Who built this stunning Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece? Right before you stands the Esser House a Long Beach Historical Landmark. It’s more than just a beautiful building. It’s a snapshot of a pivotal moment in Long Beach history. William J Esser a construction foreman for C T McGrew & Sons built the Esser House in 1929. He wasn’t just any builder though. The historical marker perhaps a bit enthusiastically claims he also worked on the famous now-demolished Pacific Coast Club. That’s not entirely accurate. Esser was actually a foreman. The Pacific Coast Club was a much larger project built by C T McGrew & Sons. Regardless of that minor detail Esser’s craftsmanship shines in this remarkable duplex. He built it for Peter Coleman not for himself.
The Esser House is a perfect example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Popular in Long Beach’s coastal neighborhoods at the time. The stucco walls the oak floors the pine trim all speak to the era’s style. Notice the terra cotta Mission tile roof. It’s a beautiful detail. Look closely at the three garages. They still have their original wooden doors and hammered wrought iron hinges. This shows the owner’s dedication to preserving the house’s history. The asymmetrical design is another interesting feature. The two units are not identical but both are approximately 1650 square feet. Unit 1 has three bedrooms two baths a living room a kitchen and a dining room. Unit 2 is slightly different with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There’s even a small bachelor apartment about 200 square feet. It could be a rental or an office.
The Esser House was built in a fascinating time. Just before the Great Depression. After completing this project Esser started his own firm W J Esser & Sons. They had notable projects like the 1954 construction of Rancho Esperanza the Long Beach Honor Farm. They also built a wing for Community Hospital in 1958. The Esser House stands as a testament to its builder’s skill and a reminder of Long Beach’s rich past. It’s a beautifully preserved piece of history a reminder of a bygone era. It’s a home that’s also a work of art. It’s a historical landmark. It’s the Esser House.