Santa Monica's last intact shotgun house survived demolition and multiple moves
Santa Monica's last intact shotgun house, built in 1897, faced demolition and several moves. Community efforts and preservation groups saved the structure from disappearing entirely. The house was moved multiple times before finding its permanent location in 2014. It was then restored and repurposed as a Preservation Resource Center. This historic building now educates the public about local…
In 1897, a small wooden shotgun house was built in Santa Monica, California. This particular style of house, which originated in the Caribbean and became common in the American South during the 19th century, was designed to be inexpensive and easy to move. The Shotgun House in Santa Monica has survived demolition threats, multiple moves, and years in storage, making it the last intact example of its kind in the city.
Over the years, the house changed hands and was moved several times, including three relocations before finally finding its permanent home in 2014. The Santa Monica Conservancy worked with various community organizations to save the structure from demolition, designating it a landmark in 1999. However, moving the house did not immediately provide it with a purpose.
In 2016, the Santa Monica Conservancy transformed the building into a Preservation Resource Center, marking a decade of preservation in 2026. This resource center provides information and educational programming about Santa Monica's historic places and preservation principles. The building itself is an example of adaptive reuse, earning a LEED Gold rating and featuring drought-resistant native plants in its surrounding Coastal Garden.
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