Obituary, Martin Eli Weil

Architect Martin Weil, champion of Los Angeles preservation, founding member of the LA Conservancy and the West Adams Heritage Association.

Weil, 68 years old and originally from Montana, lived in Los Angeles for over 30 years, and contributed to the restoration of many LA buildings, seminal and vernacular. Especially renowned for his analysis of finishes, Martin would carefully crater through sometimes multitudinous layers of paint to reveal the color history of a surface, often pro bono, in service of a preservation cause, or as a gesture of friendship to a neighbor or interested home owner.

Martin's house is the only known extant Greene & Greene building in the city of L.A., preserved--thanks to Martin's stewardship--after years of insensitive use.

A personal memory:

In recent years, residents of Martin's Harvard Heights neighborhood have hosted informal gatherings to welcome new house buyers. At one such event, Martin complimented the living room fireplace. "It's so Chicago," he exclaimed delightedly. The comment, accessible and charitable, uninfected by snobbery or self-importance, settled over the room with a charming warmth.