Santa Monica Conservancy recognized The Purser at 1659 Ocean Front Walk with a 2022 Rehabilitation Award for recently completed work on the interior and exterior. The rehabilitation was guided by the Secretary’s Standards and Mills Act historical property contact. The City Landmark four-story building was constructed in 1913 and is one of few remaining buildings from the early period of Santa Monica beachfront development. Designed as an apartment hotel, the building responded to seasonal demand for extended stay lodging. It has been memorialized by generations of photographers and tourists as a backdrop for body builders on the original Muscle Beach.

Known as the Purser Apartments, the building had been altered over time with replacement aluminum slider windows, added foam stringcourses and quoining, and faux finish exterior painting that detracted from its simple Mission Revival character. Owner Wilshire Skyline replaced the aluminum sliders with hung-type fiberglass windows, removed stringcourses and quoining, and re-stuccoed the building an off-white color more in keeping with its early character. An exterior lighting program highlights architectural features and improves security for residents and passersby.

The rehabilitation reversed years-long neglect, replaced critical components of the building, such as roofing and waterproofing, and damaged interior features, such as unit doors and appliances. Completion of the project was not without challenges, as all rehabilitation work was carried out with existing tenants in place and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work slowed but continued apace.