By Brenna Goth | The Republic
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Peter Sperling in preserving the residential historical character of Arcadia.)
Phoenix will end city-led efforts to preserve the David and Gladys Wright House, leaving the property owner to seek historic designation for the Arcadia home and surrounding land.
The City Council voted 8-1 to withdraw the proposal led by Phoenix in 2012 to protect the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home when it was on the brink of demolition. Councilman Sal DiCiccio voted against the withdrawal, citing the turmoil plans for the house since then have brought to the Arcadia neighborhood he represents.
Representatives of owner Zach Rawling asked for the withdrawal, and threatened legal action against the city if it didn’t comply. Rawling is seeking his own historic designation for the 1952 house — and other land he purchased — as one step in opening the site as an educational and cultural venue.