Villa Riviera, French Gothic residential building in Long Beach, California.
Villa Riviera is a sixteen-story residential building in Long Beach featuring French Gothic design elements. The structure rises along Ocean Boulevard with an octagonal tower crowned in oxidized copper and decorative animal figures on its upper levels.
The building was completed in 1929 as one of the tallest structures in Southern California at that time. Its purpose shifted decades later when it became temporarily used for military operations during wartime.
The building served as an exclusive residential retreat for the wealthy before becoming a shared living space for many families. This transformation reflects how grand architectural spaces adapt to serve different communities over time.
The building is clearly visible from street level and easily located along Ocean Boulevard. Access to interior spaces is limited since this remains a private residential property for current occupants.
The building survived the 1933 earthquake virtually unscathed, demonstrating the strength of its modern steel frame construction. This made it a remarkable example of how advanced engineering protected structures during major ground movement.
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