History of the Palos Verdes Beach & Athletic Club

The Palos Verdes Bathhouse and Beach Club opened in June 1930 at a cost of $15,000,  as a community amenity to be enjoyed by new property owners in the Palos Verdes Project, which at the time consisted of 499 residents..  Noted architect, Kirtland Cutter, designed this beautiful landmark on the beach in Malaga Cove. In 1939, the newly incorporated City of Palos Verdes Estates assumed ownership from the Palos Verdes Homes Association.  For many years, the pool was a salt water plunge.  At some point in time, a large cinder block wall was constructed next to the pool , apparently to protect from storm damage, but completely cutting off any view of the adjacent  ocean.

 Swim Club 1930 a few months before its opening

On September 3, 1946, the structure experienced a fire that destroyed the upper levels of the facility. The damage was left un-repaired however city residents continued to use the pool facilities.  In 1965, the Club was re-named in memory of the City’s first mayor, H.F.B. Roessler, who at the time of his death, was serving his twenty-sixth year in office. From its inception, the club was only open during the summer, and Larry Bark ran the summer swim program for 30 years beginning in 1957.

In 1988, the building finally became a serious safety hazard, and the City of Palos Verdes Estates was faced with a critical decision - demolition or renovation of the historic facility. Fortunately, a plan was formulated by concerned citizens of the City to save the facility. This group was composed of several very dedicated people, including Jerry Glass, John Bates, Ruth Gralow, Jack Duston, Deanne Myers, Bill Finer, Dave Bryant, Judy Burke, Dorothy and John Flood, Mark Paulin, Karen Gottdamer, and Jo Scudamore. Under the auspices of the City, the Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was formed, and raised $2.0 million by selling memberships in the club. The land under the club is owned by the City and the Swim Club operates under a concession agreement with the City.  

John Bates supervised the renovation, and Architect-Designer Juan Forteza  re-designed the club and did an incredible job of creating some of the most remarkable public spaces of any club in the country. The renovated Club, after a 3.5 year construction period, with the old wall removed that had disrupted the view of the ocean and with a brand new state of the art infinity pool, was dedicated in July 1993 as the Palos Verdes Beach & Athletic Club.  The new club also included a steam room, dry sauna, aerobic and yoga room, kayak storage, a Jacuzzi, and a weight and workout facility.

The Club, now open year round, continues as a focal point of social and recreational activities by both its 610 members as well as by residents and the public through the payment of a daily use fee.