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Dean Francois RBHS Board Member and Former Preservation Commissioner As a Redondo Beach Preservation Commissioner in the 90’s, I recall working with then Councilman Kevin Sullivan to ensure that the Sweetser House found a buyer. The historic landmark was sitting vacant while real estate agents sat around not doing their job selling it. Had it gone unchecked, it could have easily fallen into the hands of developers leading to possible demolition. Instead, a willful buyer stepped up to the plate. The house seemed to be a prime example of “adaptive reuse” as a chiropractic office. But sure enough, bold development proposals from the new owner came before our Preservation Commission that could have changed the landscape of the property forever. The owner wanted to demolish the adjacent “servant’s quarters” on Gertruda Street and completely reconfigure the garden adding a new café. Since the servant’s house was not a registered landmark, his handlers worked at convincing us it was an insignificant structure. We worked hard at a compromise using the threat of costly environmental (CEQA) reviews if he wanted to pursue his plan. We reached an agreed upon plan and saved that house and the gardens. That was then. Construction never began on that plan. The Sweetser house was again sold. This past August, the commission approved a development plan from the new owner. It now turns out the owner’s latest landscape plan is not even consistent with what was approved. He now wants to reconfigure the garden. This impacts the historic features of the landmark. The commission has stood by their earlier approval and denied him the changes he has demanded. He will appeal to the city council on February 3rd. Considering the history of approvals on that property, certainly he knew what he was up against when he bought that house. I urge everyone to provide your input, support your Preservation Commission and participate in stopping this proposal by urging the City Council to deny his appeal. Write, fax, or email to your city councilman. Back to Sweetser House Page |