Home Savings Center
In 2019, Long Beach Heritage recognized the restoration project led by Edward Ahdoot of Rockwell Properties that uncovered a mosaic mural created by artist Susan Hertel of Millard Sheets Studio for the Homes Savings Center (now International City Bank). The building, built in 1979-82, was the first commercial building to open as part of a comprehensive downtown Long Beach revitalization plan. Like many Home Savings buildings, the public bank was a 1-story Modernist block with the entrance facing Ocean Blvd. on a diagonal. Unlike others, it connected to a 10-story complex designed by architect Frank Homolka. The restored mural was unveiled in a public ceremony on October 25, 2018. The untitled mosaic depicts various periods of Long Beach history from Tongva natives to three-masted ships, life on the ranchos and ending with workmen and oil derricks in the background.
Long Beach, Los Angeles County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt