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A quiet residential street in West Los Angeles, North Skyewiay Road in the affluent Brentwood Heights neighborhood, has long been home to an architectural marvel, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sturges House. For decades, the redwood-and-brick structure, with its dramatic cantilevered deck appearing to sail over a steep embankment, has been a source of local pride, its distinctive silhouette a testament to Wright’s innovative vision. For many years, residents and passersby might have observed actor Jack Larson’s beloved white shepherd, Dewey, lounging contentedly on the deck, a vivid image of domestic tranquility within a monumental design. However, the serene perception of this iconic residence has recently been shattered, replaced by a escalating dispute over its current condition and future, pitting concerned neighbors and preservationists against the property’s current owners, a non-profit foundation.
A Legacy in Question: The Sturges House’s Architectural Significance
Commissioned in 1938 by Lockheed engineer George Sturges and his wife Selma, and completed in 1939, the Sturges House stands as a seminal example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian period. This architectural philosophy, developed by Wright in the 1930s, aimed to create affordable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing homes for middle-income American families, characterized by open-plan living, flat roofs, strong connections to the landscape, and the innovative use of local materials. The Sturges House, with its richly colored redwood structure and brick core, embodies these principles, showcasing Wright’s mastery of organic architecture where the building integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Its most striking feature, the cantilevered living room and deck, projects boldly from the hillside, creating a sense of lightness and defying gravity, a feat of engineering that echoes the contemporaneous construction of his renowned Fallingwater in rural Pennsylvania. The construction was notably supervised by John Lautner, who would later become a celebrated architect in his own right, further underscoring the home’s pedigree. As one of only eight Wright-designed structures in the greater Los Angeles area—a collection that includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hollyhock House—the Sturges House holds undeniable historical and cultural significance, officially recognized as a Historical-Cultural Monument (HCM) by the City of Los Angeles.
The home’s second notable chapter began in 1967 when it was acquired by actor Jack Larson, famous for his role as Jimmy Olsen in "Adventures of Superman," and his long-time partner, director James Bridges. For nearly five decades, Larson and Bridges were devoted stewards, meticulously maintaining the property and embodying the spirit of responsible ownership that many preservationists advocate. Their tenure contributed significantly to the house’s storied history, preserving its integrity and ensuring its place as a cherished neighborhood landmark until Larson’s passing in 2015.
Escalating Concerns: Allegations of "Demolition by Neglect"
Following Larson’s death, the property was put up for auction in 2016. It was purchased for approximately $1.85 million by the All Right Now Foundation, a non-profit organization based in El Segundo, California, reportedly established by a group interested in preserving the home, including Robert Brisco, CEO of online publisher Internet Brands. However, in recent years, a growing chorus of voices, primarily from immediate neighbors and architectural preservation groups, has raised alarms about the house’s condition under the foundation’s ownership.
Neighbors report a visible decline in the property’s upkeep, citing signs of disrepair that range from weathered wood and visible gaps in the cantilevered deck planks to unverified claims of coyotes on the grounds, suggesting a lack of active stewardship. These concerns reached a critical point in late August of the current year, when a series of media reports, notably an Artnet piece, brought the issue into the public eye. These articles amplified fears that the Sturges House, despite its HCM status, was at risk of "demolition by neglect"—a term used to describe the gradual deterioration of a historic property due to inadequate maintenance, often leading to its eventual demolition or irreparable damage. This concept highlights a critical loophole in many preservation laws, where active destruction is prohibited, but passive decay often goes unaddressed until it’s too late.
The gravity of the situation was underscored when the Los Angeles Conservancy, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the city’s architectural heritage, placed the Sturges House on its 2026 watchlist for endangered buildings. This watchlist serves as a public alert, drawing attention to significant historic properties at risk and mobilizing efforts to protect them. Barbara Gordon, executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, articulated the frustration felt by many preservationists. "How do you enforce preservation rules moving forward if all the owners are getting small fines?" she questioned, highlighting the perceived lack of stringent penalties for neglecting historic properties. "How do you enforce it at a larger scale? Because I think it’s not just this building. This is one of many." This sentiment is echoed by Jaime Rummerfield, an interior designer and cofounder of the preservation nonprofit Save Iconic Architecture, who lamented, "It’s more common than not in L.A. because the consequences are just not stringent, unfortunately. People get a slap on the wrist." She cited other examples of landmark homes suffering from insufficient stewardship, including Wright’s Walser House in Chicago and Los Angeles’s Wattles Mansion, underscoring a systemic challenge in the city’s preservation framework.
The Owners’ Rebuttal: A Foundation’s Commitment to Preservation
In stark contrast to these widespread concerns, the All Right Now Foundation vehemently denies any accusations of neglect or disrepair. Wendy Giberti, legal counsel for the foundation, categorically refuted the claims made by neighbors, labeling them "categorically untrue and defamatory." She argued, "Why would a foundation spend millions of dollars to buy and maintain a property if they didn’t want to take care of it? I can tell you there has been a considerable investment in the property. The idea that we are being neglectful is a little bit insulting."
