Calling the foundation’s role critical to the revitalization of the historic beachfront Marion Davies Estate, the Santa Monica Conservancy presented their President’s Award to the Annenberg Foundation at a special event at the newly opened Annenberg Community Beach House at 415 PCH, Saturday, May 9, 2009.

The award was presented to Leonard Aube, Managing Director of the Annenberg Foundation during an opening event, Saturday evening, at the Annenberg Community Beach House attended by some 300 residents.

"We are delighted to give this award to the Annenberg Foundation, whose visionary support, under the leadership of Wallis Annenberg, has revitalized this historic treasure and turned it into an asset for the entire community," said Santa Monica Conservancy President Carol Lemlein.

The Beach House is open to the public and includes beach club amenities, modern event rooms overlooking the sand and a historic pool. Docent-led tours include the Julia Morgan-designed and beautifully restored guest house. The Conservancy’s docent-led tours of both the new and historic portions of the facility are free and offered throughout the week.

The new public facility was originally known as the Marion Davies Estate, a palatial home that dominated Santa Monica’s prestigious “Gold Coast” in the 1920s and 1930s. It was here that media baron William Randolph Hearst and his companion, actress Marion Davies, hosted some of the era's most famous people: from Hollywood celebrities to heads of state and beyond.

The original 110-room mansion was torn down in 1957, but the sizeable guest house and splendidly tiled swimming pool remain. These historic assets have been restored and enhanced with additional new facilities for public recreation by the design team of Frederick Fisher & Partners.

To learn more about opening hours, facilities and activities at the Annenberg Community Beach House, please visit beachhouse.smgov.net.