The House of Hope on the north side of campus has stood for almost 70 years as an institutional landmark and an important part of City of Hope’s heritage.
 Morton La Kretz (Photo courtesy of Morton La Kretz) |
Now, this distinctive link to the institution’s past is set for a crucial update, thanks to philanthropist Morton La Kretz. His $1 million gift will help fund the restoration of the building, which will be named the Morton La Kretz House of Hope.
“City of Hope is a leader in cancer research and a unique Southern California institution,” said La Kretz, a Los Angeles real estate developer and owner of Hollywood’s Crossroads of the World. “I am pleased to support this organization that is dedicated to a cure for this devastating disease.”
La Kretz has earned a reputation as a generous benefactor in Los Angeles. His most noteworthy contributions include University of California, Los Angeles’ La Kretz Hall, which houses the Institute of the Environment; California State University Los Angeles’ La Kretz Hall of Sciences; and the La Kretz Watershed Garden at TreePeople headquarters, providing a visual environment in which children can learn about water conservation.
The House of Hope, originally dedicated July 5, 1940, was the brainchild of Samuel H. Golter, executive director of City of Hope at the time. Perhaps best remembered for coining City of Hope’s credo, “There is no profit in curing the body if, in the process, we destroy the soul,” Golter proposed that a synagogue be built to serve the spiritual needs of patients and their families.
The architect who designed the building was a former City of Hope patient, as was the artist who painted murals that originally adorned its main entrance. In one of the building’s historic highlights, former first lady and then-U.N. Ambassador Eleanor Roosevelt paid a visit in 1950.
 Eleanor Roosevelt, at center climbing stairs, walks into the temple during a 1950 visit to City of Hope. (Photo courtesy City of Hope Archive) |
City of Hope selected architectural firm WWCOT, known for expertise in historic religious buildings, to handle the design for its restoration.
As with other construction projects in progress at City of Hope, the Morton La Kretz House of Hope refurbishment includes a focus on environmental sustainability. The renovated building will integrate features to lower energy and water usage. Wherever feasible, builders will use recycled, renewable and locally supplied materials.
Renovators will update the building’s interior. Plans call for these improvements: new flooring and restrooms; more modular seating; the addition of heating and air conditioning; improved access for those with disabilities; and a modern reproduction of donor recognition. Visitors also will be able to view photos of the original recognition plaques through a computerized kiosk that will display new virtual recognition.
City of Hope officials expect the revamp to take about a year, beginning in early 2010.
