Who doesn't adore picturesque luxurious waterfront living oozing with charm? Within just a block or two of a spectacular Southern California beachfront, no less. Well then do yourself a favor and take a pictorial stroll with me in my hometown along The Canals at Venice Beach. This is Abbot Kinney’s Venice of America.
First things first...
Abbot Kinney is the tobacco millionaire, developer and conservationist responsible for bringing Venice, Italy to Southern California in 1905 in his “Venice of America” development.
FUN FACT: These days, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a mile long strip of shopping minutes from Venice Beach.
For a more historical journey (including a great video), do yourself a favor and check out KCET’s page dedicated to Venice of America.
Kinney’s Venice of America was much larger in the early 1900s than it is now and started off as a seaside resort town replete with an amusement park and entertainment.Sadly, the canals were filled in 1929 to create roads and by 1940, the remaining canals had fallen into disrepair, and the sidewalks were condemned by the city. The canal district remained in poor condition for more than 40 years but was finally renovated in 1992 and re-opened in 1993. In 1982, the Venice Canals were listed in the National Register of Historic Places. (Source)
FUN FACT: The Abbot Kinney Festival has taken place every year (since 1984) in Venice, CA.WHAT A DIFFERENCE 100+ YEARS MAKES
I took this photo of Nely Galán’s colorful house along the Venice Canals. It was a beautiful day for a bike ride.
Click here for a glimpse of the interior courtesy of the LA Times.
The thoughtfully landscaped exterior area of Nely Galán’s Venice Canal home. I just love the soft colors of the succulents.
