Mid-Century Modern UCLA Faculty Center Saved

UCLA Faculty Center, 1959  Courtesy of UCLA Archive

Due to an overwhelming amount of public outcry over the mid-century modern designed UCLA Faculty Center which was going to be demolished and replaced by a hotel and conference center.  On the eastern edge of UCLA, the building located at 480 Charles E. Young Dr. E., 90095 received the good news on Tuesday when UCLA Chancellor Gene Block decided to move the hotel and conference center project to what he described as a "second excellent site."

The UCLA Faculty Center is a membership Club for those associated with the University.  The specific and primary purpose of the facility is to make possible for members of the faculty, professional staff and other designated members of the UCLA community to meet both formally and informally, and thus to facilitate intellectual, educational, research, and social interactions in accordance with the general guidelines for UC faculty centers.

UCLA Faculty Center 2011   Courtesy of Joe Fletcher

Built in 1959, the 53-year old Faculty Center was designed by the architectural firm Austin, Field and Fry who were responsible for many civic buildings throughout Los Angeles.  The residential ranch-style post-and-beam design with floor-to-ceiling windows is unique for a civic project.  Beautiful patio and outdoor spaces join the indoors seamlessly for areas to gather.  With the good news comes the task of renovating and cleaning up the Center to meet the needs of modern day events and socials.  Time to adapt the building to a more conducive condition as maintenance has been neglected on the building for awhile now.

Preservation advocacy is a lot of work.  Anyone who has involved themselves in the effort to save a building knows exactly how hard it is to meet the goal.  The folks involved with Save the Faculty Center should feel accomplished.    Congratulations from an indebted soul.