Long Beach’s Iconic 17-Foot Door Home: Case Study House #25 Set to Become Historic Landmark

Long Beach’s Iconic 17-Foot Door Home: Case Study House #25 Set to Become Historic Landmark

November 12, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Entertainment

The Frank House: A Mid-Century Modern Icon in Long Beach

Location and Design

The Frank House, also known as Case Study House #25, is located at 82 Rivo Alto Canal in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach, California. Designed by renowned architect Edward Killingsworth in 1961, this two-story residence is a prime example of mid-century modern architecture.

Architectural Features

  • The house features a 17-foot-tall front door made of seamless aluminum, marking a dramatic entrance for guests arriving by the 40-foot dock on the canal.
  • Rectangular stepping stones lead over a reflecting pool to the front door.
  • The interior includes an L-shaped pool and courtyard, emphasizing water features and natural light.
  • The design is characterized by rectangular shapes and an L-shaped interior plan, with windows without trim to provide uninterrupted views of the canal through four front-facing windows.

History and Significance

  • The house was designed for Edward Frank, a furniture merchant and former Wilson High School classmate of Killingsworth.
  • Frank Bros. furniture store, run by Edward and his brother Maurice, was a leading outlet for mid-century modern furniture in Long Beach during the 1950s and 1960s.
  • The Case Study House project, run by Arts & Architecture magazine, aimed to create model homes for the post-war housing boom. Case Study House #25 is one of 36 unique homes designed under this project.

Ownership and Sales

  • The house sold for $3.25 million in 2022 and previously for $1.99 million in 2015.

Preservation

  • The City Council is set to decide whether to designate the Frank House as a local historic landmark, which would restrict any demolition, alteration, or relocation of the property.

Architect’s Legacy

  • Edward Killingsworth had a significant impact on Long Beach, designing many civic buildings, including the old City Hall and the CSULB Student Union. He also designed hotels internationally, such as the Hilton Jakarta and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.
  • Killingsworth served as a Captain in the Army Corps of Engineers during WWII, supervising the production of over 8 million photo maps for the Allied invasion of Europe.

This iconic house not only reflects Killingsworth’s architectural genius but also stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design.