Both chapels have been closed to the public since the 1971 Sylmar earthquake loosened the foundation and caused the northeast bell tower to pull away from a gable . Since 1971 , the building has fallen into an ever-worsening state of disrepair , as the VA has been unable to fund necessary repair and restoration work . Despite its neglect for more than 35 years , preservation experts note that the building , the oldest remaining building on Wilshire Boulevard , is a prime candidate for “ architectural resurrection . ” The VA has estimated the cost of renovation to be $ 11.5 million , with the required work including replacement of the masonry foundation , seismic retrofit and asbestos and lead paint removal
1971 Sylmar earthquake
1971 San Fernando earthquake
Wadsworth Chapel