PRESERVE LEIMERT PARK
Dear Community Stakeholders and Friends,
We hope this message finds you well. Today, we write with both an important update and a call to action in our collective effort to secure Leimert Park’s place on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
In January, we proudly announced that in partnership with our fiscal agent, the Los Angeles Conservancy, we secured a $75,000 Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Park Service (NPS)—an important milestone toward officially recognizing Leimert Park’s historic and cultural significance.
However, just weeks later, following the transition in presidential administrations, a federal funding freeze put our grant in jeopardy. According to the Los Angeles Conservancy, it is now unlikely that these funds will be fulfilled.
This is a setback—but not the end of our mission. If history has taught us anything, it is that our community thrives through self-determination and advocacy. We cannot allow bureaucracy to stall this effort. Now, more than ever, we must come together to ensure Leimert Park receives the recognition it deserves.
Where We Stand & How You Can Help:
To date, we have raised $12,000+ toward our goal of $90,000. The NPS grant would have brought us within reach of securing the necessary funds but, now, we must step up to fill the gap.
We are calling on you—community stakeholders, local leaders, and friends—to help us move this effort forward. Your support, whether through donations, connections to potential funders, or advocacy, will make all the difference.
Ways to Take Action Today:
• Contact Us: Reply to this email to discuss ways you can contribute.
• Donate:
• Online: Donate here
• By Mail: Make checks payable to Los Angeles Conservancy (with a note
"For Leimert Park National Register Nomination Fund”)
Los Angeles Conservancy
c/o Leimert Park National Register Nomination Fund
523 W. Sixth St., Suite 826
Los Angeles, CA 90014
• Learn More & Spread the Word: Visit www.preserveleimertpark.com
This is our moment to reaffirm our collective strength and dedication to Leimert Park. Let’s make sure our community receives an officially recorded designation of what we already know—Leimert Park is architecturally, culturally, historically and socially significant, worthy of placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
With gratitude and determination,
Preserve Leimert Park Homeowners Committee
In alphabetical order:
Lena Hobson, 27-year resident
Julie Naylon, 8-year resident
Greg Nunlee, 22-year resident
Diane Robertson, 11-year resident
Daniel Signani, 12-year resident
Stephen Thomas, 26-year resident
The National Register of Historic Places: A Quick Guide
When you picture a historic landmark, do you see a statue of George Washington or the White House? What about the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, or Hollywood Boulevard? America is full of wonderful historic sites.
The National Register of Historic Places was founded in 1966 to document and protect significant historic places. These places include not just buildings, but also natural and cultural resources.
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This guide will show you some interesting facts about this important register and what it means if your neighborhood becomes a part of this National register.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects worthy of preservation. It’s administered by the National Park Service (NPS) under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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Designations are made after in-depth research on the historic significance of the site. Sites are reviewed by state and tribal historic preservation officers to make sure they can meet standards for inclusion.
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What does it mean if your neighborhood becomes a part of the register?
If your neighborhood becomes a part of the register, it means that your community has been recognized as a place with cultural and historic significance.
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It also means that your neighborhood will be eligible for federal funds to help preserve and restore buildings or other structures.
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The National Register of Historic Places is a program that helps preserve the history of America. It documents important historic sites from all over this country, from large cities to small towns. But if your home is in an historic district, it may qualify as well!
What does The National Register of Historic Places do?
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Designates a historic area based on uniform national criteria and procedures
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Sets district boundaries based on the historic significance and pattern of intact (contributing) historic properties of an area
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Provides a limited degree of protection from the effects of federally-assisted projects and those with discretionary review (ex. transportation improvements that may adversely impact a historic district)
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Provides a limited review process from City staff for owner-initiated projects requiring building permits for exterior improvements (primarily those visible from the front and public right of way)
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Makes the State Historic Building Code available as a building code alternative
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Makes available specific federal and CA tax credit incentives for the rehabilitation of qualified historic buildings within the Historic District
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Limits higher-density housing development from occurring if located in a historic district, if “included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, or legally designated or listed as a city or county landmark, historic property ordistrict,” as specified in CA Senate Bill 9 (approved 9.16.21)
What the National Register of Historic Places does NOT do.
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Restrict the use or disposition of property or obligate private property owners in any way
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Require adherence to design guidelines or a Preservation Plan by a community-basedhistoric preservation board, such as a HPOZ board
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Affect state and local government activities
A list of work that generally requires a permit.
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New buildings
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Additions to buildings
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Tenant improvements
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Accessory Dwelling Unit Conversions
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Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6', fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping and path of travel etc...)
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Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and door(s) changeouits, etc.)
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New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
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New, expanded or replaced plumbing items
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New, expanded or replaces mechanical items
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Grading work
Conclusion
The National Register of Historic Places is an important resource for the preservation of America’s history. It is a way for our history to be recognized for generations to come.
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The National Register of Historic Places is a list of historic sites across the country that are recognized for their cultural, historic, architectural, or other significance. The list is maintained by the National Park Service.
National Register status doesn't protect a historic site from being destroyed or altered, but it does provide recognition and distinction.
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For more information about The National Register of Historic Places please visit their website at NPS.