By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale City Council voted on Tuesday to place a home in the 500 block of Whiting Woods Road on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and authorized a Mills Act Contract.

The Mills Act Historical Property Contract Program allows owners of qualifying buildings to receive property tax reductions and use those savings to help restore and maintain their building.

The property on Whiting Woods Road is a home that was built by John Lautner, considered one of the most creative American architects. He studied under famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose influence is echoed in many of Lautner’s buildings. For 55 years, Lautner changed the landscape of Southern California.

The Whiting Woods home is known as the Schaffer House, which was completed in 1949. It is a perfect mix of glass and building that highlights the tree-lined landscape.

The Schaffer family played a big role in the design of their home. They knew the piece of land very land where the house now stands – they used to picnic on the lot. They loved the location and the trees so much they wanted to build a home there.

According to the Los Angeles Conservancy, Lautner planned the house around the oak trees, orienting it horizontally so it nestles easily among them.

The new owner had applied for the Register and plans to restore the 1400-square-foot home to its former perfection.

The City Councilmembers were all impressed with the home and in agreement regarding the Register request.

“Words do not do justice, so I am just going to zip it and support,” said Councilmember Ara Najarian.

Councilmember Paula Devine added how extraordinary the home was and that preserving it was important for future architects to study.

“This is the textbook example perfect candidate for the Mills Act,” added Mayor Zareh Sinanyan.

  Mary Okeefe