Historic Resources Survey of the Rossmoyne Historic District

LSA completed a historic resources survey of the Rossmoyne Neighborhood for the City of Glendale. Responding to a nomination from the community, the City wanted to determine whether the neighborhood appeared eligible for designation as a Historic District under National Register, California Register, and Glendale’s local historic designation criteria. The survey involved the development of a historic context statement that addressed relevant contexts and themes, including streetcar and early automotive suburbanization, period-revival architecture, and community development in Glendale. About 500 properties were surveyed using LSA’s custom-designed field collection application and database, the Historic Architecture Inventory (HAI). Photographs were taken of all built resources, and all properties (contributors and non-contributors) were recorded using the HAI, which automatically created Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms. Through application of the historic context and a reconnaissance-level foot survey of the area, LSA determined the boundaries of the Rossmoyne Historic District, which contained more than 80% contributing properties constructed between 1923 and 1940.

This district appeared eligible for the National Register and California Register because it exemplifies an early automobile suburb from the 1920s in Glendale. Because Los Angeles County led the nation (and possibly the world) in automobile registration, this early example of a neighborhood built and marketed for automobile commuters is highly significant in regional history. The City is in the process of designating this lovely neighborhood, with widespread support from the residents.

Client: City of Glendale

Location: Glendale, Los Angeles County