Rare Double Treat for architecture buffs!

Architect John Reed to Fete Irving Gill at Rialto Theater

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Irving Gill’s famed, but ill-fated Dodge House, the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation has invited Gill expert and noted architectural historian/architect John Reed to speak about Gill and his lost Los Angeles treasure at the newly-rescued Rialto Theater – 1023 South Fair Oaks Ave in South Pasadena.

Although considered one of the 15 most architecturally significant residences ever built in the United States, the Dodge House in West Hollywood was demolished in 1970. With popcorn and candy-counter delectables, the special event gets underway at 5 pm, Saturday June 6, as part of the Preservation Foundation’s annual meeting education program. “The Rialto has been shuttered for several years, and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hold this important tribute to Irving Gill and see the Rialto in its pre-renovation condition.”

Our connection to Gill’s incredible contribution to modern architecture is his Miltmore house in South Pasadena. It’s probably the best intact residence Gill ever built,‘ says Odom Stamps, Preservation Foundation president.

John Reed first discovered Gill’s work in 1944 while studying industrial design at USC with classmates Conrad Buff, Don Hensman, and Pierre Koenig and living in the Homer Laughlin residence in Los Angeles that Gill had designed in 1907. After graduating and living in San Diego for many years, John moved his practice back to Los Angeles and set up shop in R. M. Schindler’s King Road studio/residence.

Reed’s wealth of knowledge and rich stories about Gill and other masters of modern architecture should be a treat for everyone able to attend.