1639 3rd Street

The Halfhil-Bell Queen Anne Colonial Revival Victorian mansion commands
prominence on the north side of 3rd St. in Manhattan Beach. This may be one of
the most prominent and historically significant residences in the South Bay. 1639
3rd St. in Manhattan Beach was originally built between 1903 and 1905 for Albert
P. Halfhil, the inventor of tuna canning, on a hill overlooking McArthur Park (then
Westlake Park) near downtown Los Angeles. In 1983, the Bell family purchased
the dilapidated home for $1, removed the 3rd floor including the witch’s cap, cut
the mansion into 3 pieces, and trucked it to Manhattan Beach over a 2 week
period enduring many obstacles and challenges. The Los Angeles Conservancy
called it “the most difficult undertaking of its kind in city history.” The Conservancy
gave the Bells an award for saving the historic structure. Once the house arrived at
her new home, the restoration began and continued for 12 years. With the help of
interior designer, Mandi Vilari, the owners restored decorative elements such as
the foyer’s fretwork, wainscoting, leaded glass windows, pocket doors, etc.,
succeeding in creating an authentic Victorian showpiece. The architectural repair
and restoration has been praised by the Manhattan Beach Cultural Heritage
Conservatory. Not all structures like 1639 3rd St. are eligible for preservation,
making this one a genuine treasure. It is only through preservation that future
generations will be able to comprehend and envision the architectural evolution
of our community.