Casa Romantica facts for kids
Casa Romantica, also known as Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, is a special place in San Clemente, California. It's a non-profit organization that offers fun and educational programs for everyone, from kids to adults. This historic building was once the home of Ole Hanson, who helped start the city of San Clemente. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Orange County, California.
Quick facts for kids |
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Casa Romantica
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Casa Romantica as viewed from San Clemente Pier
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 415 Avenida Granada San Clemente, California 92672 |
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| Nearest city | San Clemente |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Carl Lindbom |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001900 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1991 |
Contents
What is Casa Romantica's Goal?
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a non-profit organization. Its main goal is to offer programs for all ages. These programs focus on arts, music, history, and gardening. It's a top cultural spot in Southern California.
History of Casa Romantica
Building Ole Hanson's Dream Home
Ole Hanson was a real estate developer and once the mayor of Seattle. In the early 1920s, he visited San Clemente. He decided this was the perfect spot to build his dream community. He called it a "Spanish Village by the Sea."
In 1925, Hanson convinced many people to buy land in San Clemente. Back then, it was a quiet area far from other cities. Hanson and his partner, H.H. Cotton, planned San Clemente as one of California's first "master-planned" cities. This means it was carefully designed from the start.
In 1927, Hanson hired architect Carl Lindbom. Lindbom designed a beautiful home for Hanson's family. It had seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It was built with the best materials and new ideas of the time. The house overlooked the Pacific Ocean. The Hanson family filled their new home with unique furniture, plants, and even animals. They had colorful fish in the courtyard pool and horses for beach rides.
Who Owned Casa Romantica?
Ole Hanson's dream city grew until the Great Depression. This was a time when the economy struggled greatly. In 1934, the Bank of America took over Casa Romantica. Hanson paid off his large debt by giving the bank many mortgages.
Over the years, many different people and groups owned or managed the house. It was also renamed a few times. Here's a quick look at its owners:
| Years | Owner/Operator | Property Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Ole Hanson | Unknown | Home |
| 1934 | Bank Of America | Unknown | Home (taken over by bank) |
| 1941 | Neil and Lucy Rasmussen | Unknown | Home |
| 1946 | Lambert and Patricia Schuyler | Casa Romantica | Home |
| 1952 | Evalyn Waring | Casa Romantica | Home |
| 1956 | Muriel & Leslie Whitehouse | Casa Blanca | Home |
| 1960 | George and Louise Welsh | Casa Descana, then Casa Romantica | Senior Citizens' Home |
| 1984 | Leased to Private Business | Casa Romantica | Special Events |
| 2000 | San Clemente Redevelopment Agency | Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens | Cultural Center |
Becoming a Cultural Center
The San Clemente Historical Society worked hard to save many old buildings in the city. They asked the City of San Clemente to buy Casa Romantica. They also wanted it to be recognized as a historic landmark. The city's Redevelopment Agency bought Casa Romantica in 1989. On December 27, 1991, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For several years, people discussed what the building should be used for. In 2001, the city council decided it would become a cultural center. It would be supported by both public and private money. A large donation helped make this decision. After a big renovation, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens opened to the public in 2003.
What Happens at Casa Romantica Today?
A Busy Cultural Center
Today, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens offers many programs. These include arts, music, history, gardening, and literature. It's a hub for arts and culture in south Orange County. Each year, it hosts over 60 concerts, workshops, classes, and events.
Some of its programs are very popular. These include its Classical Music Festival and Academy. It also put on a special version of Shakespeare's play Hamlet.
Casa Romantica is part of the American Horticultural Society. If you are a member, you can get free entry to over 300 gardens. These gardens are in the United States, Canada, and other places. Casa Romantica has 2.5 acres of beautiful gardens. They show how coastal plants grow. Some of the plants are even original ones planted by Ole Hanson in 1927. There's also a display of Native American plants. These plants were used by the Acjachmen Indians.
Amy Behrens is the Executive Director who leads Casa Romantica.
Hosting Private Events
Casa Romantica can also be rented for special events. People often hold weddings there. It's also a popular spot for photo and video shoots. Businesses and private groups can use it for their events too. It has been featured in many magazines as a top place for events in Orange County.
Location
415 Avenida Granada San Clemente, California, 92672, USA
