The Story of Isabel Janken’s Westwood Duplex ADU Transformation
The transformation of a cherished family home is always bittersweet, especially when it’s undergone by someone with as much history as Isabel Janken. At 96, she’s seen her Westwood duplex evolve from a beloved family home into a multi-generational rental community. What began as a modest duplex where Janken lived for over four decades is now a small community consisting of three units, including a new ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in the garage. This story is about resilience, family ties, and the power of adaptive design in modern urban spaces.
A Lifelong Bond with Her Home
For Isabel Janken, her Westwood duplex wasn’t just a property; it was her sanctuary. She and her husband, Harold, moved into the duplex decades ago, shaping their family’s lives within its walls and fostering memories that spanned generations. Janken’s connection to her home made the decision to transform the space a heartfelt journey. After Harold’s passing in 2007, the duplex became not only a source of memories but also a financial resource to support her move to assisted living.
- The Family Legacy: Janken’s move to assisted living made renting out her former home essential to subsidize her living expenses. It was a difficult decision, but she embraced it with an open mind.
- The Financial Necessity: Janken’s move to assisted living made renting out her former home essential to subsidize her living expenses. It was a difficult decision, but she embraced it with an open mind.
The Vision: Adding an ADU to Create a Modern Community
The idea of building an ADU on the property arose as a practical solution to maximize its value and provide additional rental income. Glen, along with architect Melissa Shin from Shin Shin Architecture, envisioned a small, modern unit that would both complement the existing duplex and contribute to the housing needs of Los Angeles.
- Meeting LA’s Housing Needs:The addition of an ADU aligned with the city’s push for alternative housing solutions, addressing LA’s ongoing housing shortage.
- Sustainable and Adaptive Design:Janken’s ADU was designed to meet low-impact development (LID) standards, ensuring sustainable stormwater practices and minimal environmental impact.
A Slow and Steady Process: The ADU Build
Building an ADU can be challenging, and Janken’s project was no exception. It took over two years and encountered numerous obstacles along the way, testing the patience and resolve of both Janken and her family.
- Architectural Challenges:Los Angeles regulations, such as requirements from the Department of Water and Power, led to delays, including clearance for overhead power lines and LID stormwater requirements.
- Contractor Challenges:Halfway through the project, the contractor disappeared, causing significant setbacks. Fortunately, he returned to complete the job, allowing the project to finally move forward.
The Final Reveal: Janken Sees Her ADU for the First Time
When the ADU was finally completed, Janken’s visit to the unit became a special milestone. At 96, every step up to the ADU represented her commitment to the project and her family’s dedication to seeing it through.
- A Difficult Journey, A Happy Outcome: Glen encouraged his mother as she made her way up to the newly built ADU, celebrating her accomplishment with pride and relief.
- A New Chapter in an Old Story: For Janken, seeing the completed ADU symbolized a blend of past memories and future possibilities for the property.
The Community Impact of Janken’s ADU
Today, the Westwood duplex stands as a testament to the power of transformation and adaptability. With three rental units, it now serves as a micro-community within the larger neighborhood, fulfilling both personal and social purposes.
- Supporting Aging in Place: Janken’s experience highlights how ADUs can support elderly homeowners, helping them maintain financial independence.
- Inspiring Local Development: The project has become an example of how Westwood and other LA neighborhoods can creatively address the housing crisis.
Isabel Janken’s story is more than just a tale of property development; it’s a story of resilience, family support, and adaptation. Her duplex, once a private family home, is now a small community in itself, honoring her legacy while helping meet the city’s housing needs. For Janken and her family, the ADU is more than just an addition—it’s a new chapter in a home filled with a lifetime of memories.
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