Home Tour Will Spotlight Restored Landmarks

Landmark buildings get special protections, but they're certainly not frozen in time. 

The Santa Monica Conservancy is hosting a tour, "Living in a Landmark," of some of Santa Monica's historic homes June 3 to show how the landmarked buildings evolve and change to the meet needs of successive owners.

"Each home is a case study showing how sensitive stewardship of historic properties can be balanced with the desire to upgrade, improve, and in some cases add to living space," according to the conservancy.

Among the five homes showcased on the tour is the former Methodist Episcopal Church at 2621 Second St. Built in 1875 and believed to be the oldest wooden structure in the Santa Monica today, it was sold to private owners in 1971. Before then, it was used for years as a popular meeting space and under the ownership of auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Other homes include a Craftsman airplane bungalow, a renovated and expanded Craftsman home showcasing the owners’ special collections; Irving Gill’s Horatio West Court; and an expanded Craftsman home on Palisades Avenue.

The tour takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will followed by a reception supporting the conservancy’s educational programs at the Zimmers' House on La Mesa Drive, a John Byers adobe landmark that has been restored and expanded for a family with young children.

The conservancy recommends purchasing tickets in advance. The tour is $45 or $35 for members. The reception is $150 or $125 for members. Tickets for both are $175 or $150 for both.

For more information, visit smconservancy.org.