Century-Old Showroom To Get Fresh Start?

Hermosa Ave location in focus at tonight's Planning Commission meeting

A century-old building that once sold Model T Fords to Hermosa Beach residents could soon get a modern third story, transforming a familiar downtown corner while preserving its historic character — but not without controversy over parking and building measurements.

The Planning Commission met on Tuesday evening to consider a proposal to renovate and expand 901 Hermosa Avenue, the two-story commercial building at the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 10th Court. The project would add contemporary office space on top while actually reducing the building's overall square footage, according to city staff.

They ultimately voted unanimously to continue—rather than approve—a proposed third-story addition to the century-old building at 901 Hermosa Avenue, citing concerns about how the building's square footage was calculated and skepticism about proposed "decommissioned space" that would not count toward the building's total.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project's design while questioning the mathematical calculations underlying it. The project will return to the commission at a future meeting, likely in December.

The stucco building with its distinctive arched windows opened in 1922 as George L. Stiles' Lincoln–Ford–Fordson dealership and repair shop. Its Mission Revival styling was quintessential 1920s Southern California, when the beach towns were booming and everyone wanted a car.

Over the decades, 901 Hermosa has housed Haworth Chevrolet, vintage shops, law offices, hair salons, and most recently Trick E-Bikes. Though listed as a potential historic resource in the city's 2017 General Plan, a recent assessment by preservation experts Page & Turnbull found that extensive alterations over the years mean the building no longer qualifies for historic protection under state law.

What's Changing ?

Developer 901 Hermosa Partners LLC plans to keep the building's footprint and signature arched openings while adding a sleek third floor featuring metal panels, glass curtain walls, and stucco. The new 13,827-square-foot design will be 194 square feet smaller than the existing structure, according to the staff report.