People searching for Palisades del Rey real estate might be disappointed at what they will discover. This beach colony nestled between Venice and Hermosa Beach, also known by the name "Surfridge", was created in the 1920s and was once a paradise of prime Pacific real estate. Unfortunately, a quest to find real estate for sale in Palisades del Rey these days may be in vain, and the reasons why may surprise you.
The History of Palisades del Rey Real Estate
The Roaring Twenties was an exciting time in the development of Los Angeles. Palisades del Rey real estate was no exception. This subdivision was developed by Dickinson and Gillespie and touted as a beachside Shangri Las. Ads from the time described Palisades del Rey as "the finest three-mile stretch of ocean front" and "a charming garden spot unlike and surpassing in its pristine magnificence any ocean front property near Los Angeles." New boulevards, a harbor for yachts and a beach club completed the package. A man named Fritz B. Burns was instrumental in the development of this community of over 800 homes on 470 acres of land. Burns, an innovator in prefabrication techniques, was known for his talent at creating attractive, affordable homes, and in those days, Palisades del Rey real estate could be had for a mere $150 down, and $4000 total sale price. Hollywood icons such as Cecil B. DeMille owned property there, and it was set to become the next Pacific Palisades.
The Expansion of LAX and The Condemnations
Palisades del Rey was once known as a wonderful neighborhood, replete with charming homes on rolling highland, frontage roads leading to what is now known as Dockweiler State Beach and an enviable location at the point of several major highways. Nearby, The Los Angeles International Airport was expanding. As the years went by, houses shook as jetliners multiplied. The city government's solution was four rounds of "condemnations", i.e., to purchase the homes in the area-by force-at a fraction of actual value. The land was surrounded by chain link fence, and beautiful homes were razed to the ground. On some streets, all that remains of the once-blossoming community are lampposts.
Preservationists and the El Segundo Blue Butterfly
Despite plans that were approved by the city in the 1980s to revitalize the old Palisades del Rey with developments such as a golf course, sand dune preserves and more, the California Coastal Commission successfully voted them down in the interest of an endangered species of butterfly known as the El Segundo Blue Butterfly. The entire area is now a habitat for these butterflies, but the local residents simply call it an "eyesore".
Palisades del Rey Today
The Palisades del Rey is now a ghost town. Real estate for sale in Palisades del Rey no longer exists, but if it did, it would be worth millions. People seeking real estate will have better luck looking for prospective homes in neighboring Playa Vista, El Segundo or the Westchester/LAX area.
