West LA Times

The UCLA Faculty Club, now in its 65th year of operation, has been honored with a 2024 Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy. Originally known as the Faculty Center, the building and project team were recognized during a ceremony on May 16 for a major renovation project that has revitalized its role as a space for community on campus.

As the largest local preservation organization in the United States, the nonprofit LA Conservancy has helped recognize, protect, and revitalize the county’s most iconic buildings for over 45 years. Its Preservation Award, which is annually selected by an independent jury of architecture experts, celebrates architecturally and culturally significant historic resources. The Conservancy commended the club for representing “the triumph of community advocacy and collaboration.”

“The Conservancy recognizes the value in preserving legacies that have been marked with modernism,” said Andrea Curthoys, the Faculty Club’s general manager. “Their award symbolizes where progress meets tradition.”

The club’s preservation was spearheaded by Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners, a firm renowned for its respect for historic buildings and appreciation of mid-century modern design. Principal Mario Violich, associate principal Clover Linné, and UCLA Capital Programs senior project manager Eric Heggen sought to maintain and update the club’s unique modern ranch-style design, which was originally built by architectural firm Austin, Field and Fry.

Leveraging mandatory seismic, accessibility, and infrastructure upgrades to create opportunities for additional improvements, the project team built upon the initial funding for crucial repairs to take the project to the next level. Inventive planning, design, and fundraising enabled the project team to revitalize a beloved campus building, transforming it into a newly relevant campus asset.

“The biggest improvements made to the club have transformed the experience for members and guests,” said Linné. “It has been wonderful to see the club and campus landscape brought back to life as a vibrant place for scholarly exchange, team building, gathering and informal interaction.”

The team made aesthetic improvements including interior and exterior paint; landscaping; hardscaping; carpentry; carpeting; and worked with UCLA Public Art Collection curator emerita Victoria Steele to curate artwork.

“I strove to acquire period-appropriate work when possible,” said Steele. “To reinforce the club’s indoor-outdoor aesthetic and select work by professional artists with a UCLA connection.”

The process of renovating began in 2011 when alumni Meyer and Renee Luskin made a significant gift to construct a new academic conference center and hotel. This led some to consider incorporating the club into this new enterprise until opposition from Michael Rich led to maintaining its current location but with necessary upgrades.

With a $10 million commitment in 2019 from UCLA Administration along with donations including $1 million from Sherie and Donald Morrison supporting aesthetic improvements over $4 million was raised.

“UCLA’s leadership deserves enormous credit,” said Linda Sarna. “Their commitment galvanized donors like Professors Sherie and Don Morrison.”

After functional renovations were completed in 2022 Curthoys noted its residential-style architecture makes it warm inviting friendly consistent gathering place members include faculty staff alumni located west Hilgard Avenue hosting myriad events conferences banquets dinners historically served professors socialize daily basis.

“Whether we’re from south campus or north campus,” said Stephen Cederbaum professor emeritus member board governors.

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