Spared from Wrecking Ball - Page 2

"Exterior-wise, I changed nothing," he promised, noting that he replaced 110 light bulbs and restored the copper-paneled roof that is unique among Schindler houses. "The thing I love about this house is, there are reflections everywhere. In some areas there are three different reflections in the glass. It's truly amazing."

Of course, windows are a big part of Neutra's Kronish House as well, a property that was slated for demolition in 2011. A campaign by the Conservancy and other Neutra fans to save it ultimately resulted in Beverly Hills creating its first-ever ordinance to offer protection for historic properties.

"The condition of the house was pretty horrible," said Chris Shanley, project manager of the restoration for Marmol Radziner architectural firm. He said one of the most difficult aspects of the job was the windows, "a balancing act" that involved increased glazing on some of them for energy conservation purposes, but left others in their original state.

"One of the big challenges was getting air conditioning, forced air, into this house," he continued, noting that he and project architect Jesie Kelly were very conscious of preserving the dramatic roofline of the house, built in 1955 for developer Herbert Kronish and his wife Hazel. "We knew it was so visible that we absolutely had to keep that clean."

Consequently, Shanley and Kelly worked with structural engineers to conceal the new heating and air system in the roof, in closets, and even recessed into the foundation slab.

Company owner Leo Marmol also played a critical, early role in the project by helping connect the former owners to a preservation-minded buyer, Stavros Niarchos, Jr., grandson of the Greek shipping tycoon.

And now, thanks to the efforts of these men, Gamwell, and a few others, the legacy of Neutra and Schindler will soon be celebrated together. The May 5 Preservation Awards and luncheon will be held at Los Angeles' equally historic Biltmore Hotel.