Commission recommends Conway House for Glendale Register, approves Mills Act contract conditions

Glendale — The Glendale Historic Preservation Commission on April 16 voted unanimously to recommend that 1524 Ridgeview Drive, known in staff materials as the Conway House, be listed on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and that the city manager be authorized to enter a Mills Act contract with the property owner.

Staff described the property (PMA 00132025) as a high-integrity example of midcentury post-and-beam modern design, with a later circa-1986 front-room addition and a sensitive Fred Fisher rear bathroom addition. Staff recommended designation under criterion 3 and proposed two Mills Act conditions addressing repair and partial replacement of the front deck and railing and other routine conservation work.

Property owner Tom McIntyre said he has lived in the house for 20 years and sought designation to help preserve the house “for the rest of its life.” McIntyre said he currently uses a sliding front window for ventilation but indicated he would consider tasteful alternatives if required. Staff noted the sliding window is a visible alteration but that the addition reads compatibly with the house.

Commissioners discussed the addition and the window, with several members saying the sliding window is not, in their view, a disqualifying alteration and agreeing to leave replacement as an option for future consideration rather than a required condition. Commissioners asked that the Mills Act condition include a specific timeline for the deck work; staff recommended, and commissioners adopted, a one-year timeline for the deck repair condition.

A motion to recommend listing and to recommend the Mills Act contract with the staff conditions was moved and seconded and passed by unanimous roll call.

The commission’s recommendation goes to the City Council, which must take the final action to list the property and authorize a Mills Act contract.