ABOUT DOORS OPEN PENINSULA

Spearheaded by the Palos Verdes Library District (PVLD) and the Peninsula Friends of the Library (PFL) in conjunction with the Peninsula cities
and organizations, DOP 2023 commemorates the 100th birthday of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  

On June 17, 1923, a real estate rally was held on the grounds of the Malaga Cove School (now the PVPUSD Administration Building) to entice
people to purchase property here.  The rally drew over 32,000 people from all over the southland and essentially launched the modern 
development of the Peninsula!  

PVE PROCLAMATION - DOORS OPEN PENINSULA DAY

On May 23, 2023, during a regular City Council meeting, Mayor Roos issued a proclamation on behalf of the City of Palos Verdes Estates
declaring June 17, 2023, Doors Open Peninsula Day.

DOORS OPEN PENINSULA - PVE SITES MAP

520 Paseo Lunado, PVE, 90274
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Visitors will take in breathtaking views and observe birds and butterflies on this short walk around two acres of newly vegetated oceanfront native habitat.  A community driven project of the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association in partnership with the City of PVE and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, The Beautify Lunada Bay Pilot is an example of restoring a neglected parkland area with attractive, locally native, drought tolerant plantings. Comfortable walking paths and informal boulder seating make the area accessible all year round. 

Information and hand-outs about Native plants, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, the California Native Plant Society, and the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association will be available.

Chowigna Indian Village Plaque
375 Vía Almar, PVE, 90274

The bluff above Malaga Cove is a large and important archaeological site. For a period of perhaps 8,000 years, the Tongva set up camps among the shores of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Four levels of Native American occupancy have been discovered with each characterized by tools, implements and weapons.  The plaque honors the Tongva who made their home on these cliffs. 

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. House Plaque
2101 Rosita Place, PVE, 90274

Parking available at St. Francis Episcopal
Church. Short walk to the plaque. Exterior only. Structure is a private residence.

Starting in 1913, Frederick Olmsted Jr. worked in Palos Verdes for more than twenty years.  As Director of Design for the Palos Verdes Project, he lived in Palos Verdes Estates from 1922 to 1931. Olmsted worked on layouts for the whole community including roads, parks, parkways, civic centers, school sites, and other infrastructure throughout the Peninsula.  His work on the Peninsula’s first subdivision, now the City of Palos Verdes Estates included the Malaga Cove Library, Malaga Cove School, La Venta Inn, and a number of residences.  Olmsted’s work with the Palos Verdes Project made Palos Verdes one of the nation’s first planned communities and contributed to the landscapes that define Palos Verdes today. 

Gardner Building Plaque
68 Malaga Cove Plaza, PVE, 90274

The Gardner Building, also referred to as “Casa Primera” was the first commercial building and was built in 1925. The building served an important part of the community, once housing the Palos Verdes Homes Association, Art Jury, grocery store, drug store, school, and library. The Spanish Renaissance style building was designed by architects Weber, Staunton, and Spaulding.

La Venta Inn
796 Via Del Monte, PVE, 90274
9 a.m. - noon only

52 spaces for parking

La Venta Inn was constructed in 1923 by architect Walter Davis as a real estate clubhouse for the Palos Verdes Project. For one hundred years it's had a colorful history as an Inn, a private home, and world-renowned event venue. Today, it continues to be a beacon of history and celebration on the Hill, hosting weddings, private events, and community experiences. Ceremony lawn accessible by stairs only.

Los Angeles County Fire Department
Palos Verdes Estates Fire Station 2
340 Palos Verdes Drive West, PVE, 90274
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed if out on service call.

The City of Palos Verdes Estates has contracted with Los Angeles County for fire suppression, enforcement of the Fire Code, and paramedic services since 1986.  The County also provides emergency ambulance service. Prior to 1986, the City had its own fire services. Located at City Hall, the Department has 15 personnel.  Visitors will get a tour of the Fire Station and see an antique fire truck.

Lunada Bay Plaza - 100th Anniversary Celebration Concert in the Park sponsored by Lunada Bay Homeowners Association
2201 Palos Verdes Drive West @ Yarmouth Road, PVE, 90274
4 - 6 p.m.

