The walls came tumbling down Wednesay at the Anoakia Mansion, marking the final demise of the 87-year-old Anita Baldwin estate to make way for a gated tract of houses.
An informal committee of some 15 people was initiated by the Arcadia Historical Society in mid-September in an effort to preserve the old Anoakia School site, now that the school has relocated to Duarte.
Detail of peacock etched in glass entry door at Anoakia. Note: inscription on back of photo done by Eunice Easley, secretary to Lowry McCaslin. Inscription reads: Anoakia-Home of Anita Baldwin, Arcadia, CA. 1977. Etched peacock on door leading to Peacock Room.
A developer who wants to replace the historic Anoakia estate with a 31-home gated community received tentative approval Tuesday night from the Planning Commission.
Demolition permits have been approved and the project of building new homes where the Anoakia mansion stands is now underway. Artifacts from the mansion have been given to the Arcadia Historical Society and the Arboretum.
View (east) down bowling alley when Anoakia was Anita Baldwin's home, and used as a school library when the facilities were converted to a private girls' school.
Arcadia Planning Commission has approved a zone change for the Anoakia property from R-O 30,000 to R-O and D 22,000. The zone change will allow owner Lowrey McCaslin to develop the 19.13 acre site with 29 to 32 homes instead of 23.
Portion of wine cellar at Anoakia showing two very large casks (almost room height) with printing on each: E. J. Baldwin's Pure Old wines and brandies-Santa Anita Vineyards-1876. Two small barrels also in photo.
