| State of California - The Resource Agency |
| DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION |
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| *Resource Name or #: |
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Survey Title: |
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| B1. |
| Historic Name: |
The Brookmore Hotel
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| B2. |
| Common Name: |
Brookmore Apartments
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| B3. |
| Original Use: |
Multiple Family Residence
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| B4. |
Present Use: |
Multiple Family Residence
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| *B5a. |
| Primary Architectural Style: |
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| B5b. |
| Secondary Architectural Style: |
Vernacular Masonry
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| *B6. |
| Construction History: |
Date Built: |
1924
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The property has undergone moderate alterations since its construction. Originally, the engaged spiral colonettes on the facade included cone-shaped finials and cast stone scrollwork. These features as well as the parapet were most likely altered during earthquake hazard abatement procedures in the 1950’s. Further, original wood casement windows on the primary façade have been replaced with aluminum sliders.
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| *B7. |
| Moved?: |
 Yes
 No
Unknown
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Date: |
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Original Location: |
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| *B8. |
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| *B9a. |
| Architect: |
Edward B. Rust
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| b. |
Builder: |
Luther T. Mayo
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| *B10. |
| Significance: |
Theme: |
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Area: |
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| Period of Significance: |
1924
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Property Type: |
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| Applicable Criteria: |
| National Register Criteria: |
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California Register: |
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Local Register: |
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The property at 189 North Marengo Avenue (1925) is a substantially intact example of a rare, multi-story brick building exhibiting distinct architectural features and designed by a locally notable architect (Edward B. Rust). It is eligible for landmark designation under Criterion “C”, (§17.62.040 PMC):
[The property] embodies the distinctive characteristics of an historic resource property type, period, architectural style or method of construction, or represents the work of an architect, designer, engineer, or builder whose work is significant to the City or to the region, or that possesses high artistic values that are significant to the City or to the region.
The structure has a substantial level of architectural integrity (its ability to demonstrate why it is significant) through its design, materials, workmanship, and setting. Its multi-colored textured brick, its Jacobean Revival elements executed in buff-colored concrete (engaged spiral collonettes and black brick set in a diamond pattern in the upper, central portion of the façade), and its ground level concrete entablature and engaged columns are all still intact. It exhibits the character-defining features of two distinct styles and retains almost all of its original materials. Exterior alterations have occurred, most notably the removal of the original finials which terminated the engaged spiral collonettes and large cast stone scroll work which surmounted the three sections of the primary building facade. It is likely these were removed during earthquake abatement procedures in the 1950’s. More recently, a number of original wood windows on the primary façade have been replaced with aluminum sliders. Although inconsistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, these alterations do not impact the structures integrity to the point where it is no longer eligible for designation. Staff’s recommendation supporting landmark designation is based on an evaluation of the building’s integrity at present. The present evaluation, and the evaluation conducted as part of the Multi-Family Historic Survey in 2002, both recognize the alterations to the parapet and removal of the finials, but still find the building eligible for landmark designation.
According to the statement of significance in the Part I Certification Form prepared by Rita Walsh for the former property owner, the Brookmore Apartments is particularly unique because it is representative of “several non-indigenous concepts in the appearance of housing in the city, which is seen in the building’s vertical emphasis, brick construction, setback next to the sidewalk and its lack of landscaping.” Brick construction was not prevalent in Pasadena due to the materials staid and urban aspects which were contrary to materials used in the prevailing Mediterranean and Spanish revival styles. Brookmore is made even more distinct by its use of Jacobean Revival and classical revival elements which further distinguish the building from other multi-family residential structures in the city.
The building was designed by a locally important architect from Los Angeles, Edward B. Rust. Rust is also responsible for designing the Maryland Apartments on North Euclid Avenue, as well as another multi-family structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Los Angeles (Los Altos Apartments, 4121 Wilshire Boulevard, 1926).
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| B11. |
| Additional Resource Attributes: |
HP03
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| *B12. |
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| B13. |
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| *B14. |
| Date of Evaluation: |
07/18/2010
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