On Tuesday, the Planning Commission/Historic Preservation Commission met. Four (4) Commissioners were present; Chair Wilander was excused from the meeting.
Consideration of Potential Historic Landmark Designation of the Brod House at 1203 Oakwood Dr.: The Historic Preservation Commission considered Historical Landmark No. HL 24-01 to designate the Earle L. and Mady G. Brod House (“Brod House”) as a local historical landmark. The Brod House was designed by notable Master Architect, Richard Neutra, who is considered one of the most influential architects of the 20th Century. The Brod House is a Mid-Century Modern home that includes distinct architectural design features such as a flat roof, long, horizontal profiles, post-and-beam construction, casement windows, and glass walls that connect the interior and exterior settings. It was found that the
building meets at least one of the criteria for designation because it exemplifies the distinct characteristics of the Mid- Century Modern architectural style that embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of master, or possesses high artistic values.
The Commissioners unanimously applauded the property owner for protecting this iconic building as it is the only home in Arcadia designed by Richard Neutra, it is an excellent example of Mid-Century Modern architecture and has undergone relatively few changes in the last 75 years. As a result, the Historic Preservation Commission forwarded a recommendation to the City Council to approve a potential historical historic landmark.
If approved by the City Council, this would be the City’s second historical landmark. The first historic landmark is the Arcadia Woman’s Club headquarters at 324 S. First Avenue, which was approved by the City Council in 2022.