Kronish House: SAVED!

Michal Czerwonka for The Wall Street Journal.

Previously facing demolition, the Richard Neutra-designed Kronish house was recently sold to an undisclosed buyer for 12.8 million. The new owners have plans to restore and preserve the property, though no arrangements have been made to work with Dion Neutra, the architect's son who also runs the Neutra architecture practice. 

The Wall Street Journal reported that real estate agent Susan Smith (who helped broker the deal), said the buyers had been looking for a property with architectural history, adding that, "the new owner is going to preserve the house and this will take about two years." 

Richard J.Neutra, Kronish House, 1953, pastel on paper,
courtesy Palm Springs Art Museum.

Given their heavy involvement with the battle to save the property, the LA Conservancy was thrilled with this recent sale. However, not every reaction has been as enthusiastic, including this comment from Dion Neutra, “I wish we could have won the Neutra Library idea,” he wrote in an email to Developments. “Still hoping for that; a quasi public use, and to hear from these new owners as to how they will treat this icon.”

While the Neutra House is safe from demolition, its fate is once again that of a private residence. Does Dion Neutra have a point? Should this house take on more of a public and educational function, or should we be satisfied that it's at least safe from demolition?  Share your thoughts!