? National Historic Place

Information about the Christian Science Society National Historic Place in the town of Avalon, on Catalina Island, in Southern California. See also more National Historic Places, other Historic Buildings and All Attractions on Catalina Island.

SITE NAME: Christian Science Society NHP
ALSO KNOWN AS: Christian Science Society Building
ALSO KNOWN AS: Overlook Hall
NATIONAL HISTORIC PLACE ID: 100001281
DATE REGISTERED: July 10, 2017
DATE NOMINATED: ?
BUILT: 1929
ARCHITECT: ?
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: ?
PROPERTY SIZE: ? acres
OWNER: Private owner
ORIGINAL USE: Religious Facility
CURRENT USE: Auditorium, Recreation Hall, Meeting Hall
ADDRESS: 209 East Whittley Avenue
LOCATION: City of Avalon, Catalina Island

Overlook Hall's National Historic Place Status
NATIONAL HISTORIC PLACE ID: DATE LISTED: July 10, 2017
The California State Historical Resources Commission nominated Overlook Hall to be added to the United States National Register of Historic Places at their quarterly meeting in Pasadena City Hall on May 10, 2017, along with thirteen other properties. The Commission's description of the property:
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
Christian Science Society was built in 1929, located almost exactly in the geographic center of Avalon, Santa Catalina Island. The building was Catalina’s first example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The design was precedent setting for the island and served as a template for the cohesive feel that later defined Avalon during its golden age of the 1930s. The building’s successful completion—on time and on budget despite the trying conditions of both location and period—inspired confidence among island developers, and became a thematic touchstone for the entire community.

History of the Building:
- First opened in 1929 as a Christian Science Church
- Designed in the style of an Italian chapel
- Building was completely restored over a two year perod beginning in 2010
- Today it is a community meeting place and special event venue

Resources

- California for Visitors "Overlook Hall Event Venue" Article
- CA Parks "Christian Science Society" Nomination Form (PDF)
- NPS "Christian Science Society" Nomination Form
- NPS "Christian Science Society" Photo Gallery

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Other Historic Sites on Catalina Island

All Visitor Attractions on Catalina

Catalina Island Travel Guide

California for Visitors

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