The first stop in the crusade to save Richard Neutra's endangered Mariners Medical Arts complex (1963) will be tonight's Newport Beach Arts Commission meeting. Join us at 5pm at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave, and show your support. (We'll also be having dinner at Ruby's in Corona del Mar afterward.).
In a related Register article on the 7th, architect John Linnert said, "Buildings from this era are the most important part of the county's design legacy, and we're neglecting them." About the threatened demolition he said, "...They'll destroy this masterpiece to create two glass boxes that are mundane and have zero significance to history."
.
Later in the article, the president of the AIA's Orange County chapter said Mariners Arts is significant and that "Neutra was one of the most significant architects of the century, and he has a major body of work in Southern California. This building is a good example of what he was trying to accomplish in his work."
.
Newport Beach councilman Donn Webb replied, "About 15 years ago a committee was put together. They went around town and noted buildings that they considered to be of any significance. I don't think this building was on that list. I live in the neighborhood and go past that block regularly. It's not a building I've ever noticed or one that seems like anything special compared to everything else along there. They're all just flat-roofed offices and stores."
.
Where do I begin? First of all, the fact that Mr. Webb is at least semi-oblivious to Modern architecture is irrelevant to the question of the complex's importance. So is the fact that it's a flat-roofed commercial building. But what really raises my eyebrows is his reliance on 15-year-old survey (a little out of date!) by an unidentified committee. Who was on the committee, what were their criteria, and were they ready - 15 years ago - to accept the fact that post-WWII buildings could have serious historical or architectural significance?
.
For more on this subject, read Christine Madrid French's execellent letter (MS Word document) in support of saving this important part of O.C.'s architectural heritage.
.
And come say hello if you see me at tonight's meeting.