List of City of Santa Monica Designated Historic Landmarks Facts for Kids

Santa Monica is a super cool city in California, known for its sunny beaches and famous pier. But did you know it also has many amazing old buildings and places that are super important to its history? These special spots are called Historic Landmarks. They help us remember the past and see how the city has grown over time.

Imagine a building that's been around for over 100 years, or a tree that's older than your grandparents! These landmarks are like treasures that tell stories about Santa Monica. They show us how people lived, worked, and played in the past.

Why Are Places Called Landmarks?
- What Makes a Place a Landmark?
Cool Historic Landmarks in Santa Monica
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Why Are Places Called Landmarks?

Back in 1975, when Santa Monica was celebrating its 100th birthday, the city decided it needed a way to protect its important old places. So, they created a special group called the Landmarks Commission. This group helps decide which buildings, parks, or even trees should be called "landmarks." They want to make sure these special places are saved for future generations, like you!

What Makes a Place a Landmark?

The Landmarks Commission has a list of rules to decide if something is important enough to be a landmark. Here are some of the main reasons:

History Teller: It shows us something important about Santa Monica's culture, how people lived, or its architecture.
Beautiful or Unique: It looks really cool, has special art, or is just super interesting.
Famous Connections: A famous person lived there, or a big event happened there.
Awesome Design: It's a great example of a certain building style, or it was built in a unique way.
Masterpiece by a Pro: A famous architect or builder designed it.
Neighborhood Gem: It's a well-known spot that everyone in the area recognizes.

Cool Historic Landmarks in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has over 100 designated landmarks! Let's check out a few of the most interesting ones.

Rapp Saloon: A Glimpse into the Past

The Rapp Saloon at 1438 Second Street is one of the oldest buildings in Santa Monica, built way back in 1875! Imagine what life was like then. This brick building has seen so much history. It was one of the first places to be named a landmark in 1975.

The historic Rapp Saloon, one of Santa Monica's oldest buildings.

Miles Playhouse: A Stage for Creativity

The Miles Playhouse on Lincoln Boulevard was built in 1929 and designed by a famous architect named John Byers. It's been a place for plays, music, and other performances for a long time. It's where local talent gets to shine!

The Miles Playhouse, a hub for arts and performances.

Santa Monica Pier: An Iconic Landmark

You probably know the Santa Monica Pier! It's super famous and a must-visit spot. The pier itself, and even the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome (a building on the pier with a carousel inside), are historic landmarks. The Hippodrome was built in 1916 and the pier has been a landmark since 1976. It's a place where people have made memories for over a hundred years.

The Looff Hippodrome on the Santa Monica Pier, home to a historic carousel.

Ocean Park Branch Library: A Place for Books

The Ocean Park Branch Library at 2601 Main Street is a beautiful old library building. It was built around 1918 with help from the Carnegie Corporation, which funded many libraries across the country. It's a quiet place where people have gone to read and learn for generations.

The Ocean Park Branch Library, a historic place for learning.

Santa Monica City Hall: The Heart of the City

The Santa Monica City Hall at 1685 Main Street is where many important decisions for the city are made. This grand building was built in 1938 and designed by Donald B. Parkinson. It's a great example of classic architecture and has been a landmark since 1979.

Santa Monica City Hall, where the city's government works.

Georgian Hotel: A Stylish Stay

The Georgian Hotel on Ocean Avenue is a stunning building from 1931. It's known for its beautiful design and has welcomed guests for decades. Imagine staying in a hotel that's also a piece of history! It became a landmark in 1995.

The elegant Georgian Hotel, a landmark on Ocean Avenue.

Wilshire Theatre: A Place for Shows

The Wilshire Theatre at 1314-1316 Wilshire Boulevard opened in 1930. It was a grand movie palace and a place for live shows. Many people have enjoyed entertainment here over the years. It's a reminder of how people used to go out for fun.

The historic Wilshire Theatre, a former movie palace.

Chain Reaction Sculpture: A Message of Peace

Not all landmarks are old buildings! The Chain Reaction Sculpture at 1855 Main Street is a more modern landmark, created in 1991 by Paul Conrad. It's a powerful sculpture that looks like a mushroom cloud, but it's actually a message for peace. It reminds us to think about important global issues.

Sears Department Store: A Shopping Icon

The old Sears Department Store at 302 Colorado Avenue was built in 1947. For many years, it was a popular place for families to shop for everything from clothes to appliances. It represents a time when department stores were a big part of community life.