'Modernism in America' Honors Neutra Church, L.A. Conservancy

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The Arboretum
Richard Neutra designed what's now The Arboretum in Garden Grove as a "drive-in church" in 1961.

Last November, we were thrilled to learn that the group Docomomo US would be giving out awards for modern architecture restoration and preservation. The nation's largest organization focused on modernism set out to recognize the architects, planners, designers, and preservationists helping to keep our national modernist treasures intact.

Now, as Docomomo announces the winners of its Modernism in America contest, some California projects in our coverage area particularly grabbed the interest of the Eichler Network.

The Survey Award of Excellence went to the Los Angeles Conservancy for the website for its program, Curating the City: Modern Architecture in L.A., which includes content by author-historian Alan Hess. It's part of Getty's Pacific Standard Time initiative, and a first stop online resource for information about Los Angeles's deep history and vast array of modernist buildings.

In addition, a citation of merit went to The Arboretum, formerly the Garden Grove Community Church, which Richard Neutra designed in 1961 as a "drive-in church." According to the Modernism in America website, "the jury notes the impressive effort to reinforce and strengthen the original structure, hide new air conditioning systems, while retaining the original design intent."

We tip our hat to all the winners and participants, and to Docomomo US for organizing this nationwide program to promote and recognize modernist architecture. The Award winners will be recognized at the Docomomo US symposium in Houston, from March 13-15. You can find all the winners and citations of merit at the Modernism in America website.