Understanding the Role of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission in Preserving City’s Heritage Sites
If you’ve ever visited Los Angeles, you couldn’t have missed the iconic landmarks and heritage sites that dot the city. From the Santa Monica Pier to the Hollywood sign and the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the city boasts of a rich cultural heritage that’s admired the world over. But, have you ever stopped to consider how these sites have been preserved in their original form, despite the constant pressures of urbanization and progress?
The answer, in large part, lies with the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission (LACHC). In this article, we’ll delve into the role of LACHC in preserving the city’s cultural heritage sites and how it achieves this through its rigorous and transparent process.
What is the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission?
The LACHC is a governmental body that was established in 1962 to identify and protect the cultural and historic landmarks of Los Angeles. The commission comprises a 9-member board appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. The board members are passionate about preserving the city’s cultural heritage and have diverse backgrounds in architecture, history, and arts.
How does LACHC identify cultural and historic landmarks?
The first step in preserving cultural heritage sites is to identify them. LACHC identifies potential cultural and historic landmarks through a rigorous process that involves extensive research and input from experts and the local community. The landmarks can be designated as cultural heritage sites if they meet the following criteria:
– Associated with important events, group movements, or historical periods that had a significant impact on society or culture.
– Associated with an individual or group that made a substantial contribution to society or culture.
– Designed by a master architect, landscape architect, engineer, or artist whose work has had a significant impact on society or culture.
– Demonstrating important cultural, social, political, or economic activity in the community.
Once a site is identified as a cultural heritage site, the LACHC works closely with the property owners to ensure that the site is preserved and protected.
How does LACHC ensure that cultural heritage sites are preserved?
The LACHC has a comprehensive process for designating cultural heritage sites and ensuring their preservation. The process includes the following steps:
1. Application: Property owners or community members can apply to designate a building or site as a cultural heritage site.
2. Evaluation: The commission evaluates the site to determine its cultural and historical significance and whether it meets the criteria for designation.
3. Public Hearing: The commission holds a public hearing to consider the designation. The hearing allows the property owner, community members, and the general public to speak about the property’s cultural and historical significance.
4. Site Inspection: The commission conducts a site inspection to examine the property’s conditions and to determine the most appropriate preservation strategies.
5. Designation: If the commission approves the designation, it protects the property from alteration or destruction without the commission’s review and approval.
6. Ongoing Monitoring: The commission monitors the property’s condition and ensures that it’s maintained according to the designated standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission plays a vital role in preserving the city’s cultural heritage sites. By identifying, designating, and protecting buildings and sites that have historical and cultural significance, the commission ensures that future generations can appreciate Los Angeles’ rich cultural heritage. If you’re passionate about preserving your community’s cultural heritage sites, you can get involved by joining a local preservation society or applying to designate a property as a cultural heritage site.
