The experimental post-and-beam Stoner Residence in Long Beach’s Naples Island, designed by visionary architect Ray Kappe, is under threat of demolition. Built in 1956, this home is one of Kappe’s earliest designs, showcasing his innovative use of light, open space, and connection to the environment—ideas that would shape his celebrated career and influence generations of architects through SCI-Arc.

Plans have been filed to replace the home with a new, larger house, threatening to erase a vital piece of Long Beach’s modern architectural heritage and the story of Kappe’s pioneering work.

The Los Angeles Conservancy, Docomomo US/SoCal, and Long Beach Heritage have formed the Coalition to Save the Stoner House, filing an appeal on a City of Long Beach action that approves demolition of a rare 1956 Ray Kappe-designed home in Long Beach.

The post-and-beam house is the earliest example of Kappe’s work in Long Beach, and is the only example of his work in the community prior to 1975. To justify the demolition of the house, two fundamentally flawed historic assessment reports were commissioned by the owner that found the property ineligible for listing. The Coalition strongly disagrees with these findings and will refute these as part of the appeal process. A win-win outcome is readily achievable in this case that can allow flexibility, compatible additions, and a rehabilitation that can retain and update the Stone House.

Preserving the Stoner Residence is about more than one building. It represents creativity, experimentation, and a lasting connection to place—a tangible piece of history that cannot be replaced.