Architecture Field Trip - Long Beach
Always seeking to make the most of my time out, last week’s medical appointment was followed by a “mini” architecture field trip to Long Beach.
It may appear from my posts that I’ve been traveling all over the LA area and even taking an occasional trip to San Diego, but for the most part, I keep to a 10 mile radius around Pasadena. I will travel farther for a doctor or dental visit, but that’s about it. I don’t see anything changing until there’s a vaccine and things improve regarding the pandemic.
Last week I had a medical appointment 30 miles from home and drove on the 605 South mostly passing by drab industrial areas. Fortunately, I could use the carpool lane part of the way as a solo driver - an unexpected bonus when I bought my hybrid EV.
This was my first visit to the doctor whom J. had referred. J. had described the building simply as a 4-story brick building but when I looked it up online, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was interesting architecturally (see below). Some of the photos may not show off the true horizontal and vertical lines of the building as the best photo spot would be to cross the street. Still, it was nice to be in that building, which even had some interior concrete waffled ceilings. The other medical building across the side street was interesting as well.
Following my office visit, there was a pocket of time to visit a couple of architecture sites in Long Beach before heading back to Pasadena to avoid traffic. First stop, the Kimpson Nixon House by architect Raphael Soriano and built in 1940. This was only the second Soriano house that I’ve viewed, the other was the J.A. Meyers Residence in Silver Lake. Both the Kimpson Nixon House and the J.A. Meyers Residence are international style and modern, exhibiting clean lines and geometric volumes.
Though he built over 50 buildings, including a home for his friend architectural photographer Julius Shulman, only a dozen or so remain, the rest having succumbed to natural disasters or demolition.
Second, and most exciting, a visit to a Case Study House (CSH). This day it would be Case Study House #25, the Frank House, located on Rivo Alto Canal in the Naples section of Long Beach. See LINK HERE for an in-depth description of CHS#25 and historic photos. It was great to see from across the canal and also to be able to view the exterior up close. Completed in 1962, the house was designed by Killingsworth, Brady & Smith Architects. It was designed to be entered by boat from the canal. Upon leaving the water, a visitor would step across elevated stone squares above a reflecting pool to the 17-foot door.
I have a list of many more sites to visit in Long Beach and look forward to future exploration.