A $21-million grant from a private foundation is set to save what remains of one of California’s most prized architectural treasures, the languishing beachfront property, formerly owned by 1920s-era film star Marion Davies, at 415 Pacific Coast Highway.

The generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation to the City of Santa Monica will rehabilitate 415 PCH into a public recreational and educational facility. At one point the home was converted into the historic Santa Monica beach club. Work on the property is expected to being within a couple years with completion anticipated in 2008.

The Annenberg Foundation has recently supported other major design and construction projects, including the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, DC, the Liberty Bell Pavilion and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and The British Museum in London.

The Annenberg Foundation was established in 1989 by Walter Annenberg to provide support for a wide-range of projects including education and community-education and youth, arts and culture, civic and community, and health. Walter Annenberg was a successful publisher whose publications included the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper, Seventeen magazine, and TV Guide, among others; an owner of television and radio stations as well as a U.S. ambassador to Great Britain.

The PCH property is owned by the State of California, which granted the City of Santa Monica an operating agreement for the site. The site has several architecturally significant structures, including a guest house and swimming pool designed by noted architect Julia Morgan. Unfortunately, the property was severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Final plans have not been drawn for the restoration project. The City first intends to conduct public workshops to gain feedback on how the site can best be utilized.

Hats off to the Annenberg Foundation and its head, Wallis Annenberg, daughter of the late Walter Annenberg, for saving this historic property! With this grant, 415 Pacific Coast Highway will be open to the enjoyment of Santa Monica residents, visitors and generations to come.