Everytime I drive back from San Pedro down Ocean Blvd. I peer to the right and marvel at an icon of the Long Beach skyline - the Villa Riveria. Hard to believe it is only 15 stories as it seems so much larger. Built in 1929, this building, for some time, was one of Southern Californias tallest buildings. It seems much larger probably because it cradles two major streets, Los Alamitos Avenue and Ocean Blvd.
Looking closely at the architecture and top line of the building, it's steep pitched roof (made of copper) and gargoyle centurians around the whole building, I'm reminded of mid-16th century European renaissance castles I use to see and read about in history books. And the south facing portion of the building provides ideal views of the Long Beach Harbor and Catalina. While the north peers to the heart of Long Beach up Los Alamitos Blvd.
History tells us that Villa Riveria weathered one of the worst earthquakes on record - 1933. And counted Hollywood elites such as Charlie Chaplin and Joseph Schenck as its tenents. Having undergone many incarnations over time - apartments, a luxury hotel, and even naval housing during WWII, the building was converted into condos in 1991.
It is certainly one of the iconic architectural marvels of our small, diverse city and will continue to be for many years to come.
If you want to learn more about this Long Beach Historical Landmark, check out these websites:
http://www.villariviera.net
http://www.amazon.com/Long-Beach-Architecture-Unexpected-Metropolis/dp/0940512394
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
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Labels: Historical, Landmark, Long Beach Condo, Real Estate, Villa Riviera
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 3:24 PM
