Nancy Daly meeting with restoration volunteers, November 1993

The story of Getty House’s restoration is one of perseverance that reflects the tenacity and vision of the individuals who brought it to fruition.

As Nancy Daly Riordan recalled, “When the restoration of Getty House was first conceived, the idea was simple: the restoration was primarily interior design work;  a different paint scheme and perhaps some new pieces of furniture … and the intention was to restore and redecorate…”

While plans got underway in November 1993 to finish restoration by June 1995, the Northridge earthquake in January 1994 pushed the deadline to October 1995. The house had sustained considerable damage from the earthquake. Not deterred by increasing challenges, the committee kept to its weekly meetings. “People felt like they were contributing to something positive about Los Angeles,” shared Ms. Daly.

Mayor Riordan with participants at the 2nd Annual Mayor's Celebrity Golf Tournament, July 1995

Her leadership and tremendous commitment were soon joined by enthusiasm from Janet Karatz, Barbara Barry, and Adele Yellin. Over an 11-month period, the restoration team grew to include 19 volunteer committees to address a variety of issues including design, protocol, art and furnishings acquisitions, historical documentation, the exterior, the public open house, the gala, and the tribute books.

Funding was also a vital focus, making possible the restoration to be undertaken. Funds were secured from private and public entities. Several benefit events were held, including celebrity golf tournaments, auctions, and other special activities. To help raise funds. Getty House’s public profile as civic home was also raised through marketing and creative publicity. A notable effort was advertising the renovation project on a milk carton among other clever public awareness campaigns.

Mayor Riordan with Restoration Foundation Chair Nancy Daly and Lynda and Stewart Resnick