Post #779533 by Rum Dog on Wed, Sep 6, 2017 6:19 PM

Article about the apartment.
https://sbfoundersday.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/tdisbh249/

(Cut & paste article in case link goes bad in future.)

September 6th in Seal Beach History
Posted on September 6, 2017 by Michael Dobkins
On this date in 1964, the Marina Lanai Apartments ran this ad in the Long Beach Independent.

The apartment building was constructed in 1962 and had its open house launch on December 2nd, 1962. The new apartments were modern and up-to-date with Medallion all-electric kitchens, all the latest appliances, sound proofing, a built-in vacuum, and FM background music systems. The inner courtyard had an oversized swimming pool and recreation facilities. Another selling point 1962 was the proximity to the relatively new Long Beach Marina, which was opened in 1957 (and motivated the changing the name of this section of Bolsa Avenue to Marina Drive.)

The main attraction of the building for kids in the neighborhood was two tall Tiki totems and Tiki torches with gas jet flames stationed on either side of the steps to the main entrance. That and playing hide-and-go-seek in the ungated subterranean garage.

The Tiki totems and torches are gone, but the Marina Lanai apartments are still there at 350 Marina Drive (They call it Marina Palms). And, if you examine the front facade of today’s building, you’ll find a few subtle nods to the building’s exotic Tiki decor of yesteryear.