Historic Preservation is alive and well in San Marino . . . And the award goes to homeowners Joelle and Ben Grossi!
Joined by the President of San Marino Heritage, San Marino Mayor Eugene Sun and Councilman Richard Ward, I had the honor of presenting my award of an original painting to Joelle Grossi in a ceremony held outside her home.

Tucked away in a quiet tree-lined street in San Marino is a charming 1928 Spanish home that was lovingly restored back to and beyond it’s original splendor. As can be seen here, this was not the case just less than 10 years ago when the Grossi’s purchased the home which many characterized as a “wreck”.

Now compare the “after photo”.

And here is the pen and watercolor painting of the home that I presented to Joelle for the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award.
Friends, family and local residents joined us for the presentation and the Grossi family graciously opened up their restored home for tours. Refreshments were served “under the oaks” on their back yard patio.
The exterior, interior and gardens of the home were preserved and restored in celebrating the original architectural aesthetic of the home. I thought you might like to take a peek inside.



Thanks to Shirley Jagels of San Marino Hertiage for her constant vigilance with regard to historic preservation and for organizing this event and to the Grossi family for their wonderful example of home restoration done accurately, artistically and aesthetically!
Leisa