The Santa Monica City Hall that we recognize was built in 1938-1939 by architects Donald B. Parkinson and Joseph M. Estep in the Deco Moderne style with WPA funds. Landscaping of the Civic Center included Greek Junipers on either side of the entrance and Windmill Palms in the front of the building. The roads on either side were planted with Carob Trees. At the north end of roads Mexican Fan Palms and Canary Island Dates were placed.A Tonyon (California Holly) was located at the northeast corner of the City Hall building. Near 4th Street, on the lawn, a rare Yucca (Yucca elephantipes) and Spanish Bayonet were located. Source: Trees of Santa Monica (1956) by George T. Hastings,
This photo is from the Santa Monica Image Archives, Imagine Santa Monica Collection. It shows planting of this mature speciment on July 1, 1949, on the lawn facing RAND
Now, notable landscape architects, Field Operations, are working on the Ken Genser Square and Santa Monica Commons in front of City Hall, which will create two parks for the City.
