But a new building complex is slated to go up next to Neutra’s, with the potential for the building to be demolished altogether to make way for a three-phase project. The citizens, mostly architects or people who work at the complex, are trying to prevent that from happening.
But stopping the construction around the building is a tall order for activists to ask. The first phase of building calls for a new office structure — about 9,000 square feet — atop the parking lot behind the building, Newport Beach Planning Director David Lepo said.
The building permit has been issued, but a stipulation of that permit asked that no demolishing commence until an architectural survey could be performed to determine the building’s significance, Lepo said.
But activists argue that the initial development could already demolish some portions, and that the historical significance of the building should prevent any action, but hasn’t yet.
Activists for the structure are outraged this is possible, but they know saving buildings can be a tough sell.
“There was probably one time the world didn’t know about the pyramids,” said Costa Mesa architect John Linnert, who is fighting to preserve the building. “The world finally came around and said, ‘Oh my God this was important.’ Maybe this is not to the scale of the pyramids, but still important.”
Linnert, a member of the American Institute of Architects, points to simple aspects of Neutra’s design, the use of vertical stones in a wall, the fact the building isn’t showy, but takes a person to walk through it to experience its true elegance and various components.