The foundation asserts its commitment to the property’s preservation, detailing regular maintenance activities including gardening, repairs, and the presence of an on-site caretaker. A statement issued by the foundation on September 2, 2026, further elaborated on "large expenditures, including planning for what is to come next and making sure the building stays safe until such time as a larger project is going to be undertaken." It also mentioned "regular maintenance, upkeep, and inspections by licensed experts, including structural engineers, waterproofers, electricians, and plumbers." When the author visited the property on September 29, 2026, perimeter sidewalks were lined with "private" signs, and while the cantilevered wooden elements showed signs of weathering and minor gaps between planks, the overall impression from the street did not immediately suggest imminent collapse. The foundation maintains that any visible issues with the wooden exterior are purely "cosmetic," and that the "functional condition has improved from when it was acquired."
Despite these assurances, the foundation has yet to publicly announce a long-term plan for the property, now more than a decade into its ownership. Its website, while featuring a "Tours" section, remains largely blank save for a single photo, though new interior photos marked "fall 2026" have recently appeared. The foundation’s board, comprising "private citizens who prefer to focus their resources quietly on the work of preservation rather than engaging in public debate," has stated it is still developing its strategy. Architect Joshua Moratto, listed as a board member in the foundation’s 2024 tax return, declined to comment, though his Instagram feed includes posts referencing "an addition to an Usonian."
A notable point of contention is the foundation’s apparent lack of engagement with the wider preservation community. Barbara Gordon of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy expressed surprise that her organization had not been contacted by the All Right Now Foundation. She noted the typically close-knit nature of the Wright preservation community and emphasized the extensive resources and expertise her nonprofit could offer in addressing the complex restoration and maintenance challenges inherent in Wright’s unique designs.
Regulatory Hurdles and Legal Intricacies
The dispute took a more official turn on August 24, 2026, when the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issued an "order to comply" for the Sturges House. This order directed the owners to repair and maintain the existing wood balcony and the historical building itself, with a LADBS spokesperson confirming that "the related portions of the building have been deemed unsafe." As of October 5, 2026, the property remained listed as "under investigation," with the issue unresolved by the department.
Giberti, however, stated that the foundation paid the requisite $300 fine, attributing the complaint to a "drive-by by an inspector." She asserted that the foundation obtained a structural engineering report confirming the deck’s soundness, arguing it was "probably more safe than what current code is for new homes." This report, she claims, was provided to a city inspector, and she assumes the issue is resolved, though attempts to contact the city inspector for independent verification were unsuccessful. This situation highlights a common challenge in preservation: the interpretation of safety standards versus historical integrity, and the often-slow bureaucratic process of resolution.
Adding another layer of complexity to the foundation’s operational status, the California Attorney General’s office reported on September 25, 2026, that the All Right Now Foundation’s state charitable trust registration status was revoked. A letter dated April 26, 2023, indicated that the registration was suspended and that the organization cannot legally operate in California in such a state. Giberti disputed this, asserting that the online information was incorrect and out of date. The implications of a non-profit operating with a revoked charitable status could be significant, potentially affecting its ability to solicit donations, maintain tax-exempt status, and conduct its stated mission legally.
Broader Implications: The Battle for L.A.’s Architectural Soul
The ongoing saga of the Sturges House transcends a mere neighborhood dispute; it encapsulates a larger, systemic challenge in Los Angeles and beyond regarding the preservation of privately owned historic properties. The city’s preservation laws, while designating Historical-Cultural Monuments, are often criticized for their "lack of teeth" and insufficient enforcement mechanisms. The Los Angeles City Planning Department, which oversees HCM designations, clarifies that its Office of Historic Resources must review any plans for alterations, but it is "not an enforcement agency." Its power in cases of decay is limited; the Cultural Heritage Commission can only delay demolition to explore preservation solutions, not compel maintenance. The last discussion between City Planning and the Sturges ownership, on April 16, 2024, merely involved the owner’s attorney stating they would address needed repairs.
This impasse pits the public duty to preserve significant architectural heritage against the rights of private property owners. While owners are expected to maintain their historic properties, the financial burden can be substantial, and the legal framework for enforcing such duties remains weak in Los Angeles. Concerned residents like Lisa Chadwick, who has actively campaigned, reaching out to media, the Conservancy, and local councilmember Traci Park, believe that public pressure is the only way to compel action. "I think the more attention it gets, the more pressure he’s going to have, either to sell it or to do something," Chadwick stated, reflecting a common sentiment among advocates.
Ultimately, the future of the Sturges House remains uncertain. The All Right Now Foundation insists on its diligent stewardship and its right to privacy, while neighbors and preservationists express deep concern and a desire for greater transparency and accountability. "We have world class architecture in L.A.," remarks Jaime Rummerfield, posing a poignant question that resonates at the heart of this debate: "So where’s the pride to protect it?" The Sturges House, a masterpiece of American architecture, stands as a critical test case for the efficacy of preservation laws and the collective responsibility to safeguard cultural landmarks for future generations. Without a clear resolution or stronger enforcement, this architectural jewel risks fading into history, a casualty of what many fear is neglect, despite the owners’ strong denials.
