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Venice
Venice wasn't always so named. It was originally called "Rancho la Ballona" by Juan Alvarado the Mexican Governor in 1839. It wasn't until 1900 that Abbot Kinney founded and named the area known as Venice. Mr. Kinney envisioned Venice as an environment that would foster a cultural renaissance in America. He capitalized on the similarities between the area of Venice, California, and the site of Venice, Italy, and commissioned two architects to design a thoroughly equipped city with business streets, hotels, residences, and 16 miles of canals. In 1925, Venice became part of the City of Los Angeles.

The Great Depression and subsequent years left Venice in a severe state of decay and in desperate need for redevelopment. In the early 60’s, 550 buildings, many along the oceanfront and in the historic Windward business district were demolished. A lawsuit eventually stopped Venice’s wholesale destruction.

A new group of people had made their way into the confines of Venice in the 60’s. and brought a Bohemian life style. Life centered on art, poetry and new jazz. Venice was tolerant of their life styles and they gathered in the local coffeehouses. The flower children of the 60's flocked to Venice to experience free expression and live in a community that encouraged diversity and artistic freedom.

Venice experienced another rebirth in the 70's but not as a major tourist destination. The focal point was on maintaining the character of Venice so as not to chase out the low-income population. In 1972, the city constructed an 18-mile bicycle path adjacent to Ocean Front Walk, which extends from Torrance to Santa Monica. The new visitors were local residents riding bikes through the depressed Venice, bringing it new life. The invention of the polyurethane skate wheel and the growth of outdoor skating added to the migration. Venice's wide Ocean Front Walk and bicycle path made it an ideal location for skating.

In the late 70's and early 80's, Venice saw the addition of mural art. Buildings all around town were brilliantly livened up with scenes depicting landscapes, everyday life and tributes to Venice artists such as Jim Morrison and The Doors. With an onslaught of street artists, vendors, musicians, body builders, palm readers and live television coverage during the 1984 Summer Olympics, Venice began receiving visitors from around the world on a daily basis.

Venice history is still being written. Today Venice is keeping with its colorful tradition as being the number one seaside destination on the West Coast.

Home styles in Venice range from Vintage 1920’s cottages and bungalows, through modern beachfront homes with walls of glass. In recent years, an influx of young professionals, growing families and artists have kept the bohemian flavor of Venice intact, while pushing home prices upward, improving neighborhoods, and bringing top-notch restaurants, boutiques and retail outlets into the community. Venice’s long-time residents include noted actors, artists and writers. Venice residents are a close-knit group of all races, lifestyles and professions. Across the board, they are passionately committed to their neighborhood and community activism with the main goal of maintaining Venice’s bohemian charm.