(Editor’s note: This is the fifth installment of a six-part series about the landmarked properties in Santa Monica).
On June 23, 1891, property developers Abbot Kinney and Francis Ryan bought the controlling interest in the Ocean Park Casino. Later that year, they paid $175,000 for the surrounding tract of land that faced the ocean south of what is now Pico Boulevard. There, they built the Ocean Park Beach Resort. Direct rail service from Los Angeles began when the first train arrived at its Hill Street depot on June 18, 1892.
Advertisements appeared for Kinney and Ryan’s “Santa Monica Tract.” The lots, 25 x 100 feet, were priced at $100 and featured piped water. Tents were erected on unsold lots and were available to campers for summer rental. Three years later, Ocean Park was born. Many historic properties still remain. ■ Bay Street Craftsman Cluster, circa 1900 137,141,145 and 147 Bay Street Voila, some of the earliest intact examples of Craftsman-style apartments. These properties were erected at what was originally the Los Angeles Pacific Railway right of way, which connected Santa Monica to points east. ■ Horatio West Court, 1919 140 Hollister Ave. Horatio West Court is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it exemplifies architect Irving Gill’s bold use of concrete and hollow tile, a hallmark style that permitted the construction of an inexpensive tilt-wall system that allowed for artistic expression. Gill modified the existing California mission style into a simplified modern style. Horatio West Court is a fine example of affordable 1920’s housing, courtesy of architect Irving Gill. ■ 39 Hollister Court, 1904-1920s 2402 Fourth St. and 2401 Third St. An early 20th Century bungalow court consisting of 13 individual Craftsman-style units, with a friendly central courtyard. Bungalow courts offered many benefits of a house at a more affordable price — the grandparent of garden apartments. ■ John W. & Anna George House, circa 1911 2424 Fourth St. A beautifully balanced Craftsman bungalow. Robert Winter, in his book, “The California Bungalow,” explains: “The bungalow was practical, and it also symbolized for many the best of the good life. The feeling of independence (the bungalow) gave, even on a tiny plot of land, is part of the freedom which even today one senses in Southern California.” ■ Merle Norman Building, 1936 2525 Main St. This Streamline Moderne building defines this architectural movement — clean, stylish, and dynamic with airy walkways. Uniquely appealing. Architect H.G. Thursby distinguished the Merle Norman Cosmetics headquarters with a unique circular cupola. This uplifting building and successful business brought hope to Santa Monica during the Great Depression. ■ Ocean Park Library, 1917-1918 2601 Main St. The Ocean Park Library is one of the remaining branches of the Carnegie Library operating in California. Designed by architects Kegly & Gerity, the property is a variation of the Classical Revival design.
Carnegie Libraries were a turn-of-the- 20th Century innovation. A public library movement had blossomed across the United States. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie retired in 1900 at age 65 and devoted the rest of his life to philanthropy. In 1900, he established the Carnegie Library grants program.
In total, his Carnegie Corp. provided more than $41 million for 1,689 free public library buildings in 1,419 communities around the United States.
The Carnegie grant was to be used to construct the building, while the community was expected to provide a site and to tax itself at the annual rate of 10 percent of the grant amount for the purchase of books and for staffing and upkeep of the library. ■ First Roy Jones House, 1894 2612 Main St. Constructed for Santa Monica Civic leader Roy Jones, this is the earliest known American Colonial Revival style design of Sumner P. Hunt.
In the late 19th Century, the renowned architect Sumner P. Hunt built the home for Roy Jones, son of the founder of Santa Monica, Sen. John Percival Jones. The Roy Jones Home is designed in a style in transition from the elaborate Victorian Queen Anne Revival, to the simpler American Colonial or Georgian Revival style. Once upon a time, Santa Monica was a large ranch. It was purchased by Nevada Sen. John Percival Jones. In 1895, he founded Santa Monica. Originally located at 1007 Ocean Ave., the house was donated to the Heritage Square Museum and moved to its present location in 1977. Don’t miss the Sunday farmer’s market in the parking lot. ■ Parkhurst Building, 1927 185 Pier Ave. This property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This Spanish Colonial Revival statement has more to do with Venice’s history than Santa Monica. It was constructed for Clinton G. Parkhurst, the second to last mayor of Venice — before Venice became incorporated into the city of Los Angeles. Designed by Norman Marsh of Marsh, Smith and Powell. Marsh was responsible for the design of many of the prominent structures in Venice, including the plans for its arcaded streets and canals. (If you have any stories to tell of early Santa Monica and its property, share them with us. For your real estate needs, , or call (310) 309-4219).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 11, 2004. Read the original PDF.