TO: HISTORICAL COMMISSION
FROM: CAMERON HARDING, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
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ALBERT P. ARIZMENDEZ MOMENT IN REDONDO BEACH HISTORY
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BACKGROUND
Hotel Redondo
While California was and is home to some of the most desirable resorts and hotels in the US, if you were looking for one of the top accommodations at the start of the twentieth century there is a good chance you would have chosen to vacation right here in Redondo Beach at the Hotel Redondo.
Opened on May 1st 1890, two years before the city was incorporated, from the vision of J.C. Ainsworth and R.R. Thompson and their Redondo Beach Investment company, the hotel was constructed in a High Victorian style. H.L. Wyatt won the contract to build the resort. Sources claim the project cost approximately $1,200,000 with an additional $55,000 in Victorian furnishings.
The structure of the hotel was quite large and consisted of a Veranda with Tuscan Style columns along the front elevation of the hotel. The entrance was a small gabled Portico that was adorned with large sunburst patterns, surrounded on three sides by wooden steps. Access to the beach was via the grand staircase affectionately called “Ainsworth Staircase.” The staircase still stands today although the majority is covered by ice plant and newer layers of concrete. The hotel was surrounded by acres of lush and picturesque gardens. A highlight would have been the 12-acre carnation field that was cared for by Hotel Redondo gardener Henry Feder.
The interior of the hotel consisted of 225 guest rooms with all of the modern conveniences of the time. Such novelties included baths with cold and hot water and fireplaces with wood mantels adorned with artistic stylings. Each room was situated in a way to receive some sun during the day. Grand celebrations were held in the elegant banquet hall. One well documented event was that of local railroad magnate T.S.C. Lowe celebrating the completion of his electric railroad erected up the Sierra Madre Mountains. A billiards room and bowling alleys provided other enjoyable indoor activities for hotel guests.
Several nearby beach cottages served as a more private experience for hotel guests. Tennis courts and a golf course were also available along with great fishing spots for guests.
With shipping ports relocating down to San Pedro and the adoption of the automobile the hotel lost many of the guests that once patronized the establishment. A series of ownership changes culminated with the purchase by the city in 1922 which eventually demolished the long empty building to convert it into what is now known as Veterans Park. A historical marker is not located at Veterans Park commemorating the Hotel Redondo.
Next time you are strolling around Veterans Park take a moment, close your eyes and imagine a magnificent hotel behind you as you wander the park.
Sources:
Hotel Redondo (<http://blogs.dailybreeze.com/history/2017/05/20/it-only-existed-for-30-years-but-the-hotel-redondo-was-a-hotel-for-the-ages/>)
The Historical Marker Database (<https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=93439>)
Hotel Redondo Wikipedia (<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Redondo>)
Youtube: Redondo Beach History “The Last Days of Hotel Redondo” (<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC_pzDNTC2A>)
Prepared and submitted by Erik Fernandez
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