The West Hollywood Historic Preservation Commission has recommended 7900 and 7908 Santa Monica Blvd. for local cultural resource designation. (photo courtesy of the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance)

Two commercial buildings located at 7900 and 7908 Santa Monica Blvd. were recommended for local cultural resource designation by the West Hollywood Historic Preservation Commission on May 22, following advocation by the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance.

According to the WHPA, the two near-century old classical revival style-buildings have maintained architectural integrity that reflect the city’s commercial and economic development.

“The commercial buildings at 7900 and 7906 Santa Monica Boulevard have a strong association with early geographical patterns of West Hollywood’s history, particularly the period of commercial development that accompanied the Pacific Electric Railway expansion in the 1920s,” said West Hollywood senior planner Antonio Castillo. “Each building individually and collectively embodies the distinctive characteristics of its original 1920s-era date of construction as a vernacular brick commercial building with classical revival influences.”

A distinctive clock adorns the corner of the buildings located at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Both properties are listed on the California Register of Historic Resources and are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

In recent years, several commercial spaces within the buildings have struggled to maintain successful businesses.

“The designation process, in it of itself, does not address occupancy use or requirement of any tenant space,” Castillo said. “Additionally, the historic designation of the buildings does not change the level of review or applicable requirements for any occupancy or improvements to the buildings that do not already apply.”

With the recommendation by the commission, the next step is for the West Hollywood City Council to approve the buildings for cultural resource designation.