Willmore City in Long Beach Is Designated a Heritage Landmark
The City Council this week designated Willmore City, a neighborhood of 1880s-vintage homes, as the city’s newest Cultural Heritage Landmark District.
The corridor, bounded roughly by 4th and Anaheim streets and Pacific and Magnolia avenues, holds more than 250 notable structures and was once home to several of the city’s early civic leaders.
Among the vintage Victorian and bungalow-style houses stand several historical landmarks, including the Windham House at 435 Cedar Ave., the Pan American Community Center at 655 Cedar Ave., and the Hansen House at 453 Cedar Ave.
Although the area’s first home, built in 1882, was razed, at least 25 turn-of-the-century residences still stand.
Among the early civic leaders who lived in the district were Charles H. Windham, who was mayor in 1911 and came to be known as the “father of the port;” and Frank S. Craig, who wrote the city charter.
The historical designation regulates renovation of structures within the district and requires city approval for major architectural changes or remodeling.
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