In recovering from the Northridge Earthquake, the City of Santa Monica embarked on an extensive public input process to re-envision the role of 415 Pacific Coast Highway as a public gathering space. In 2005, Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation made a generous commitment to preserve the site’s potential for broad-based community benefit, paving the way for the Annenberg Community Beach House. Today’s Beach House is a facility for all to enjoy, no membership required.
Wildlife
The California Condor is the largest species of North American land birds. Condors can only be found in the western coastal mountains of California,
northern Baja California, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.
Annenberg Community Beach House
The property at 415 Pacific Coast Highway underwent significant remediation as part of the construction of the Beach House. Hazardous materials were removed, including lead-based paint, asbestos insulation and wooden piles containing preservatives. Contaminants found in the soil, the historic Marion Davies Guest House and the swimming pool were removed, leaving a clean slate on which construction began.
Annenberg Community Beach House: Guest House
Explore the history of the Beach House from the 1920s to today through an interactive Guestbook at the Marion Davies Guest House. In the dining room of the Guest House, experience what it was like to attend one of Marion Davies’ lavish theme parties in the 1930s and 1940s through a sound and visual installation that evokes the fabled events.
Annenberg Community Beach House: Event House
The very fabric of the Beach House is sustainable, with post-consumer materials used including concrete, plastics, insulation and cabinetry. Building insulation is made from post-consumer denim, blue jeans specifically, in place of fiberglass. Decking is made of recycled plastic and building panels are made of recycled concrete. Low-emitting materials, paints, adhesives and sealants are used throughout the facility.
Annenberg Community Beach House: Guest Services
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a new 5-acre beach facility open to the public. Amenities include a pool, volleyball/beach tennis courts,spaces for events and meetings, Back on the Beach café, a children’s play area, public art, a splash pad and an historic guest house from the former Marion Davies estate. To get a pool pass for the day, check in here at Guest Services.
Annenberg Community Beach House: Pool House
From the statement of architecture by Frederick Fisher and Partners, Architects: “I imagined a “ghost” of the Marion Davies Beach House manifested by a white concrete colonnade to replicate the scale and position of the mansion. From the view deck everyone can have the memorable experience of standing on the terrace behind the columns, looking over the restored pool out to the beach, ocean and coastline.”
Annenberg Community Beach House: Event Hose
The Annenberg Community Beach House is open to the public year-round, no membership required. During the summer it offers the public an opportunity to experience the quintessential Southern California experience&emdash;a great day at the beach. During the rest of the year it offers dramatic spaces for special meetings and events like here at the Event House. The Beach House is the ideal place for small cultural gatherings such as readings, small musical performances, lectures, and film screenings.