These at-risk properties are potentially threatened with insensitive alterations, demolition by neglect, or may be targeted for redevelopment.
Willis Stoner Residence
In 1956, noted California architect Ray Kappe created an addition to the Stoner house in Naples that is a Mid-Century Modern gem. The present owners want to demolish the house and build a bigger one. The Long Beach Zoning Administrator granted them permission for demolition, but Long Beach Heritage, the Los Angeles Conservancy, and Docomomo Southern California filed an appeal to the Long Beach Planning Commission to save the house. Unfortunately, the Zoning Administrator’s decision was upheld.
Golden State Woolen Mills, later Snug Top factory
Golden State Woolen mills opened at 1711 Harbor Avenue, near the Port of Long Beach in 1915, but a fire ravaged the original structure and it was rebuilt in 1921. At that time a large water tower, which is one of the oldest surviving in Southern California, was added for fire protection. The factory building has a distinctive sawtooth roof with skylights and is the only example of its type remaining in Long Beach. The lessee, Cargomatic, has received a demolition permit for the entire site and plans to use it for shipping container storage.
Security Bank
The Security Bank building at 102 Pine Avenue, designed by Los Angeles architects Curlett & Beelman in 1923–1925 has been vacant for around five years and vandals have broken into it. The lower stories are faced with limestone and have hand carved reliefs portraying Charity and other ancient symbols. This neoclassical skyscraper has two tall Corinthian columns at the entrance to the former banking room as well. The upper stories of the steel-framed structure are clad with brick and terra cotta details. Hopefully, a new owner can be found in the near future for this landmark on Pine Avenue.
Second Samoan Church
The Second Samoan Church at 655 Cedar Avenue was built in 1924 as the Second Christian Science Church and designed by architects Shields, Fisher & Lake. This classical revival structure with an entrance portico also has a large dome above the auditorium. A terrible fire in 1923 caused so much damage that the congregation can no longer use the building and they cannot afford to rebuild this historic landmark. Hopefully, a buyer can be found who will rehabilitate it.