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One of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural landmarks in Los Angeles- -Hollyhock House--was closed Sunday for a three-year, $10-million restoration to repair the ravages of time and reverse the damage caused by the Northridge earthquake.
The sprawling Hollywood home built for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall will be restored to its 1921 magnificence as the centerpiece of a $21- million project to upgrade Barnsdall Art Park.
Architecture lovers joined city officials on the park grounds for a gala fund-raiser Sunday for the nonprofit group that has spearheaded efforts to save the house.
Arriving at the event, architect Eric Lloyd Wright said, like many of his famous grandfather's houses, Hollyhock House is unique because of its "wonderful sense of space, of belonging to the site" high on a hill overlooking the city.
Wright said the house is important because it represents a transition from his grandfather's earlier days in Oak Park, Ill., when he was building what became known as his Prairie houses.
Hollyhock House was a new design, named Romanza, intended for the far different environment of Southern California. "If you lost Hollyhock, you would lose that unique form," Wright said.
Wright observed how the house opens to an inner courtyard, encircled by rooms, balconies and rooftop walkways.
Sitting at the crown of what was once known as Olive Hill, the house has a panoramic view of the entire Los Angeles Basin.
Spectacular view aside, the 6,000-square-foot house is "literally falling apart," Wright said. Its reinforced hollow clay-tile walls are cracked and broken and its wood-frame and stucco second floor is in serious disrepair. Inside, the paint and wallpaper are peeling and water stains are...