Four MB Homes Recognized for Cultural Significance

Four residential properties have joined a list of homes the city has deemed "culturally significant."

At its Tuesday, Feb. 7 meeting, the Manhattan Beach City Council agreed with the Manhattan Beach Cultural Heritage Conservancy and honored the four properties for their historical significance.

Jan Dennis, president of the MB Cultural Heritage Conservancy, and Robin Kirk, conservancy board member, presented plaques to the property owners.

The recognition does not affect the development, alteration or demolition of any of the properties, according to the city staff report.

The homes join at least ten others that were awarded the designation on October 16, 2007 and April 20, 2010.

Cheryl Crabtree's beach cottage at 328 28th Street was built in 1932. Its Craftsman/Cape Cod styling, wood shingle siding with a ragged pattern, exposed roof rafter tails and unique front entry were named as reasons why it is historically significant.

Nearby at 2620 Alma Avenue, Michele De Marco, great granddaughter of early MB developer and builder George Peck, Jr. (1857-1940), received a plaque for her home, which was built in 1922 by her great grandfather. The home is a   Craftsman style and has a clipped gable roof and exposed roof rafter tails. According to Dennis, a former MB mayor, historian, and author of several books reflecting the architecture, character, and people of Manhattan Beach, Peck, a railroad magnet with Southern Pacific Rail, is remembered for his effort to make the city family friendly. 

Built in 1929, the beach cottage at 129 13th Street is known for its Craftsman style, gabled roof with exposed rafters, shingle clad exterior and gabled entry roof. Loralee Cameron’s 13th Street home was built by her grandfather in 1929 after he purchased the lot for $461, said Dennis.

Ceramic artist Frank Matranga’s home at 118 North Ardmore Avenue was selected in part for his use of ceramics throughout the property. Built in 1952, the home's Southwest inspiration features unique detailing, materials and craftsmanship that includes interior and exterior ceramic design elements by Matranga.     

The MB Cultural Heritage Conservancy was the brainchild of Dennis and the sitting City Council in 2006. Its mission is to establish a registry of significant landmarks that reflect the city’s history. It was Dennis’ wish to call the public’s attention to the art deco public buildings and craftsman homes of the city's early years, hopefully saving them from the wrecking crews.

Brochures for self-guided walking tours are available at the Manhattan Beach , 425 15th Street, in the same building as the post office. One tour includes 18 locations south of the MB Pier and in the downtown area. Another tour covers 18 residences in the area from the pier north to 20th Street. The next brochure, which is in the works, will cover an area from 20th Street to Rosecrans Avenue.