Image: Oviatt Library Digital Collections
The Daily News has a story about the impending demolition of the oldest house in Van Nuys, one that was built by Valley developer William Paul Whitsett in 1911.
The bungalow, at 14628 Sylvan, is owned by Merabi and Sons of Encino, which plan to demolish it to erect condominiums.
The city Cultural Heritage Commission has agreed to consider the home as a monument. But the hearing will take place on July 12th, and the developer may destroy the house before it can be registered.
Councilman Tony Cardenas is on the side of the preservationists, as are Ken Bernstein of the city Office of Historic Resources and Mike Buhler of the LA Conservancy.
Sylvan Street was once a lovely place, with its wide lawns and such historic buildings as the Van Nuys Women’s Club, the old LA Public Library and post office. But since the 1950’s, “old houses” have been demolished, and dingbat apartments disfigure the area. A few survivors, such as the Whitsett House, remain.
The Whitsett House is worth saving because of its historic value. But Whitsett himself knew the value of land and would today probably side with Mr. Merabi against the city.
Here in Van Nuys 
The development should go ahead, must go ahead. Who are these self-appointed “preservationists” ? Whose interests do they serve? Not mine. They do not calculate the value to our community of having better-quality housing in Van Nuys, not some eye-sore. They have their own private agenda, and too often they are accorded undue weight and, as in this case, publicity.
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The development should go ahead, must go ahead. Who are these self-appointed “preservationists” ? Whose interests do they serve? Not mine. They do not calculate the value to our community of having better-quality housing in Van Nuys, not some eye-sore. They have their own private agenda, and too often they are accorded undue weight and, as in this case, publicity.
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