- How many condos are in the Sovereign?
- What year was the Sovereign built?
- How many stories is the building?
- What is the square feet of the units at 360 W Ocean?
- How much is the HOA?
- Is laundry available in each unit?
- Where do people park at 360 W Ocean?
- Are pets allowed at 360 W Ocean?
- What other condo towers were built in the same year as the Sovereign?
- What kind of heating system is used in each unit?
- What kind of amenities exist at the building?
- Why is the building called the Sovereign?
- Do all units have balconies?
- Are units available to rent in the Sovereign?
- Who is the architect of 360 W Ocean?
- Where are places to eat nearby?
All about the Sovereign
The Sovereign is located at 360 W Ocean in downtown Long Beach, CA. The address hardly does justice to this building that has stood the test of time as a building in Long Beach since 1922.
This historic landmark of a building is a site to see among the modern towers that have come up alongside it. The historic distinction is one that it shares with the buildings of the Villa Rivera and the Cooper Arms also located on Ocean Blvd.
When you approach the Sovereign you are immediately greeted by two majestic Lions that serve as guards to the entryway to the building. They are reminiscent of the building’s history. The awning, which used to be green, proudly displays the name of the building in a font that is sure to elicit a feeling of the 1920’s when the building was built.
The lobby of the building evokes the feeling of top end luxury from the day it was built. The marble floors and the design will take you back in time to the early 1920’s and it will still evoke the feeling of luxury.
At 12 stories and 94 units it is a building that generally only has a handful of units available on the market. The building was originally designed as luxury apartments. The units themselves have beautiful oak floors, a high end luxury back in the 1920’s as it is today. They were also designed to be able to use refrigerators, which was not common for the era and was most certainly a luxury.
When it was built our research indicates that there were 3 bedroom units available on the top floor. We have not been able to locate records or have seen 3 units for sale in recent history.
The make-up of the building in how the units are configured aligns with the time it was constructed which may be challenging for buyers looking for a modern look and feel.
When looking at the type of units that are in the building you will discover that the units are in the following configurations:
- Studio units that start at 400 square feet and go up from there
- 1 bedroom units that start at 600 square feet to just under 800 square feet
- 2 bedroom units that are claimed to start at 800 units however we have seen most of these units in the 900 square feet range up to 1,200 square feet
It should be noted that the original sales information on the building noted units as large as 1,700 square feet. We have not seen information on a unit of that size. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, just that we were unable to locate a unit of that size.
Similar to the Villa and the Cooper Arms, parking is unique for the Sovereign. By unique we mean there is no onsite parking. Residents, owners and renters, must either purchase monthly parking from a nearby lot or search high and low for street parking. We would recommend purchasing a monthly pass at a lot as parking can be quite difficult at times on the boulevard.
Why isn’t the Sovereign considered as luxurious as other historic condos downtown?
This is a question that we often discuss. When you are looking for a historic luxury condo in downtown it’s likely the first building that will come to mind is the Villa. It stands above the boulevard. Even though it was built in the 1920’s it stands in height with some of the more modern towers.
The Sovereign, while beautiful and historic in its own right, sits below the cache of other historic buildings in the eyes of buyers. This is reflected in the price of units, when they are available, compared to units at other buildings.
We believe it’s related to a few items:
- It is not located as close to the water as other buildings. When it was originally built it was 50 steps from the sand, however now those would have to be really big steps (and we aren’t sure that’s actually possible).
- Its exterior isn’t as unique as the Villa or the Cooper. While the design is elegant and unique some of the features that make other buildings standout are missing from the Sovereign.
- It hasn’t been kept up to date, while retaining its historic nature, as other buildings. We believe this is a key reason that it sits at a slightly lower tier, in the eyes of some, compared to comparable buildings.
This is a building that we believe you should look at. Whether you are looking to own or rent on Ocean blvd this historic condo tower should make your list to explore. We believe you will fall in love with it once you explore it in detail.
