58 DIGS.NET
| 8.12.2022
S W E E T D I G S | 1 6 0 2 LO M A D R I V E
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L
oma Drive and 16th Street meet
at a unique point in Hermosa Beach: On one side is
the lush open green of Hermosa Valley; on the other
is a clear line of sight stretching down to the Pacific
Ocean. For the newly completed structure at this
intersection, it makes for stellar views while living
only a two-minute stroll from the shops and sidewalk
eateries of Pier Avenue. "It's a unique geographical location,"
says real estate agent Jonathan Schultz of the property, which
consists of two separate Modernist residences, each with a
rooftop deck. "You can look out all of the windows and see the
ocean; and you can't block those views because it's a city street."
The airy structures are the work of a standout team of Beach
Cities home professionals—including AIA-award-winning builder
Jeff Widmann, who's been producing modern architecture in
the area since the late-1980's, including over 50 projects
with famed Beach Modernist architect Pat Killen. (The vivid
BeachPod, located at Hermosa Avenue and Second Street in
Hermosa Beach, is among their collaborations.) "I believe in
building 'historic' homes," Widmann says of his approach. "So
when somebody goes down the street after 30 years, they say,
'Look at that house.' And after 100 years, it's still standing, and
has aged well." For this project, he teamed up with fellow owner-
developer Josh Casner, whose family has been building in the
area for over 45 years. Well-known designer Jon Starr was part
of the team, as was interior designer Leila Bick.
"There's nothing that compares in the neighborhood, since
it's new construction and larger than usual," says Schultz of the
project. The front residence has already been sold, but the rear
residence—approximately 2,968 square feet, with 4 bedrooms
and 4.5 bathrooms—is available. It's a sunlit Modernist residence
with an innate sophistication that comes from its cleancut look
and execution, spanning three levels (elevator included) and
designed with a well-considered selection of natural materials,
from white oak floors to surfaces of marble, porcelain and granite.
Even the exterior is clad in warm-hued tambour—a flexible wood
