The once doomed Frank Lloyd Wright designed Charles Ennis House (1924) in L.A. went through a dramatic restoration last summer, saving it for generations of people to enjoy. So why isn't the Textile Block masterpiece opened up yet for admiring tourists to view? Turns out grouchy old neighbors are to blame.
According to a post on Curbed LA:
"A group of about 20 adjacent neighbors is fighting plans to reopen the house to the public, arguing that the house should be sold to a private owner. They say that re-opening it will again create havoc on a tiny street that was never intended to host visitors, conferences, fundraisers, movie shoots, or parties...They add that local zoning prohibits any house in the neighborhood from hosting public visits or events, and point to a letter signed by the foundation in 2005 assuring them that the house would not be re-opened to the public." The Ennis House Foundation is working on a new plan that allows limited public access but admits selling the house is a possibility.
Seems like a giant shame if such a remarkable restoration effort can't be appreciated by people from all over the world. Hopefully, some sort of compromise can be reached. Follow the link to read the full article from The Architect's Newspaper and weigh-in on what you think: Keep it Public or Make it Private?
Photo copyright ennishouse.org
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