The Historic Seal Beach Water Tower was recently sold for $4.5 million to Orange County historic preservationists, Dr. Gregg DeNicola, MD and his wife, Mary. The tower’s former owner, Scott Ostlund, said he felt it was time to sell the unique structure to Landmark Property for $4.5 million. “It will stay as a vacation rental,” said new owner, Mary DeNicola.
The original water tower was built in 1890 and sat 87 feet above ground. In 1940, it was enlarged to a 75,000 gallon redwood tank, reportedly the largest ever on the West Coast. In 1984, the California Coastal Commission approved it a residence & the refurbished tower had some of the best views in Southern California.
“It’s great to have the Water Tower house as one of our landmarks, even though I think many folks (even locals) think the house is actually in Sunset Beach/Huntington Beach,” said Seal Beach Mayor Joe Kalmick. “They are now a legal vacation rental and have since made some modifications to help attenuate the noise.”
“I love the water tower. It’s iconic and the symbol that you are entering Sunset Beach when driving south on PCH,” said Dawn McCormack of the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club. “I sounds like the new owners got it at a great bargain in today’s real estate market.”
The great landmark can be seen from miles away, including out at sea. It’s always attracted my attention as an artist because of its unique character,” said Sunset Beach Art Gallery owner Bill Anderson. The tower is located at One Anderson Street (no relation).
The tower is one of the features in the self-guided Sunset Beach Walking Tour Map offered for free at the Visitor Information Kiosk at the Huntington Beach Pier. It’s open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