Lunada Bay Plaza was one of the originally planned business districts of the Palos Verdes Project. It was to be the largest of the business districts and included a theater, post office, community building and a variety of stores. The Bay was to have a yacht harbor and seaside pool. While these plans didn’t materialize, the Plaza is still the hub of the community with summer concerts and festivals throughout the year. Come listen to the sounds of cool jazz from those 1920s years when Palos Verdes was in its heyday. Lunada Bay Homeowners Association will be on hand with archival posters and photo opportunities, activities, food, and beverages so bring a lawn chair, watch the sunset, and enjoy the sounds of '20s jazz!

Malaga Cove Library
2400 Via Campesina, PVE, 90274
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Limited parking in the lot off Via Pinale. Street parking available. No elevators.

Opening as the Palos Verdes Public Library & Art Gallery on June 3, 1930, the Mediterranean Revival architectural style building was designed by architect Myron Hunt.  The garden outside the Gallery is an original Frederick Law Olmsted Garden.  A multiyear renovation project to bring back original lighting and interiors was completed in 2017.  Visitors can tour the building including the vault, Gallery, tower room and see the original dumbwaiter.  Make sure to check out the Book Sale. 

Malaga Cove Plaza Historic District
Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Drive West between Via Tejon and Via Corta, PVE, 90274
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Plaza parking limited.
Street parking around Plaza available.

The District is the most recent historically designated site in the City of Palos Verdes Estates.  One of the original town centers for the first subdivision planned for the Peninsula, the Mediterranean Revival style Plaza was mostly developed between 1925-1964 with buildings by architect Walter Swindle Davis, Sumner Spaulding, Carrington Lewis and open space by Olmsted Brothers.  The Gardner Building anchoring the west side of the Plaza was the first commercial building in the subdivision.  Visitors will learn about the District's history including Neptune Fountain. 

Malaga Cove School
375 Via Almar, PVE, 90274
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Malaga Cove School opened in 1926 with 35 students and was the first grammar school on the Peninsula. Designed by prominent Los Angeles architectural firm Allison & Allison, the building received the Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects for the most notable school architecture in Southern California for the years 1925-26. The site became the District Offices in 2010. The Tower once housed the local historical society. Visitors will be able to tour the Tower and auditorium, now used for Board meetings. There is a poster exhibit.

Mirlo Gate Lodge Tower
4420 Via Valmonte PVE, 90274
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

A FREE shuttle will be available from Valmonte School to Mirlo Gate Lodge Tower.  Service available from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.  Round trip is 25 minutes.

The entirely round Mirlo Gate Lodge Tower was designed in 1925 by architect Clarence E. Howard, known for his design of the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial. Built in 1926 of PV stone, Mirlo is 508 sq. ft and 18 ft in diameter and sits on 79,500 sq ft of Parklands hillside. Originally intended as a gated entrance (with living quarters), the tower was built as a part of the Palos Verdes Project. Mirlo Gate Lodge Tower is owned by the City of Palos Verdes Estates. Visitors can tour the inside of the structure.

The Neighborhood Church
415 Paseo del Mar, PVE, 90274 
June 17, 9 a.m. - noon
June 18, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Neighborhood Church occupies the former mansion of a Los Angeles department store owner, John Joseph Haggarty.  Completed in 1928, it was designed as an Italian Renaissance villa by Armand Monaco with 15,000 sq. ft. of  living area and 32 rooms.  It was landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers.  Haggarty owned the home only 5 years and sold it in 1933 due to financial problems.  After several owners, The Neighborhood Church purchased the property for $60,000 in 1950.  Visitors will have docent-led tours of the building with spectacular views of the Santa Monica Bay.

Palos Verdes Beach & Athletic Club
389 Paseo del Mar, PVE, 90274 
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Club, originally called Palos Verdes Bathhouse and Beach Club, was designed by noted architect Kirtland Cutter and opened in 1930 as part of the Palos Verdes Project.  In 1939, the newly incorporated City of Palos Verdes Estates assumed ownership from the Palos Verdes Homes Association where it has remained one of the city’s amenities.  After years of damage and disrepair in the 1970s and 1980s, the Club was rescued from demolition and restored by a group of dedicated residents, reopening it in 1993.  Visitors can tour the 5-story clubhouse, competition size 6 lane pool, children’s pool and fitness center that have been a part of the community since 1930.  Roessler Point lookout provides an amazing view of the facility.

