Redondo Beach Council Votes to Save 2 Historic Houses From Demolition

In a move praised by Redondo Beach residents who want to save a slice of the past, the City Council voted unanimously this week to save two historic houses scheduled to be razed.

“We are very happy with the outcome,” said Jonathan Eubanks, president of the Redondo Beach Historical Society. “It was quite a surprise.”

Hurried by a stay of demolition that ends Friday, the council approved a plan to move the Morrell House, 204 N. Catalina St., as well as the Queen Anne Cottage, at 318 S. Broadway, to the Perry Allison Playfield, a half-acre grassland at Cluster Lane and 190th Street.

The houses, which stand in the way of condominium projects, will probably be used as historical museums, officials said.

The council, which offered to pay about $30,000 to transport each house, said the Historical Society will be responsible for restoration.

According to a structural study conducted by the city, it will cost about $150,000 to restore the Morrell House. Estimates on the Queen Anne Cottage have not been completed, but Eubanks said the house is in good condition and restoration should cost much less.

“It’s a lot of money, but this way you get lots more community involvement,” said Eubanks, who has already arranged a fund-raiser.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council denied funds to move a third structure, the Venable House at 200 N. Catalina Ave., saying the 82-year-old house’s historical value was lessened by significant remodeling after a fire in the 1960s. The stay of demolition on the Venable House also ends Friday and the owner has indicated he wants move ahead with its demolition.

“You always hate to lose something,” Eubanks said. “But it’s a reasonable payoff.” Perry Allison Playfield, which is across the street from Dominguez Park, is used mainly for neighborhood sports and is not used for city recreation programs, a parks official said. The field has room for two more historic homes to be selected in the next year, Eubanks said. During the meeting there was a suggestion to call the cluster of historic homes “Heritage Park.”

Preparations to move the Morrell House will begin immediately, but no date for removal has been set, Eubanks said. The Queen Anne Cottage will be moved within 30 days, officials said.

Councilman Stevan Colin said the houses will be at an “ideal site” and will improve the neighborhood and raise property values.

The cottage, built at the turn of the century in Queen Anne style, is a 1-story, 1,200-square-foot lime-green structure. The Morrell House is a 2-story wood-frame building with a large front bay window and a wrap-around front porch.

The Morrell House was originally owned by J. Edward Morrell, a major figure in the formative years of Redondo Beach. Incorporated in 1892, Redondo Beach is the oldest city in the South Bay.

According to the city’s study, the Morrell House, which has retained much of its historic flavor, can be transported without major changes. Most of the original windows and an original Craftsman railing on the main staircase are in good condition.

To raise money for the preservation of the two houses, the historical society will sponsor a benefit concert Nov. 29 at Redondo Union High School. The 8 p.m. concert will feature surf music by the Ventures. Tickets for concert are $12 to $15 and are available at most ticket outlets.