The Street Seen: 2401 Main St
2401 Main Street @ Hollister
The existing 2401 Main St is built in 1966 as a 2-story commercial woodworking workshop, and converted to office use in 1977.
Before Current Building 1892 - 1966
In 1893, the Santa Monica Commercial Co. sells the recently subdivided 2401 Main St lot1 to Louisa Mohn (1829 – 1910)2 for $150. The Hollister and Main corner lot is still undeveloped in 1902.
In 1905, Louisa Mohn sells 2401 Main St to her daughter, Emma Rissman,3 for $200. Sometime between 1902 and 1909, a house is built on property.
Emma Rissman’s son, George Rissman, occupies the 2401 Main house from 1912 to 1916.
Sometime between 1918 and 1926, the 2401 Main St house is demolished - leaving a vacant lot.
The 2401 Main St corner remains vacant until 1966 (i.e. for at least 40 years).
Current Building
In 1964, John J. Weidemann, who owns the woodworking and antique furnishing business at the adjacent 2403 Main St, acquires the vacant 2401 Main St lot. In 1966, Weidemann builds a 2-story cabinet workshop on the property. The $43,000 building is designed by Santa Monica architect Vincent Kelly. To provide the code-required parking for the building, Weidemann acquires the residential lot at the rear (2402 2nd St) - demolishing the house on that lot.
In 1967, Weidemann is involved in a dispute with the neighbors over storing antique façade stone fragments on his parking lot. Weidemann operates a custom furnishing design and manufacturing business, and in 1974 the “Weidemann Designs” sign (no longer there) is installed on the adjacent 2403 Main.
But in 1977, the 2nd floor of 2401 Main is partitioned and remodeled for offices. In 1978, the National Health Law Program4 leases the 2nd floor. In 1981, Weidemann sells both 2401 Main and 2403 Main,5 and retires.
The buildings are vacant. Several attempts to find tenants run into zoning issues.6
In 1989, accounting firm, Murphy & Kress,7 occupies the building. They still do.
The 32-ft x 100-ft 2401 Main St property is Lot 28, Block P, of the 1892 Santa Monica Commercial Company Tract.
Louisa Bernhardt Mohn (1829 – 1910). Married George Frederick Mohn (1816 – 1899) in Huntington, IN. They live for many years in Racine, WS, before coming to Los Angeles with their children, Emma Louisa Mohn Rissman (1850 – 1916) and George Frederick Mohn Jr (1852–1939), in 1882..
Emma Louisa Mohn Rissman (1850 – 1916). Born in IN, married in 1872 Heinrich John (Henry) Rissmann (1847–1882) a school teacher in WS. After Henry Rissmann dies (age 35) in 1982, Emma (age 33) and her children, a daughter (Emma Louise Rissman Woolley (1872 - 1919)) and two sons (Henry George Rissman (1875 - 1929) and George Frederick Rissmann (1880 - 1967)), come to Los Angeles with her parents. Emma Rissman acquires significant Los Angeles real estate. In Ocean Park she owns 2000 Main St (at Bay) and 2401 and 2403 Main (at Hollister).
Founded at UCLA in 1969, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals and families. NHeLP advocates, educates and litigates at the federal and state levels.
By 1981, 2401 Main St is partially owned by Larry Silverton - father of the well known chef Nancy Silverton.
In 1981, a health spa (a permitted use) with 9 rooms on the ground floor, each with a hot tub, is proposed for 2401 Main. The application, although lacking the required parking, is initially approved. However, after receiving a petition from 122 neighbors concerned about parking, the project is denied on appeal.
Murphy & Kress is a business management (bookkeeping, accounting, taxes) firm specializing in a high-profile entertainment industry clientele. The firm is founded in 1984 by Brian J. Murphy CPA and Gary J. Kress CPA.