El Monte : House to Be Renovated

The Lambert House, one of the oldest buildings in the city, has been designated a historical landmark and will be renovated with a $45,000 grant appproved by the City Council last week.

The two-story Victorian-style house was built in the late 1890s by William Dodson, an early settler in the area, on 70 acres along Lexington Avenue just south of the existing Valley Mall, a city official said. It became known as the Lambert House more than 30 years ago when ownership passed to Thomas Lambert, a rancher. Later, the house was and converted to apartments. It has fallen into disrepair in recent years.

Sharon and Esequiel Saenz bought the house for $77,000. Sharon Saenz said they plan to do most of the restoration work themselves and live in the house after the work is complete.