Oswald Bartlett house demolished despite preservation pleas

LOS FELIZ, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Despite delays and pleas from preservationists, the century-old Oswald Bartlett home in Los Feliz was demolished.

A crew used heavy equipment to bring it down this afternoon and residents in the neighborhood were outraged.

Many in the area opposed the demolition of the home, but last week the Cultural Heritage Commission voted not to give the building historical status.

"What do you see? You see history torn down before you, plus there was beautiful things in there that they didn't even bother to salvage," resident Rosemary DeMonte said.

The home was designed by famed architect A.C. Martin, who is known for creating larger buildings including Los Angeles City Hall.

"We're a little heartbroken today. The battle to save this beautiful house is lost," resident Mark Rowe said.

The house was originally scheduled to be demolished Thursday, but the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power determined the water to the home had been improperly shut off.

The current owner and developer Elan Mordoch plans to build a six-unit townhome complex on the property.