A well-kept cottage and alley bungalow that has played home to immigrants through the generations may become the city’s latest landmark.
The property at 4450 Tennyson St. is in the Berkeley-Regis neighborhood. It is owned by Daphne Salone of Casa Felices, LLC. The home, known as the Currie/Dryer House, was built by carpenter Arthur Wellington Currie in 1909. His family lived in the cottage, and they rented out the bungalow in back.
According to a presentation by city staff to the Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Currie rented to immigrants, non-Protestants, widows, laborers, young families, and seniors. “Despite KKK intimidation in the neighborhood, continued to be involved with the Holy Family Parish and rent to groups also targeted by the Klan such as Nathan Arenburg, a Russian Jewish immigrant and Socialist Party candidate.”
From 1909 to 2000, the property served as home for Germans, Italians, Swedes, Russia-born Jews, Latinos and more, according to the presentation. Even if the committee approves the landmark designation at Tuesday’s meeting, which city staff has recommended, the full council must sign off on it, too.