Modernist Masterpiece: Clifton Jones Jr's Iconic Long Beach Home Hits Market
A four-bedroom midcentury modernist residence designed by architect Clifton Jones Jr in 1963 is being sold for $1.45 million in Long Beach's Los Cerritos neighbourhood. The property, which spans 2,768 square feet across a single storey with mirroring apartments, features 10-foot ceilings, expansive glass walls, and was famously photographed by architectural photographer Julius Shulman in 1964. The home is one of 42 post-and-beam units developed on land previously used for racehorse training.
The property exemplifies the design philosophy of its architect, who studied under notable figures at USC's architecture program and drew inspiration from California's experimental Case Study House movement. The duplex configuration allows each mirrored unit to function as a self-contained residence, making it adaptable for owner-occupancy with rental potential—a practical solution that addresses both personal use and investment considerations for buyers seeking period homes.
The site itself carries historical significance beyond its architectural merits. Originally family-owned land used for racehorse training, the transformation into a 42-unit residential development represented a broader midcentury shift toward reimagining urban spaces. The property's documentation by renowned photographer Julius Shulman in 1964 helped cement its place in California's architectural canon, contributing to the region's cultural legacy.
This listing may appeal to multiple constituencies, including architecture enthusiasts, investors in heritage properties, and buyers seeking sustainable, space-efficient housing models. The sale could influence preservation discussions around midcentury developments in Los Angeles, potentially affecting how similar neighborhoods approach renovation and conservation. Rising valuations of such properties may also shape urban planning conversations about balancing historical significance with contemporary housing demands in increasingly expensive California markets.