Brockmont Park heads toward historic status

Glendale is one step closer to getting its sixth historic district after residents of Brockmont Park have worked for three years to get the designation that enacts a layer of protection over 59 homes mostly built between 1910 and 1954.

Council members unanimously supported the proposed district this week after an initial review, but their final vote won’t come for two more weeks.

“When every one of these historic districts come down, I say ‘Hallelujah,’” said Mayor Dave Weaver, noting the significance of preserving the individual nature of Glendale’s neighborhoods during a City Council meeting on Tuesday.

After being pushed forward by two lower-level commissions, the council has final say over a historic-district petition, which must first be signed by more than 50% of property owners in the affected area.

Councilwoman Laura Friedman excused herself from the discussion Tuesday because she lives within 500 feet of the proposed district.

If the district receives final approval, changes that could impact the character of the homes there must be approved by Glendale’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The Brockmont Park Historic District, nestled in the south-facing foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, includes houses in the 1600 block of Arbor Drive, the 1500 blocks of Merriman Drive and Valley View Road, and the 300 blocks of Lawson Place and Kenneth and Cumberland roads.

Architecture in the area ranges from Period Revival styles popular in the 1920s and 1930s along with Minimal Traditional and Ranch style homes common in the 1940s and 1950s, according to a city report.

A 1910 mansion called Brockmont Park that was originally owned by John Brockman, a philanthropist and businessman who loved to hunt deer, is also included in the district.

When Brockman’s 140-acre estate was converted into an exclusive housing development following his death in 1925, the subdivision was also named Brockmont Park.

Also in the district is a four-story clock tower that Brockman built in 1914 to house a three-car garage, billiards room and chauffeur’s quarters, which is now a Glendale historic landmark.

The proposed district covers homes in the southern, flat portion of the Brockmont Park development because the properties contribute to the historic nature of the neighborhood, said Francesca Smith, a resident and architectural historian who led the districting process.

“This has been a labor of love with my neighbors,” Smith said, adding later that she was “guardedly excited” about the council’s initial support.

The city’s current historic districts — Royal Boulevard, Ard Eevin Highlands, Cottage Grove, North Cumberland and Rossmoyne — cover more than 800 properties.

“I’m very happy that Brockmont residents have decided to do this,” Councilman Frank Quintero said. “I think it’s a designation that’s well deserved.”

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