Long Beach : 2 Old Residences Added to List of Cultural Landmarks

Two more old houses have been officially recognized by the Planning Commission as cultural heritage landmarks. The designation brings the total number of Long Beach historic landmarks to 85 structures, including commercial, residential, institutional and recreational.

Aside from their historical significance, the two houses have nothing in common; their styles are as different as a steam engine and a gingerbread cookie.

The 1937 Streamline Modern style home, at 2642 Chestnut Ave., is a unique single-story residence with rounded corners, sweeping horizontal lines wrapping around upper walls, and a rare round porthole window divided into four parts.

“This style reflects the period’s fascination with modern machines of the day, and with the imagery of speed,” explained Ruthann Lehrer of the city’s Neighborhood and Historic Preservation Office.

The second historic home is delicate in detail, a two-story Queen Anne Victorian design at 351 Magnolia Ave. near downtown Long Beach. “This is a well-preserved example of Queen Anne Victorian design,” Lehrer said. The 1902 home, one of the oldest in Long Beach, has the characteristic Queen Anne Victorian style of steep roof gables, decorative surfaces, bay windows and a wrap-around porch with Ionic columns. Many of the windows are the original leaded and beveled glass.

Another reason the Queen Anne Victorian home was singled out is its identification, by the Heritage Commission, as a link between the Drake Park Historic District and the Willmore City Historic District. “It represents a period and architectural type found in both adjacent historic districts, and is an outstanding example of its style,” Lehrer said.