Morrell House Will Be Relocated

The historic Morrell House will not remain at the Perry Allison Playfield, the Redondo Beach City Council has assured residents of that neighborhood.

The building was moved to the field in March as part of an effort to preserve historic buildings scheduled for demolition. However, after hearing strong objections Tuesday night from residents who live near and use the park, the council voted unanimously to relocate the building.

Council members directed city staff to study other possible sites for the house, such as Dominguez Park and the Edison power line right-of-way. However, City Manager Tim Casey said Wednesday that those choices also may face opposition, adding the city has few other options.

The house was built in the 1900s by J. Edward Morrell, a major figure in the city’s development.

Neighbors argued that the house, now sitting on a temporary foundation at the North Redondo field, is an eyesore and takes away needed recreation space. Proponents of preserving the house said that it is significant because of its age, its Colonial revival-style architecture and the contribution Morrell made to the city’s history.

Members of the Redondo Beach Historical Society, which planned to pay for the restoration, said the house would be an asset to the neighborhood, once it is restored.