Located at 2713 Honolulu Ave., Rockhaven Sanitarium was established in 1923 and built into its current configuration by the 1930s with a mix of Craftsman and Spanish bungalows surrounded by lush and beautiful gardens. Opened by Agnes N. Richards as a women-only health care facility, Rockhaven is the only intact example of the many sanitariums that once existed in the surrounding area. In later years, Rockhaven operated as a senior health facility until it closed in 2005. Three years later, the City of Glendale purchased the property, which consists of approximately 150,000 square feet on 11 separate parcels, some of which remain undeveloped.

Concerned about the poor condition of the abandoned property and the lack of proper maintenance, TGHS has advocated for an adaptive reuse solution to ensure that the property is preserved for future generations. TGHS views a public-private partnership as the most viable option for saving Rockhaven and, to that end, has asked that any development project: 1) identify, retain and preserve historic structures, features and landscaping in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; 2) ensure that any alterations and additions to the property not radically change, destroy or obstruct character-defining features; 3) result in placement on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and nomination to the National Register of Historic Places; and 4) provide public access so that the community has an opportunity to experience and enjoy the historic property.

TGHS supported the City’s issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in April 2014 to solicit interest from developers with experience in rehabilitating and restoring historic properties. The City received 10 responses to the RFQ, which offered a variety of preliminary proposals, including mixed-use, senior housing, condominiums and a school campus. However, due to lack of broad community support at this time, the City has decided to postpone consideration of any project options for at least one year.  TGHS remains troubled by the state of the Rockhaven property and will continue to press City officials for a preservation solution that results in full restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the site.

Last updated: Nov. 4, 2014