In January, the City of Hollywood Commission will consider whether one of Hollywood’s most historically significant properties, the former home of pioneer resident Elsie Johns at 1317 Harrison Street, will be designated as historic and saved from the wrecking ball or will instead be demolished and replaced by two modern houses that are totally inconsistent with the architectural style of the neighborhood. The City’s Historic Preservation Board (HPB”) has already unanimously voted to designate the Johns Home as historic and denied the developer’s request for demotion; however, the developer is asking the City Commission to overrule its determination.

By signing this petition, you can let your voice be heard by the City Commission that you care about the preservation of one of the few historic homes that remain in our city.

The Johns Home was built in 1925 and is therefore one of the first homes built in the Hollywood Lakes neighborhood. Elsie Johns was the owner of Melina's Lingerie downtown, which was opened by her mother (Melina) and was the oldest store in Hollywood in continuous operation.

The Johns home lies within two specially designated historic districts, namely the Hollywood Lakes Historic District and the Harrison-Hollywood-Tyler Historic District. For those who love and respect the history of our City, our Hollywood Lakes neighborhood and historic Harrison Street, the demolition of the Johns Home will truly be a loss.

We are asking you to please sign this petition to be presented to the City Commission so as to make it clear that the Johns Home should be protected and preserved, not demolished. We also ask that as many of you as possible show up to the Commission meeting in January to speak out against demolition of the Johns Home