I wanted to talk a little more about Casa Grande on Linvingston Dr. where we currently live.  Almost everyone knows about it, have seen, sometimes even stood in front of it and even walked through the courtyard.  It is as beautiful inside as outside.  We feel very lucky to finally be in that building.

That is my car in front of Casa Grande.  Here is a little history on it as you might have seen in Long Beach must have architecture book, The Long Beach  The building was built in 1928 and the architect was Cecil Schilling, from the firm of Schilling and Schilling who later built the Lafayette Hotel, and were considered the fathers of "modern architecture applied to commercial buildings in Long Beach.  They were known for their Art Deco building and this is why Casa Grande really stands out.  As a collector of old cars, I appreciate the one off, the one that stands out from the norm and I feel Casa Grande was just that for this firm. 

Being born in Nice, south of France, I am very familiar with the Mediterranean and Spanish style.  My childhood home being called La Hacienda, was designed by my father, a northern German man who sought the warmer weather of the south of France.

The first thing that strikes you walking around the building are the intricate details, protruding turrets, exterior balconies and round towers.  The flower arrangement are my neighbor’s loving, tender care.  I have already added to the collection.  Another striking aspect of this building is its built quality. We rarely hear our neighbors and having survived the 1033 earthquake, you cannot help but feel safe in it.