City of Ventura Celebrates City Hall Centennial

THE HISTORIC SEASIDE CITY is a treasure-trove of preserved

 architecture that dates back to the California mission period

(VENTURA, CA) – The city of Ventura, ideally situated along a stretch of the California central coast between Malibu and Santa Barbara, has been a living community for at least ten thousand years.  Originally a Chumash Indian settlement, it was deemed San Buenaventura in 1782 by Father Junipero Serra when he founded the ninth California mission.  The Mission has functioned without interruption as a Catholic Church on Ventura’s Main Street to this day, and Ventura’s Latino heritage is still visible in other structures as well.  Just a few miles from the heart of downtown is the must-see Olivas Adobe, an immaculately restored Spanish rancho estate known for its elegant grounds that often play host to various special events and is open to the public.  Another landmark residence that typifies homes that lined Main Street through the 1800s includes the Ortega Adobe - built in 1857 and known for being the birthplace of Ortega Famous Green Chilies. 

Now in 2013, the city of Ventura continues to keep its history alive by upholding the value of its historical architecture and commemorating milestone anniversaries.  On July 4^th, 2013 the public is invited to take part in celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Neo Classic, “Beau Arts” style San Buenaventura City Hall.  Located in the heart of downtown, with views of the Pacific Ocean, the Ventura City Hall has been one of the state's premier civic buildings since 1913.  The City Hall centennial will be celebrated at the 38^th annual 4^th of July Street Fair, making this year’s theme "Ventura City Hall Centennial 1913-2013".   Interspersed with six stages of live entertainment, the fair will extend along Main Street from Fir Street to Ventura Avenue as well as side streets Chestnut, Oak and California and feature over 250 fine artists and crafters, as well as a plethora of food vendors.  The annual Pushem-Pullen Parade will be sponsored by Rotary Club of Ventura East and is free for all.  This Ventura tradition will feature costumed children and adults with decorated bicycles and little red wagons.  The Street Fair begins 10am at Cemetery Memorial Park on Main Street and ends at the Street Fair at 5pm.; free shuttle bus services from the Ventura County Government Center will be available. 

The city of Ventura also holds historical sites that date back to the Victorian era, 1880 and beyond.  The Victorian Rose is one of Ventura’s oldest landmark buildings and is a testament to the gothic cathedrals, complete with a 96-foot spire.  Originally built in 1880 by Selywn Locke Shaw, it now operates as Ventura’s only full-service Bed & Breakfast.  Another lasting edifice from this era is the authentically restored farmhouse, known as the Dudley House - built in 1892 by B.W. Dudley, where he and his family lived until 1930.  The Dudley House Museum is open to the public, offers special tours for schools and other groups, and private tours can also be arranged.  The beautiful gardens are a popular site for weddings and other special events. 

Ventura’s Historic Downtown District is filled with excellent examples of homes from the late 19^th and early 20^th century – many that have been repurposed into thriving businesses.  The former home of Ventura Philanthropist Carlo Hahn, built in 1912, now houses The Tavern Bar & Restaurant.  The Craftsman-style Norton Ranch House (1910) is now home to a French bistro, 71 Palm.  The Italianate period Love House (1903) sits between two other post-Victorian, accurately restored, turn-of-the-century homes, all of which have been converted to professional buildings.  Other downtown architectural standouts include the lovingly preserved row of Queen Anne cottages that occupy an entire block facing Plaza Park.  Victorian and craftsman-style homes stretch through midtown to The Pierpont Inn which was built in 1910 and encompasses decades of rich architecture including two 1925 English Tudor Revival cottages and a 1935 Spanish Revival Ballroom.  This cozy craftsman-style 77-room historic hotel is situated on a bluff, surrounded by lush landscaping and has sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean.  The hotel’s romantic costal charm has made it a great overnight getaway for over 100 years. 

Originally constructed in the late 1920’s, the former Ventura Guarantee and Loan is one of Ventura’s most stellar restorations.  The building features a beautiful wood-paneled interior, including three large murals by renowned California painter Norman Kennedy, and the exterior has magnificent brickwork accented by unique ceramic tiles.  The location now holds the Watermark on Main, a restaurant and rooftop lounge with a synthesis of old and new; making it an essential dining destination in Ventura, for historians and epicureans alike. 

City Hall Centennial Activities

In commemoration of the City Hall Centennial, three time capsules- airtight 14” steel cubes- will be filled, buried, and join the existing U.S. Bicentennial (1776-1976) and City of San Buenaventura Centennial (1866-1966) time capsules buried by the landmark building’s front steps to mark its 100^th birthday.  Ventura is looking for ideas and donations to include in the time capsules.  Centennial Time Capsule ideas and donations should be sent to Richard Newsham at newsham@cityofventura.net or P.O. Box 99-501 Poli Street, Room 206, Ventura, CA 93002.  City Hall Centennial dates and activities include, July 4 & 25, 11am - 4pm: Historic exhibits and guided tours of the building's architecture, ‘ghosts’ and Municipal Art Collection (MAC).

July 15-19 Summer Art Camp 9am-12pm: Students 9-14 year olds create artworks inspired by City Hall's architecture and art with Focus on the Masters, meet MAC artists and study various art forms in the Atrium. Register: $150 at 805.658.4726 or www.cityofventura.net/recreation.

July 18 Dinner at the City 5pm: Purchase tickets for an elegant feast hosted by Totally Local VC as a benefit for Future Farmers of America, held on City Hall's expansive front lawn.  Info at www.totallylocalvc.com

July 25 Open House, 11am - 4pm: Experience Ventura City Hall at work and attend:

• 2pm: Historic Preservation Workshops: The Architectural Terra Cotta of City Hall (free) sponsored by the City of Ventura Community Development Department, presented by Gary Kurutz
• 4pm: City Hall Centennial Sculpture unveiled & Time Capsule sealed (free) followed by birthday cake and refreshments, sponsored by the City of Ventura Public Art Program

More info about these events can be found at www.cityofventura.net/cityhallcentennial.

For information on Ventura accommodations and attractions, visit www.ventura-usa.com or phone 800-483-6215.  A non-profit organization, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau enhances tourism and the economy by positioning the City of Ventura as a visitor and conference destination. The Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.