Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Mr. Timothy Gregory in preserving a vital part of Southern California's architectural heritage. Over the last few years, Mr. Gregory has been instrumental in bringing to light the architectural significance of the Janes Village area.
Mr. Gregory is locally known as "The Building Biographer,'' and his knowledge has aided countless citizens in the community in appreciation of the architectural treasures that surround them every day. Through innumerable hours devoted to researching and informing the community about Janes Village and the vision of Elisha P. Janes, the noted local builder for whom the area is named, Mr. Gregory has almost single-handedly been responsible for the rediscovery of Mr. Janes' Altadena building projects and their spectacular architecture.
The three hundred homes built between 1924 and 1926 are part of Mr. Janes' vision to build a thousand homes in Altadena. Although he never met that mark, the hundreds of homes he did build still stand as a testament to the early years of development in the Los Angeles area. Originally billed as "Homes of Distinction in Scenic Altadena,'' these homes are as unique and special today as the day they were built.
These homes stand as an enduring architectural monument--three hundred homes built on nine streets, of which two thirds can be directly attributed to the work of Mr. Janes. Their distinctive English Revival style marks some of the most remarkable architecture of the time.
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Gregory, Janes Village has now established itself not only as a Heritage Area, but as a neighborhood and community with a rich historical past. I ask all Members of Congress to join me in applauding the work of Timothy Gregory in celebrating and preserving a piece of our incredible architectural history.