Venice Canal District 

Venice Canal District

The existing canals are significant as a unique example of early-20th century residential development oriented around the original Venice canals developed by Venice of America founder Abbot Kinney.

The canals that we know today (Carroll, Howland, Linnie, Sherman, Eastern and Grand) are the Short Line Canals built on land owned by the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad. When this canal district was developed in 1905, it was assumed that it would be made as captivating as Abbot Kinney’s Venice of America canals, but this never happened. Purchasers of lots waited for landscaping and even safety measures. Material and workmanship were inferior. Lots sold poorly because the area was a blight and gas, electric and sewer lines were not available. In 1929, the canals were only partially completed, and the residents could not afford the city assessment for fill-in costs. As Venice declined in the ‘30s and ‘40s, this neighborhood became neglected. In the 1940s, it was removed from public access due to crumbling banks, sewage pollution and a backup of oil brine from drilling operations. By the late ‘60s, the canals had deteriorated into stagnant, murky pools. But because of its location, uniqueness and cheap rent, the area became a haven for hippies and other counterculture enthusiasts. It took five decades for Los Angeles to finally rehabilitate the deteriorating conditions. The Venice Canals are now a joy to behold and famous worldwide ... a unique remembrance of Venice history.

The Venice Canal District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and the Venice Canal System became Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #270 on 7/15/1983.