neutraVDL
Urgent Campaign for Neutra VDL Studio and Residences
(Cultural Heritage Historic Monument #640)
An appeal for preservation, maintenance and stewardship
Restoring and Maintaining the Buildings
Developing Programs to Inspire, Inform and Serve


The Neutra VDL Research Site in the Silverlake district of Los Angeles was built in three waves. The first two by Richard Neutra in 1932 and 1940; the third by Richard and Dion Neutra in 1966 following a fire in the 1932 wing. On a small 60x70 foot lot, it was capable of housing the Neutra office and three separate families in a tranquil environment with patios, pools, and rooftop and balcony gardens where nature penetrated these urban dwelling spaces. The Neutra VDL Research Site demonstrated that modern urban design could be affordable. A cooling rooftop reflection pool, large overhangs and movable sun louvers were innovative climate sensitive design features. This was accomplished with new building materials and informed by Neutra's interest in neurosciences. Hundreds of creative worldwide projects were designed here, launching the careers of soon to be renowned architects. The site became a cultural and political salon attracting some of the world's most prominent thinkers.

In fall 2007, Cal Poly Pomona College of Environmental Design, The VDL Advisory Board and the Friends of VDL launched two fund raising campaigns. The first campaign to raise $30,000 to cover day-to-day operating expenses for the next two years has now been met. A second campaign is now underway, which aims to raise $1 million to cover needed repairs and on-going maintenance of the house.

The $100,000 dollar endowment provided by Richard Neutra's collaborator and wife when it was gifted to Cal Poly Pomona, has been insufficient to maintain this complex structure.

Restoring and Maintaining the Buildings
There is work to be done on all three waves of construction. These include the basement of the 1932 original structure, the innovative indoor/outdoor 1940 garden house and the 1966 Richard and Dion Neutra VDL II wing.

Among the most pressing needs are to repair the roofing and the electrical. There are also jammed sliding glass doors; water damaged ceilings, walls and floors; cracked windows; non-rotating sun louvers; and malfunctioning lighting systems. A recent Getty grant has allowed us to accurately determine the cost of these repairs and renovations.

Continue to Develop Programs that Inspire, Inform and Serve
Funding will also be raised for cultural programs to be held at the house and to develop educational materials that will help to strengthen the facility's mission as a community resource.

We welcome donations. Please visit our secure web donation site to contribute. [back to top]