whose office is inside the building.

City officials are scheduled to pick up their award at an American Planning Assn. ceremony at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood on June 22.