West Hollywood’s heritage is a rich inheritance of traditions, attributes, and cultural resources. Architectural heritage includes much more than preserving, displaying, or restoring a collection of historic buildings. It is both tangible and intangible. Ideas, stories, and other elements of who we are and how we identify ourselves are essential to the understanding of our place.
Preserving West Hollywood’s architectural and cultural heritage is integral to the growth and identity of West Hollywood. Designated historic properties embody great significance of the cultural and social fabric of the City. Through historic preservation, we are able to tell stories of times that preceded Cityhood and of people, events, and ideas that embrace the vibrancy of our City.
The City of West Hollywood has recognized the importance of preserving its cultural resources since its incorporation as a city in 1984. The City adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1989 and has designated over eighty historic and cultural resources, including six historic districts.
In 2015, arts and historic preservation staff began a project of documenting the City’s designated historic properties. This exhibition shows a selection of photographs from the over 80 properties that were documented, representing a wide array of architectural styles and associations with well-known architects and builders. These images celebrate West Hollywood - recognizing our past, present, and future.
About the photographer:
Tony Coelho is a Los Angeles based photographer with an educational background in film and LGBT studies. His works include photographing events for the City of West Hollywood, documenting queer arts and lifestyles, and capturing the urban landscape of Los Angeles. You can see more of his work at www.tonycoelhophotography.com
On view Feb 7 to May 13, 2020 at West Hollywood Library located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd during regular library hours (M--Th: 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sundays 1-5pm).
Admission is free.
There will be an exhibition reception in conjunction with a WeHo Reads book presentation of Architects Who Built Southern California on March 6, 2020, 7-9pm. RSVP required for reception at www.weho.org/wehoreads
