TOPANGA CANYON : Historic Status Urged for Sylvia Park Clubhouse
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Los Angeles County supervisors recommended this week that the Sylvia Park clubhouse in Topanga Canyon, a rambling Spanish colonial-style structure built in 1930, be declared a historic building by the state.
Architectural historian Peter Snell described the building, in a letter to the board, as “a reminder of how the region has been shaped by boosterism and real estate promotion” because it was constructed as a social hall to attract buyers for nearby cabins.
Snell said that during its 62-year history the club also served as a boarding school, a nightclub, a classical music hall known as the Mermaid Tavern, a commune and a rock ‘n’ roll club. It is being restored by commercial artist and illustrator Bill Buerge for use as his residence.
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