As we pass days 200+ still now word as to what’s going on behind that shrouded gate. But at least no news of demolition. Does anyone know the status of Kronish?

Time marches on, with more Neutra’s in crisis. I heard yesterday that the Kraigher House in Brownsville, TX, had fallen hard times. The University of Texas at Brownsville had entered into a lease with the City who owns the site. Under the arrangement they restored the house and were to use it as a visitor center. This worked for a couple of years. Now, I’m told because of budget problems, the University has withdrawn, leaving the house empty. The city, similarly challenged, has been unable to figure out how to occupy it. Transients are reputedly now breaking in and camping out; it will only be a short time before it is destroyed. This is my effort to put the word out to the National Trust and others. Can readers help me broadcast this to parties that might help? Surely the City could assign someone to conduct city business in that venue, at least temporarily?

Closer to home, read a piece I just wrote regarding our Nash House in Camarillo. I’m hoping we may have dodged a bullet, but stay tuned?.There I was told I only had a few days to better a demolition offer; similar to what we experienced with Kronish, but instead of 60 days, I had only 3!

As we pass days 100+, I’m told the house still stands and will continue to do so, but that the owners are very secretive and do not wish to share further plans. I’ve not been asked to participate thus far, other than to be patient. I worry about roof leaks in this season. They certainly bought the right site for this!

As we pass 70 days of Kronish’s borrowed time, I thought I’d post, if only to let people know I’m still thinking about this, and for “no news is good news”! There must be some activity brewing behind that shrouded gate, but I’m STILL as much in the dark as everyone else. At least to my knowledge the house still stands back there. My offer to be of service is still hanging ‘out there’. Continue to sign that petition if only to show continued interest and support?

Continue reading “Kronish/VDL Update” →

As we pass the 30 day allocation of the Kronish’s borrowed time, I thought I’d post something, if only to let people know I’m still thinking about this. There IS some activity brewing behind that shrouded gate, but I’m sworn to secrecy like everyone else. At least to my knowledge the house still stands back there. I’ve continued to offer my services.

Continue reading “Post Kronish Deadline Update” →

It’s been a busy week; time for an up date. We’ve offered to work with the new owners of Kronish on their terms; still trying to find out who they are. Until the new course is set, this house is still living on borrowed time. I continue to gather evidence to present to the councilman, that a remodel of the crosswalk is desired in front of VDL; a lower key version on an adjacent busy highway is our model. No lights, buttons or poles.

Continue reading “General Update” →

This evening saw an ending to our valiant effort to repurpose the Kronish to a public purpose; the Neutra Center. The political will was no longer there to buy out the mysterious secret buyers who closed escrow on the house at 12.8M last week. At the council meeting, time was given to the attorney who had represented the Soda partners, who grossed over 2M in the transaction. He lauded the council for its role in the salvation of the house, along with the patience of his clients. Everyone congratulated each other with this success. My favorite councilman, John Mirisch, even managed to mention my role and interest in working with the new owners.

Continue reading “Kronish Update 26” →

I’m trying to think what we can say now, as we survive Day 1, post Armagedon, except to continue to hope the that the City will come to its senses and take our offer to front the money and rescue this from whatever fate someone is devising behind the secrecy that has clouded the issue for a couple or more weeks now. I would have thought they’d have contacted me by now, if they had good intentions.

Why do I think this lovely project is now living on borrowed time? Please, ANYONE, if you have information, let me share it with this growing public, with 1100 signatures now on our petition and growing!

Saturday, October 8 was declared by City Council resolution, ‘Dion Neutra Day in Los Angeles’ on the occasion of my 85th birthday! It was a lovely honor and tribute, which I take as some recognition for the preservation efforts I’ve mounted over these past many years. As we celebrate my birthday with family, the fate of Kronish looms.

Continue reading “Kronish Update 24” →

Guess what; we’ve blasted thru the 1000 mark in our petition! Keep up that good work; sign again in if you haven’t already!

http://neutra.org/kronish/petition.html

Have you been flooding the city of BH with letters? WE’RE STILL NOT OUT OF THE WOODS! Absent any definitive word on the progress of the mysterious parties who are supposedly checking this out, we can not assume the best!

Did you hear that the Kronish won the Wall Street Journal HOUSE OF LAST WEEK competition? Great approbation, considering it was the only modernist candidate being voted upon. Thanks to those of you who supported there. You can check out the images and page about Kronish here – WSJ House of the Day and our winning percentage here (you’ll have to click back to “View Previous Polls”).

PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER OF THOSE B.H. LETTERS asap – form E letter – The next council meeting is THIS Tuesday the 4th. It’s absolutely our last chance to HOLD THE CITY’S FEET TO THE FIRE and shame them into jumping in and advancing the funds needed to rescue this project for the PUBLIC PURPOSE we’re advocating; ‘The Neutra Center in Beverly Hills’!!!!

Get your friends to follow suit as well. If you’re in the LA area, plan to pack the Council Chambers at the Rexford Ave. BH city hall starting at 7:00, Tuesday, the 4th. If we could get a 1000 letters and 100 people to show, it could be decisive.