3253 Lees Avenue, Long Beach
Cliff May Homes: Historical and Modern (Midcentury)
Cliff May, born in San Diego, California, in 1908, began his career as a builder before transitioning to architecture. Often credited with popularizing the Ranch Style house, May's designs are known for their simple, single-story structure, open floor plans, and emphasis on indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Over his career, Cliff May designed and built more than 1,000 homes in Southern California, many of which remain as classic examples of the Ranch Style. His influence also extended to commercial architecture, with designs such as the Beverly Hills Women's Club and the Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Committee Building.
Cliff May's architectural style was heavily influenced by Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival architecture, which he seamlessly incorporated into his Ranch Style homes. Recognized with several awards, including induction into the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows in 1973, May’s legacy lives on. Even after his passing in 1989, his designs are considered architectural treasures, and his homes are admired for their timeless appeal. In recent years, his work has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with several books and exhibitions dedicated to his life and architectural contributions.
Where to Find Cliff May Homes
Cliff May homes are prevalent throughout Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. Built primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, his homes represent the peak of his architectural career. Some neighborhoods known for large concentrations of Cliff May homes include Rancho Estates in Long Beach, Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego, and several areas within Orange County. Additionally, some of his commercial structures are still accessible and can be visited today.
Cliff May recent activity
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.