Once embraced as a public park, the rambling, historic property is now on the City of Glendale's surplus land list
Jul 14, 2018
It is listed on the State and National Registries of Historic Resources, and considered as a Place of Women's Historical Significance with those who have visited and learned about it. A dedicated group of volunteers helps to maintain the property, and advocate its preservation. For a time, the City of Glendale also also embraced the significance of Rockhaven Sanitarium. But not any more.
Today, Rockhaven is on a list of surplus property, and the danger of losing this remarkable landmark and charming facility is very real. It is a public property, a public park…but the gates are closed. It looms, ghost-like, just out of view.
Founded and operated in 1923 by Agnes Richards, Rockhaven was one of a number of respiratory and mental sanitariums in the Crescenta Valley. Renowned for its healthful air quality and tranquil living, the area was indeed a haven. And Rockhaven in particular boasted a beautiful atmosphere, caring staff, an engaging calendar of events, a strong sense of community, and real healing.
The property is, overall, excellently preserved and a perfect candidate for restoration. A sprawling facility with intact artifacts and interior elements, beautiful architecture and endless aesthetic appeal, there is roof repair and some related interior damage to be dealt with in several buildings. There are wooden window frames and several building sidings that need repair or restoration…in some cases nothing more than sanding and paint.
In short, there is nothing to prevent this property from being a crown jewel, extending the vibrant life of the Montrose shopping district up a few blocks and giving it something it does not have…a relationship to its history.