California’s iconic outsider architecture property set for restoration

by arslan_ahmed | January 22, 2024 10:00 am

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Page & Turnbull, a national architecture firm, in collaboration with the Glendora Historical Society, has unveiled plans to preserve the iconic Rubel Castle Historic District.

The property is an eccentric and monumental folk-art environment, constructed entirely by hand by self-trained craftsperson Michael Rubel and his ‘pharmhands’ over several decades.

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the 0.69-ha (1.7-acre) district centers on the walled, 2,044-m² (22,000-sf) castle complex. The castle, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), is a testament to Rubel’s innovative use of repurposed materials and unique construction methods, drawing inspiration from the area’s citrus industry and early agricultural eras.

Actively building from the 1960s through the mid-1980s, Rubel and his collaborators saw their work as a response to the banality of commercial culture. Their handcrafted, additive approach to Rubel Castle and other buildings in the historic district are highlighted by character-defining features, as outlined by Page & Turnbull, including the courtyard and walkway of brick pavers with glazed ceramic tile accents, and a sculptural open stairway made of steel, concrete, wood, and a repurposed tombstone.

Also notable are the railings assembled from recycled wood grills, wagon wheels, rail tracks, and other miscellany. Roof beams and opening transoms were fashioned from telephone poles, and walls are constructed of boulder-sized river rocks, granite slabs, and steel piping, along with embedded accents of bicycle parts and household appliances.

Led by John Lesak, Page & Turnbull’s Los Angeles principal-in-charge, the conservation plan aims to stabilize the intricate craftsmanship of Rubel Castle and enhance visitor engagement.

The detailed preservation program encompasses 23 separate areas, addressing structural needs, safety concerns, infrastructure rehabilitation, and restoration of deteriorated wood and masonry. Crucial improvements are also planned to prevent future flooding and water intrusion.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/californias-iconic-outsider-architecture-property-set-for-restoration/

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