At almost 100 years old, San Pedro’s Harbor House has witnessed a lot of history. When the cornerstone for the new Army & Navy YMCA was laid in 1925, San Pedro had been annexed by Los Angeles just 16 years prior. The port was expanding rapidly, the fishing industry was unrivaled, and the military was a major part of San Pedro life.
The Army & Navy YMCA shortly after it opened. Photo from the CA State Library.
Today, Harbor House has been lovingly reimagined to honor its storied past while meeting the needs of a new generation. The Hillcrest Company, alongside an expert team, has meticulously restored the building, embracing its history while adding touches of modern luxury. The updated Harbor House now offers 100 stylishly appointed rooms and suites, featuring design-forward furnishings that blend seamlessly with the building’s historic details. With its redesigned spaces by the architecture firm Omgivning and interiors by Studio Preveza, Harbor House has reemerged as a community gem.
Each residence is outfitted with modern amenities—central heating and cooling, brand-new appliances, and oversized windows that fill the spaces with natural light—creating a refined retreat that respects the building’s unique heritage. The result is a residence that not only pays homage to its YMCA roots but also offers a luxurious living experience in the heart of San Pedro.
Speaking of Harbor House’s YMCA roots, let’s take a look back at its storied past to understand just how important the building is to today’s San Pedro.
Harbor House: From YMCA Sanctuary to San Pedro Icon
Perched in the heart of San Pedro, Harbor House stands as an enduring testament to nearly a century of change, embodying both the maritime legacy of the port city and the community spirit that has long defined it. Originally opened as the Army and Navy YMCA in 1926, Harbor House quickly became a vital part of San Pedro’s landscape, a place where servicemen could find comfort and camaraderie away from home. Today, lovingly restored and renewed, Harbor House invites a new generation to step into its storied past—offering a rare blend of historical charm and modern luxury.
The Army & Navy YMCA (on the left) as seen from Terminal Island - 1930. Photo from the LAPL.
The Foundations of a Community Landmark
San Pedro was in a state of rapid transformation when the cornerstone of Harbor House was laid in 1925. Just sixteen years prior, it had been annexed by Los Angeles, joining the sprawling city as the port became the gateway to the Pacific. The town’s fishing industry thrived, and Fort MacArthur's military presence was steadily growing. Against this backdrop, the new YMCA was both a response to the community’s immediate needs and a symbol of its growth. Its Spanish Colonial Revival design, with terracotta roofing and stucco walls, was quintessentially Californian, capturing the era’s fascination with Mediterranean aesthetics.
Photo taken from the Army & Navy YMCA looking down on Beacon Street during a 1926 Navy parade. Photo from the LA Times.
Built to be more than a recreational center, Harbor House quickly became a sanctuary. Its grand halls, high-arched ceilings, and spacious dormitories welcomed thousands of servicemen who passed through San Pedro. Facilities included a gymnasium, a boxing ring, and a vast social hall, where young men could find not only physical respite but also a sense of belonging. It was, in many ways, a home away from home.
A reception held in the courtyard of the Army & Navy YMCA - 1927. Photo from the San Pedro Historical Society.
War and the Spirit of Solidarity
The arrival of World War II transformed Harbor House into a critical hub for San Pedro’s wartime efforts. The port city became a strategic military center, and the YMCA opened its doors to an endless stream of servicemen. During this time, the building became a symbol of unity, a place where soldiers, sailors, and the local community came together. Entertainment was also a big part of life at Harbor House. Hollywood stars, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball, visited to lift spirits and bring a touch of glamour to the servicemen stationed there.
Interior shot of the Army & Navy YMCA. Photo from the U. of Minnesota Archives.
Harbor House not only served as a retreat but also as a cultural gathering point, where the vibrant energy of wartime camaraderie filled its halls. Soldiers found solace within its walls, whether catching a boxing match, sharing stories over coffee, or simply enjoying the view of the bustling port. By the end of the war, the building had become more than a YMCA; it was a place woven into the very fabric of San Pedro.
Post-War Transformation and Architectural Legacy
With the war over, San Pedro continued to grow, and Harbor House shifted its role, becoming a community center that welcomed both veterans and locals. Its serene patios and sunlit meeting spaces played host to community events, dinners, dances, and celebrations that drew people from across the city. Architecturally, Harbor House stood as an iconic example of Spanish Revival design, its terracotta roof and graceful archways retaining a timeless beauty amid the modernizing city. As San Pedro evolved, Harbor House became a symbol of endurance, its walls echoing with the stories of those who had passed through.
The years may have brought new buildings and new faces to San Pedro, but Harbor House’s design remained a constant. Its historical charm and graceful proportions set it apart from the rapid developments around it. Inside, the building’s Old-World aesthetic, with decorative tilework and wrought-iron fixtures, retained a sense of elegance, reminding the community of an era defined by craftsmanship and detail.
Revitalization: A New Chapter for Harbor House
Today, Harbor House is more than a historical landmark; it’s a reimagined living experience that bridges the past with the present.
The recent redesign—spearheaded by architecture firm Omgivning and with interiors by Studio Preveza—has preserved the building’s original Spanish Colonial Revival charm while infusing it with contemporary comfort. Each residence is outfitted with central heating and cooling, new appliances, and oversized windows that flood the spaces with natural light. The design-forward furnishings blend seamlessly with the building’s historic details, creating a unique aesthetic that respects Harbor House’s legacy while catering to modern tastes.
A Community Gem with a Story to Share
Harbor House today is more than a residence; it’s a living piece of San Pedro’s history, an iconic building reborn for a modern era. Its timeless architecture, historic character, and storied past offer residents a unique opportunity to live within a true community landmark. For those seeking a distinctive home with a legacy, Harbor House stands ready to welcome its next generation of residents, inviting them to be part of its ongoing story.
Now available to lease, Harbor House offers a rare chance to step into a space where history and contemporary comfort coexist harmoniously. Each room reflects the community’s maritime and military heritage, while new furnishings and thoughtful design details ensure that residents enjoy the highest level of comfort. As San Pedro continues to grow, Harbor House remains a constant, a cornerstone of the neighborhood that celebrates both the past and the promise of the future.
As a special promotion, we’re excited to offer LA Explained readers an exclusive $500 look-and-lease special for anyone interested in taking up residence in one of the beautifully restored apartments at Harbor House. To take advantage of this offer, just contact the leasing office at (213) 246-2462 and mention LA Explained!
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