Rapp Hall

Can you imagine a beer hall turning into City Hall? Right here, at Rapp Hall, that’s exactly what happened. Rapp Hall stands as a testament to Santa Monica’s early days. Built in 1875, the same year Santa Monica was founded, it was originally called Rapp Saloon. William Rapp commissioned the construction of this humble brick building as a beer hall. An 1877 newspaper ad even advertised the “Los Angeles Beer Garden” at Rapp Saloon, promising fresh Los Angeles beer. The arched architecture gives Rapp Hall a touch of Italianate style. This unassuming structure has played a surprisingly diverse role throughout its history. Rapp Hall even briefly served as Santa Monica’s City Hall from 1888 to 1889. It later housed the Salvation Army, a radiator repair shop, a piano tuning shop, and an art gallery. Rapp Hall also has a connection to the early days of Hollywood. From 1911 to 1914, the Vitagraph Film Company, an early movie studio, used the building. The faded painted signs on the north wall whisper stories of these past occupants. Saving Rapp Hall was a community effort. Abandoned since 1959, the building faced potential demolition. The owner wanted to sell and relocate Rapp Saloon. The city designated it as the first landmark in Santa Monica in 1975, even offering support for relocation. The idea of turning it into a historical museum was considered. Yet, no viable buyer emerged. Finally, in 1986, the American Youth Hostel stepped in, acquiring the property and incorporating Rapp Hall into its new building. Today, you can see Rapp Hall preserved within the hostel, a remarkable example of adaptive reuse. It’s a true survivor, a tangible link to Santa Monica’s vibrant past.