Palos Verdes Estates Police Department
340 Palos Verdes Drive West, PVE, 90274
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Photography not allowed in Communications/Dispatch Center.

The City of Palos Verdes Estates is the only Peninsula city with its own Police Department (PVPD).  Police service began in 1924 when there were only a few homes under construction.  In 1929, there were only three officers.  Today the PVEPD has 22 sworn officers and a number of support staff and dedicated volunteers to protect and provide vital services to the community.  Visitors can tour the building, see the jail, shooting range, the PD’s classic Car 54, ATV’s, motorcycles, and patrol vehicles, and get to know members of the Police Department.

Palos Verdes Homes Association
320 Palos Verdes Drive West, PVE, 90274

Unavailable June 17.

The Palos Verdes Homes Association and Art Jury were established in June 1923, to ensure homeowners that the neighborhoods in Palos Verdes Estates and Miraleste can never be spoiled. It has been guiding property owners to bring about architectural integrity and building aesthetics while enhancing the wonderful natural beauty of the property, as laid out by our founders.

Palos Verdes Golf Club
3301 Via Campesina, PVE, 90274

Interior unavailable June 17 due to construction. Limited parking.

Palos Verdes Golf Club opened on November 15, 1924.  The golf course was designed and built by the renowned team of William P. “Billy” Bell and George C. Thomas, a classic example of the “Golden Age" of golf course design.  The Spanish-style clubhouse was designed by Clarence E. Howard with original landscaping by Olmsted Brothers.  In recent years, restoration and design improvements have been overseen by golf course architect Todd Ekenrode.

Palos Verdes High School
600 Cloyden Road, PVE, 90274
Unstaffed. Grounds open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Completed in 1961, Palos Verdes High School was the first public high school on the Peninsula. Designed by Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander with local architect Carrington Lewis, the plant includes a mix of Mid-Century modern and traditional gabled tile roofs and stucco walls. Neutra enthusiasts will recognize the classic “spider leg” metal supports on the canopies.  Visitors are welcome to walk about the grounds. 

Palos Verdes Stables

4057 Via Opata, PVE, 90274
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Parking available on

Via Opata and neighboring streets. Stables are a short walk up the driveway. No touching or feeding horses. Riding lessons may be in progress.

Originally called the Riding Academy, the Palos Verdes Stables were established in 1925 and were one of the community amenities started by the Palos Verdes Project. The Stables have a long history of comprehensive equestrian programs catering to every discipline of riding and any experience level. Trail program links to trails in PVE.

Palos Verdes Tennis Club
3033 Via Campesina, PVE, 90274
Noon - 4 p.m.

Limited parking. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in Pro Shop. (Card only.)

The Palos Verdes Tennis Club (PVTC) is a private tennis and pickleball club, with 11 lighted tennis courts, 8 lighted pickleball courts, a full-service pro shop, a locker room with showers, and a clubhouse.  PVTC has a vibrant junior tennis academy for members and non-members, offering group and private lessons for pickleball and tennis junior camps, Junior Team Tennis, and special events.  PVTC opened in 1963 with five courts and a small pro shop.  Three additional courts were added in 1965 and in December of that year over 300 Peninsula children attended the first free tennis clinic under the direction of Jack Weber.  Four additional courts were added in the 1970s.  The clubhouse was dedicated and presented to the city in 1970. This July marks the 60th anniversary of the club. Visitors can take a self-guided tour. Regular hours are Monday-Sunday 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

St. Francis Episcopal Church
2200 Via Rosa, PVE, 90274
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Ample parking including handicap spots. Street parking is also available on Via Rosa. Light refreshments provided throughout the day.

Architect Walter Swindell Davis, who had designed the La Venta Inn, designed the new chapel. The Chapel was completed and dedicated in July,1952. The Chapel, according to the architect, "was designed after the churches found in the little hill towns surrounding Assisi, with Gothic arches framing the choir, sanctuary and altar". The stained-glass windows were gifted as memorials and all the wooden pews were fully subscribed as gifts in one afternoon.