This year marks a milestone in the history of the Hollywood Riviera – the community’s 90th birthday. Nine decades ago developer Clifford Reid created this beautiful community which reminded him so vividly of the French Riviera. It’s only fitting then that very soon the community will be unveiling two identifying gateways. The Friends of the Hollywood Riviera have worked for more than five years with the City of Torrance to recognize our historic neighborhood with Hollywood Riviera signage.
The marker project has now received final approval from the Torrance City Planning and Torrance City Council. The first marker will use bronze lettering set in vintage stone at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Palos Verdes Boulevard. The new “Hollywood Riviera Torrance” lettering will replace the current “City Of Torrance” signage.
The second historical marker will be at the corner of Palos Verdes Blvd and Via Monte d’Oro, the entrance to the original Hollywood Riviera. One side will say Hollywood Riviera, Est 1928, while the other side will have a detailed history of our neighborhood imprinted on a vintage tile design. These beautiful new markers will pay tribute to our unique neighborhood, which boasted 42 original red-tile roof homes in the historic lower Riviera area by 1940.
Currently there are approximately 3,500 homes within the official Hollywood Riviera boundaries. The goal of the Friends of the Hollywood Riviera is to promote the preservation and history of the original homes and community. We thank them for all the work they’ve done to pay tribute to the community we love so much. Fund raising efforts are still underway to pay for the completion of the markers. To donate, please go to the Go Fund Me page at: https://www.gofundme.com/2d9fh6as, or mail to the Friends’ Treasurer: Dina Wiley, 202 Via La Soledad, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
For additional information, please contact Karen Lent at 310-375-6539.