What is the matter with people?

If I was to ask you that question what would your answer be? Richard Rotenberg lied his way into buying the famous Maslon House from the family of the late Samuel and Louella Maslon. Their children put the house on the market with the intention of selling only to a buyer who would preserve the integrity of the home designed by the late, great Richard Neutra, one of only a few properties designed by Neutra in the Palm Springs area. Within 30 days the house was torn down, he destroyed it..he even had audacity to leave the furniture and curtains. This was a home featured throughout many publications namely Architectural Digest and through the years housed one of the most elaborate collections of modern art, something the Maslons were passionate about. What he built in it's place was a joke, another stucco eye sore with no character, ordinary..disgusting. Who does something like that, Richard Rotenberg thats who. He could have bought any home but chose to destroy this timeless masterpiece, it is places like this that help to make Palm Springs distinguishable, however for $45.00 they issued a permit, no questions asked for it's demolition. Somebody screwed up. I know that "if a man wants to burn a Picasso, he can burn his Picasso" but there is a greater responsibility here. Richard Rotenberg succeeded in only one thing and one thing only he will go down in history as the man that made everyone sick...

Before & After Demolition
"There reaches a point, when not enough of something has been preserved, or in the absence of proximity, as new growth moves in with new or older forms, you begin to lose identity and the character that makes a place unique or remarkable."
-Eric Wills, Preservation Magazine

the Maslon Home
"Neutra was also known for catering sensitively to the needs of his clients, so that their houses would be not only functional but would also nurture their owners psychologically." The New York Times

Richard J.Neutra, Kronish House, 1953, pastel on paper,
courtesy Palm Springs Art Museum.

God forbid something like this was to happen again, and unfortunately another Neutra designed home  in Beverly Hills is in danger of meeting the same fate. The Kronish house built in 1955 is heading for demolition unless the buyers will consider allowing for the property to be moved or the city of Beverly Hills takes action. It is the only Neutra designed home in Beverly Hills that remains original, the other two homes were demolished and severely altered. Check out  the real estate listing  that includes some recent photos here. It is being listed at nearly 14 million dollars, a pretty penny above the 5.8 million dollars the owners paid for it last January when they bought it out of foreclosure. The property on Sunset Blvd. is a private oasis, not visible from the street. Richard Neutra's son Dion has been working tirelessly to not only protect his late fathers legacy but to save these treasured residences.

How You Can Help

Please contact the office of the Mayor and City Council by Thursday, July 28, and have your friends and colleagues do the same.

Please convey the following points, in your own words as much as possible:

• You are aware of the potential demolition of the Kronish (pronounced CROW-nish) House by Richard Neutra.

• The house is a significant work by a master architect and an important piece of Beverly Hills history.

• The Kronish House is one of only three Neutra designs ever built in Beverly Hills, and it is the only one that remains intact.

• The City of Beverly Hills has no protections for its historic structures -- there isn't even a process to review the planned demolition.

• Urge the Mayor and the City Council to do whatever they can to at least delay the demolition until other options can be adequately considered, including relocation or finding another buyer.

If you live or work in Beverly Hills, please identify yourself as a constituent and include your address.

E-mail: mayorandcitycouncil@beverlyhills.org, copy mvavala@laconservancy.org

Phone: (310) 285-1013

Many thanks to everyone who has already called or e-mailed -- it makes a real difference.

Thank you!