Unl♥ved PVE Landmark By Writer and Contributor NJ Jaeger
Designed by renowned architect Carrington H. Lewis Palos Verdes Estates City Hall has suffered from deferred maintenance for years. The first impression municipal visitors see is crumbling paint, a dusty locked entrance with a paper sign, one dirty sculpture fountain of Palos Verdes Estates (PVE) first mayor Fred Rosseler, and multiple broken down concrete steps overgrown with weeds. While other buildings and projects are funded and maintained there seems to be no love for the foremost municipal building in Palos Verdes Estates.
PVE’s original designers intentionally created a magical “first look” for visitors with a long narrow winding road ascending up a gentle rise to reveal the glorious panorama of striking natural beauty known as Malaga Cove. From the dancing blue pacific waves to the peninsula’s calm green undulating hills and PVE’s magnificent architecture, PVE visitors witness scenic beauty beyond anything in Los Angeles – all except for one building, its dilapidated namesake, Palos Verdes Estates City Hall.
Carrington H. Lewis’ portfolio of commercial and industrial projects was exceptionally varied when he was first contracted to design an Italianate centerpiece of Palos Verdes Estates history. Lewis’ work up to that time had included flamboyant New York theatre design, luxurious Beverly Hills residences, office centers, schools and basic municipal infrastructure for the U.S. District Engineers in Salt Lake City. His father, Percy Parke Lewis, was the renowned architect of iconic structures in Westwood including Chateau Colline.
Then: In 1955 Architect Carrington H. Lewis established himself locally with his first design for the Security National Building, 22 Malaga Cove Plaza. The two-story Italianate plaza building design, part of the area nominated for a National Register of Historic Places, was constructed to complement the design of adjacent buildings and was built with reinforced concrete, tile, brick and stucco. Design elements included three columns, terrazzo floors, recessed loggia and shuttered windows.
After working on projects from his offices in Malaga Cove, Lewis fell deeply in love with PVE’s parkland, open spaces, views and family lifestyle. He saw its similarity to his favorite locales in Italy and within a few years of his first project in PVE Lewis moved his family to a home he designed and built on Via Almar. Lewis quickly became involved in his new community joining the Breakfast Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and serving as president of the Palos Verdes Art Jury.
Later: In 1992 Malaga Cove Bank building owners, Bob and Moryanne Motley created the Malaga Cove Beautification Project Endowment to provide funds for the Plaza’s enhancements and maintenance.
Now: In 2021, with funding for nomination paperwork from the Malaga Cove Beautification Project Endowment, the Plaza was officially named to the National Register of Historic Places; however, Lewis’ City Hall was excluded from the buildings submitted.
Then: In 1958, built during the 25 year tenure of Mayor Fred Roessler, Carrington H. Lewis designed a 16,000 foot Spanish inspired two level, low profile City Hall for the city center. Built to last, the stucco over steel upper level featured Spanish-themed custom tile panel embellishments installed below multi-light windows. A traditional red brick apron, now painted white, wrapped the lower level of reinforced masonry. The grand entrance was striking with slate floors and a wide interior serpentine staircase beneath a soaring ceiling leading up to offices on the second floor.
Later: Carrington H. Lewis has had a major impact on the architecture, atmosphere and ambiance of Palos Verdes Estates: Lewis is part of the city’s architectural DNA. Lewis’ designs enhance the city, from the Christian Science Church in Valmonte, to City Hall in Malaga Cove, to the Palos Verdes High School Neutra design partnership in Lunada Bay. Lewis designed dozens of private residences on the peninsula and many retain his signature style half-a-century later.
Now: Years of neglect have left Lewis’ City Hall design in a sad, depressing state of disrepair. Prevailing community sentiment is for restoration and for Lewis’ City Hall to remain as designed with all required technological, seismic and safety improvements. The question is who will step up to fund this effort and preserve this unloved landmark.
NJ is a storyteller who has written in many voices for clients in health, education, entertainment, food, sport and politics. Her firm managed publicity for documentary films, book authors and the U.S. Championships. Now NJ represents nonprofit groups, political campaigns and lifestyle celebrities across the global environmental movement. Currently NJ is providing publicity for the July 4th Independence Day Celebration, PVJuly4.org, in her hometown. NJ received the Lynn Weaver Award from the Entertainment Professional Publicists Society for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community volunteerism.