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Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome
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| Location: | Santa Monica, California |
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| Built: | 1916 |
| Architect: | Looff,Charles & Arthur |
| Architectural style: | Mixture of Byzatine, Moorish, and Californian |
| Governing body: | Local |
| NRHP Reference#: | 87000766 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP: | February 27, 1987[1] |
| Designated NHL: | February 27, 1987[2] |
The Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome is located on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. It was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. Looff's carousel was housed at the Hippodrome until it was sold in 1939. It was replaced by a Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #62 that was used at Ocean Park Pier. Since 1977, the carousel has been owned by the city of Santa Monica, California.[3] The building remains a rare example of structures that used to be on the Amusement pier. It was restored from 1977 through 1981[4]
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.[2][5]
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On June 12, 1916 The Loof Hippodrome opened its doors for the first time and the public fell in love, for inside the curious looking structure was a circling menagerie of wooden animals suited to delight anyone who cared to ride upon them. It was a genuine carousel.
When the war ended (WWII), Newcomb found himself in an enviable position. The amusement business was expected to see a great surge with the return of the country's military personnel and a general feeling of national pride. With the closure of the Venice Pier reducing his competition, he relocated his Venice-based carousel into the old Loof Hippodrome.
Thanks to the citizens of Santa Monica who on april 10th 1973 voted in the councilmen who wanted the beaches preserved and the pier saved thanks to the tenants in this building that prayed and worked so hard that we still could stay together. Thanks to the tenants on the pier who had petitions signed, signs made and who worked day and night so the pier could be saved. My brothers and sisters on the Carousel have been in this building for many years. We have no place to go. We would not know where to go. This is our home, we were born here and we want to die here.—Sincerly Yours; The 46 Hourses on the Carousel
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