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PLUM approves historic designation for Mellenthine Birdhouse Apartments after public outcry over potential demolition
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to designate the William Mellentine Birdhouse Apartments in Valley Glen as a Historic Cultural Monument; the designation drew strong public comment from long‑term residents and tenants who said demolition for a new ED‑1 affordable housing project would displace seniors and long‑term renters.
The Planning and Land Use Management Committee voted unanimously to adopt the Cultural Heritage Commission’s recommendation to list the William Mellentine Birdhouse Apartments (a mid‑century courtyard apartment complex on Buffalo Avenue in Valley Glen) as a Historic Cultural Monument.
The hearing drew lengthy public comment. Tenants and long‑term residents described the property as a rare, intact example of builder‑developer William Mellentine’s mid‑century “birdhouse” motif applied to multifamily housing. Supporters included the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council; the Cultural Heritage Commission’s staff report recommended designation based on the structure’s architectural characteristics and association with a prolific post‑war builder.
The property owner and project…
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