Manhattan Beach : Funds OKd to Move House

The City Council voted 4 to 1 at a special meeting this week to appropriate $20,000 to move a house so it can be used by the Historical Society.

Michele Memmott, a parks and recreation commissioner who suggested the house be preserved as a historical site, said owner Jim Rayor has agreed to give the house to the city if it can be moved before early December, when it is scheduled to be torn down. A new site has not been determined.

Rayor could not be reached for comment and City Manager David J. Thompson said the city does not have official confirmation that he is willing to donate the house at 205 15th St.

Council members agreed that the house, built in the early 1900s, is typical of Manhattan Beach’s early beach cottages. Councilman Larry Dougharty said he supports the idea but voted against the allocation until a staff report can be completed detailing possible site locations, Historical Society uses and other issues not considered by council.

Society President Julia Tedesco said suggested uses for the house include historical exhibits, a children’s historical museum, an activity center for senior citizens’ groups and possibly a location for scout meetings. The society is not planning to move from its current location at the Joslyn Community Center, she added.