Common Questions about the Sovereign
We have discovered, over time, that there are questions that are important to owning a condo in downtown Long Beach. It’s important to know as many details as possible about a condo tower prior to moving in, whether you are looking to purchase or rent. We have put together a list of common questions and answers to help you on your journey.
How many condos are at 360 W Ocean?
The Sovereign condo tower in Long Beach, CA, located at 360 W Ocean Blvd, contains a total of 98 condominium units. Some sources say 84 units and still others believe there are 95 units that exist. We believe that over time some units may have been combined and so we will continue to research this question and provide updates as necessary.
How many stories is 360 W Ocean?
It is 12 stories tall.
What year was the tower built?
It was built in 1922. This was a boom year for Long Beach and other towers were built during the early 1920’s.
What is the size of units at the Sovereign?
469 to over 1,766 feet. It should be noted that the units on the smaller end of the range are the studio units. The units at the larger end are either 2 bedroom units or the elusive 3 bedroom units that are rumored to exist.
Do 1 bedroom at the Sovereign have different sizes?
They do! There are 1 bedroom units that are just under 600 square feet while others are just under 800 square feet. The difference comes down to the location in the building both floor and position within the building.
It should come as no surprise that the higher the floor that generally means a better view of either the ocean or the city depending on the direction the unit is facing.
What kind of units are available at the Sovereign?
The building offers units from studio to 1 bedroom to even 2 bedroom units. While it is difficult to locate the exact size and makeup of the units we have researched and been in the building enough to provide the following information:
- Studio units range in the 400-500 square feet range
- 1 bedroom units range from 600-800 square feet. We generally see the 1 bedroom top out at a size of 777 square feet or just under that 800 square feet range.
- 2 bedroom units range from 800-1,200 square feet. We have seen a configuration where it was just under 1,000 square feet at 951 square feet.
Does each unit have laundry or how does that work at 360 W Ocean?
The Sovereign has a laundry room. Back when the building was built, in 1922, inside laundry was not a common feature that home buyers needed as laundry appliances were not common. Fun fact washing machines were not fully automatic until 1930. This explains why the units were not designed to have laundry and why they do not include laundry inside each unit.
As a result residents use the laundry room or send out one’s laundry with a laundry service.
How much is the HOA?
The HOA fee, HomeOwners Association, at the Sovereign ranges depending on the size of the unit. It is proportional to the size of the unit and their percentage of common area space. The ranges for the HOA start in the following ranges. Please note that these are starting ranges for the units as there are likely studio units that have a greater HOA amount than the amount listed or 2 bedrooms that are larger and have a greater HOA amount. We will update the amounts on a regular basis based upon our analysis of sales and the information we have available.
- Studio: $340+
- 1 bedroom – $526-579
- 2 bedroom units – $756+
HOA fees for condo towers, especially historic condo buildings go in one direction, up. As it costs more to keep the common areas of the building up such as the lobby, roof, exterior of the building, the grounds, etc the HOA fees increase. The increase is shared across owners in the building. This is a reason why it’s important for HOA boards to watch the costs of upkeep and to shop for the best value. We recommend all owners attend HOA board meetings and take a turn to be on the board.
At 360 W Ocean the HOA covers:
- Water
- Trash
- Insurance – on insurance coverage we recommend that renters always purchase renters insurance. For condo owners we recommend that you evaluate the building insurance with your insurance professional. For example make sure you are covered in case the neighbor has a leak that goes into your unit.
Where do people park at 360 W Ocean?
There is no onsite parking at the building. This is very similar to the situation at the Cooper Arms. Knowing when these two buildings were built, in the early 1920’s, it was less common that individuals owned cars as regular transportation. Most residents purchase parking from nearby lots. For example there is a lot at Garage – 40 Cedar Walk that offers monthly parking. There is also the ability to purchase monthly parking from the Pike which is close to the Sovereign.
Are pets allowed at 360 W Ocean?
Pets are allowed at the building however, similar to other condo developments, there is generally a size restriction on dogs. Prior to purchasing or renting we recommend contacting the HOA directly to get the exact requirements for pets. While service animals enjoy projections for their owners we still recommend contacting the HOA in advance to make sure everyone is aware of all items.
What other condo towers were built in the same year as the Sovereign?
The early 1920’s were one of those building booms in Long Beach, CA. It had to be wild to see towers going up right near the ocean. There are a few other buildings that were built in the same time period as the Sovereign.
- The Villa Riviera stands, in our view, as one of the most iconic historic condo towers in all of Long Beach. Its beautiful green colored roof and direct access to the beach make it a site to be seen even if you never buy or rent a unit.
- The Cooper Arms is a historic 12 story building of similar size to the Sovereign. When you want a historic condo with a deli downstairs and in the middle of all of the action of Ocean Blvd this is the condo to check out.
What kind of heating units are in use at the building?
The units at the Sovereign condo tower at 360 W Ocean Blvd in Long Beach, CA, typically use individual electric heating systems. The specifics can vary, but many older buildings like the Sovereign often have baseboard heaters, wall heaters, or portable electric heaters provided by individual unit owners. For precise details, it would be best to contact the building management or review the property documentation.
What kind of amenities exist?
The Sovereign may lack modern amenities that are common at a building like the Pacific however it does have amenities. Here’s what you need to know:
- Storage Cages. There are storage cages that you can use to store items that may not fit conveniently in your unit or that you may only need at certain times of year like Christmas decorations.
- Unique Building Amenities: The building boasts a security entrance, marble-floored lobby, solarium with a 360-degree ocean view, sitting areas, a piano, a quiet library.
- Laundry Room. The units do not have laundry in them unless it has been added with permission over the years. As a result there is a common laundry room for your cleaning needs.
- Location: Conveniently near shopping, parks, the aquarium, marina, fine dining, and nightlife. Located in close proximity to the Pike (within .5 miles or so).
Why is the building called the Sovereign?
The Sovereign condo tower at 360 W Ocean Blvd in Long Beach, CA, was named to evoke a sense of grandeur and elegance. Built in 1922, the name “Sovereign” reflects the architectural style and the aspirations of the era, suggesting a prestigious and luxurious residence. Names like “Sovereign” were often chosen for buildings during that time to convey a sense of royalty, superiority, and exclusivity, attracting affluent residents and establishing the building as a landmark in the community.
Do all units have balconies?
Not all of the units at the Sovereign have balconies. This was not a design consideration that was made back when the building was built in 1922. It is common with historic buildings to not have balconies for all of the units. The Cooper Arms, located just down the way on Ocean Blvd, also shares the trait of not having balconies for each unit.
As a result of limited balconies those that do have balconies with an Ocean view or maybe a view of the Queen Mary are sought after and can command an additional premium over units that do not have a balcony.
Are units available to rent in the Sovereign?
In historic buildings, like many condo towers, there is a limit to the number of units that can be rented at one time. We recommend monitoring rental websites for information on rental units that are available.
Who is the architect of 360 W Ocean?
The architect of The Sovereign at 360 W Ocean Blvd in Long Beach, CA, is Richard D. King. It’s important to note that Richard, like many in Long Beach, CA during the early 1900’s was not native to California or the Southern California are. He saw the potential in the city.
He came to the city after achieving a degree in architecture from MIT. Prior to his work in Long Beach and the design of the Sovereign he worked in Boston and Chicago. His work in these two large cities influenced his design process which he brought to Long Beach and Ocean Blvd.
It should be noted that some people attribute the design of this building to Charles McKenzie. We believe this is inaccurate based on our research. Charles is the credited architect of the Artaban.
Where are places to eat nearby?
The good news is that when you live on the boulevard there are plenty of food options. We have selected a few that are nearby.
- Buono’s Pizzeria, located at 250 W Ocean Blvd is your home for Italian food right in your neighborhood.
- Good 2 Go Eats, located at 300 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802, is nearby and serves a mix of Vegan options.
- There are also many different food and entertainment options at the Pike which is located .3 miles from the Sovereign.
Resources:
In order to create the information from this page we do research combined with our own experience from living, working, and exploring Long Beach. A few of the sites we utilized to create this page are listed below.